Holiday Martha Washington Candy Recipe

Holiday Martha Washington Candy Recipe is a delightful treat that brings the warmth and sweetness of the holiday season right into your kitchen. This luscious candy, known for its rich, creamy texture and delightful crunch, combines the flavors of sweet coconut and crunchy pecans coated in smooth chocolate. With its festive appearance and melt-in-your-mouth goodness, it’s no wonder that this recipe is a must-make each holiday season. Plus, with this step-by-step guide, you will find it easy to create a batch that your family will request year after year!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is a fantastic choice for several reasons. First, the prep is incredibly easy, making it a perfect activity for families to bond over in the kitchen. With just a handful of simple ingredients, you can whip up a batch of these candies in no time. Additionally, Martha Washington candies have a wonderfully traditional feel, offering a nostalgic taste that evokes memories of festive gatherings and sweet treats during the holidays. If you’re looking to spread joy, this candy is not only delicious but also makes a fabulous gift. There’s nothing like homemade gifts to show your loved ones you care.

Ingredients for Holiday Martha Washington Candy Recipe

1 cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
8 cups powdered sugar (2 pounds)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 cups sweetened coconut flakes
3 cups chopped pecans
2 (24-ounce) packages chocolate-flavored almond bark candy coating
White almond bark (for drizzle decoration)
Additional chopped pecans and coconut for garnish (optional)

These ingredients combine to create a rich flavor and texture profile, from the creamy butter to the crunchy pecans and the delightful sweetness of coconut.

Step-by-Step Directions for Holiday Martha Washington Candy Recipe

In a large mixing bowl, add the room-temperature unsalted butter, sweetened condensed milk, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and salt. Use an electric mixer to blend these ingredients until they are well combined, resulting in a fluffy, thick mixture that is perfect for rolling into candy.
Gently fold in the sweetened coconut flakes and chopped pecans into the mixture until evenly incorporated. The mixture will be rich and textured, ready for shaping.
With clean hands, roll the candy mixture into small balls, roughly the size of a large marble. Place them onto a baking sheet lined with wax paper to catch any drips and make cleanup easier.
Refrigerate the candy balls until firm, about 2 hours. This will ensure that the candies hold their shape when dipped in chocolate.
Melt the chocolate-flavored almond bark in a microwave-safe bowl according to the package instructions. Stir gently until smooth for a flawless coating.
Dip each chilled candy ball into the melted chocolate until fully coated, then place them back onto the wax paper once coated.
If desired, drizzle melted white almond bark over the chocolate-covered candies and sprinkle additional chopped pecans or coconut flakes on top for a decorative touch.
Allow the candies to cool completely and the chocolate to harden before serving or gifting. This step is essential as it ensures a perfect texture and crunch!

Tips & Tricks

Experiment with flavors: You can experiment by adding other nuts like walnuts or almonds for different textures and tastes.
Using chocolate molds: If you have candy molds, you can pour the mixture into them instead of rolling by hand for more uniform shapes.
Flavor variations: Consider adding a hint of orange zest or almond extract to uplift the flavors.
Storing: These candies can stay fresh for longer if kept in an airtight container.

Serving Suggestions & Pairings

Holiday Martha Washington candies can be beautifully presented on festive platters, giving them a charming appeal for gatherings. Pair them with hot cocoa, coffee, or peppermint tea for a cozy afternoon treat. They also make perfect gifts when arranged in decorative boxes or jars, topped with a festive bow. For a delightful dessert platter, serve them alongside other holiday sweets like cookies and brownies.

Nutritional Information

While indulging in Holiday Martha Washington Candy, keep in mind that moderation is key. Each piece contains roughly 100 calories, coming from a blend of healthy fats from the nuts and a touch of sweetness from the sugar and condensed milk. Though a delightful treat, it’s best enjoyed occasionally during festive celebrations.

Storing Tips & Variations for Holiday Martha Washington Candy Recipe

These delicious candies are easy to store. Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. For longer storage, you can freeze them in a sealed bag or container, where they’ll last for about three months. If you wish to make a healthier version, consider using almond flour instead of powdered sugar for a lower sugar option. Also, feel free to swap out pecans for your favorite nut varieties or use unsweetened coconut flakes for reduced sweetness.

Conclusion for Holiday Martha Washington Candy Recipe

Don’t wait any longer – delight your friends and family by making this festive candy today! With its luscious texture and exquisite flavor, the Holiday Martha Washington Candy recipe is sure to become a cherished tradition in your home. Grab your ingredients and start creating these delightful treats that are perfect for sharing or enjoying yourself!

FAQs

1. Can I use other types of nuts in this recipe?
Yes, you can swap out pecans for walnuts, almonds, or even hazelnuts to suit your taste preferences.

2. How do I store leftover candies?
You can store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week or in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.

3. Is it necessary to refrigerate the candy balls?
Yes, chilling the candy balls helps them hold their shape when coated in chocolate, ensuring a sturdier final product.

4. Can I make these candies ahead of time?
Absolutely! These candies can be made several days in advance and kept refrigerated, perfect for holiday preparation.

5. How can I make these candies more festive?
Consider using holiday-themed sprinkles, colored chocolate coatings, or shape your candies into holiday-themed designs for extra flair and fun.

Holiday Martha Washington Candy Recipe

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Author: eliana-quinn
Total Time: 135 minutes
Yield: 40 pieces 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Delightful treats combining sweet coconut and crunchy pecans coated in smooth chocolate, perfect for the holiday season.

Instructions

In a large mixing bowl, add the unsalted butter, sweetened condensed milk, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and salt. Blend with an electric mixer until well combined and fluffy.
Gently fold in the sweetened coconut flakes and chopped pecans until evenly incorporated.
Roll the mixture into small balls and place onto a baking sheet lined with wax paper.
Refrigerate the candy balls until firm, about 120 minutes.
Melt the chocolate-flavored almond bark according to package instructions and stir until smooth.
Dip each chilled candy ball in the melted chocolate until fully coated and place back on the wax paper.
Drizzle melted white almond bark over the candies and sprinkle additional pecans or coconut on top.
Allow the candies to cool completely before serving or gifting.