There’s something truly nostalgic and comforting about a homemade candy that reminds you of holiday gatherings and family traditions. This Martha Washington Candy Recipe is one of those timeless treats that blends chewy coconut, sweet cherries, crunchy pecans, and smooth chocolate into every bite — absolutely worth making for yourself or gifting to loved ones.

A white plate with a pile of round chocolate balls on a white marbled surface. Each ball has a smooth dark brown chocolate layer outside. One ball is open at the top center, showing a creamy white inside mixed with small nut pieces and a bright red cherry piece. Around the plate, there are bright red cherries with stems. In the background, there is a glass jar with nuts and a small white bowl full of whole bright red cherries. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Martha Washington Candy Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Martha Washington Candy Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Martha Washington Candy Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I first tried this Martha Washington Candy Recipe at a friend’s holiday party, and I was hooked instantly. It's sweet but balanced, festive, and so fun to make. Plus, it’s a breeze to customize once you get the hang of it.

Classic Flavor Combo: The mix of coconut, cherries, pecans, and chocolate tastes like the holidays in every bite.
Easy to Make: Even if you’re not a pro candy maker, you’ll find this recipe straightforward and forgiving.
Great for Gifting: These candies look beautiful wrapped up, making them perfect for sharing with friends and family.
Customizable: You can tweak nuts, chocolate type, or add mix-ins to suit your taste or dietary needs.

A close-up image shows several round chocolate-covered balls stacked on a white plate with a delicate cut-out edge. One ball is cut in half at the center of the frame, revealing the inside layers: a creamy white filling mixed with shredded coconut strands and bright red cherry pieces, along with small nut bits embedded near the outer dark chocolate shell. The smooth, shiny dark chocolate coating contrasts with the textured, moist filling inside. The background features a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this Martha Washington Candy Recipe plays an important role. The butter and powdered sugar create a smooth base, while the coconut adds texture and flavor. Sweetened condensed milk ties it all together with its creamy sweetness, cherries and pecans bring pops of fruity tang and crunch, and the chocolate coating makes it just irresistible.

Flat lay of bright red chopped maraschino cherries, glossy dark chocolate melting wafers, rich golden melted butter, creamy white sweetened condensed milk in a small glass jar, fluffy sweetened shredded coconut, finely powdered white sugar, and coarsely chopped pecans, all beautifully arranged with contrast and texture placed on a white marble surface, photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Unsalted Butter: Melts easily and provides richness without overpowering the other flavors.
Powdered Sugar: Ensures a smooth, lump-free texture and sweetens the candy evenly.
Vanilla Extract: Adds a warm, aromatic note that complements the coconut and chocolate.
Sweetened Shredded Coconut: For that chewy, tropical flavor that defines this candy.
Sweetened Condensed Milk: Binds everything together and provides creamy sweetness.
Maraschino Cherries: Adds color, juicy sweetness, and festive flair—just be sure to pat them dry!
Pecans: Crunchy texture and nutty contrast that rounds out the flavor.
Chocolate Melting Wafers: Easy to melt and perfect for dipping, creating a smooth chocolate shell.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

While I adore the classic Martha Washington Candy Recipe, I’ve played around with a few tweaks that you might want to try too. Nothing says you have to stick rigidly to tradition.

Variation: Swap pecans for walnuts or almonds if you prefer, or go nut-free by doubling the cherries — the candy still shines.
Dietary modification: Use dark chocolate for a slightly less sweet coating or dairy-free chocolate wafers for a vegan-friendly version (just swap the butter for coconut oil).
Seasonal twist: Add a sprinkle of orange zest into the mix for a subtle citrus note that brightens the flavors and feels perfect for winter.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Martha Washington Candy Recipe

Step 1: Mix the Base to Sweet Perfection

Start by melting your butter completely — I usually do this gently on the stove rather than the microwave to keep control. Then, stir in the powdered sugar until the mixture is smooth with no lumps. This step really sets the tone, so take your time—if you rush, you’ll notice clumps later that don’t fully incorporate.

Step 2: Add Coconut and Condensed Milk

Next, fold in the shredded coconut and sweetened condensed milk. This part thickens the mixture nicely and adds fantastic chew. Be sure to stir until evenly combined; the sugary coconut and condensed milk help everything stick together beautifully.

Step 3: Fold in Cherries and Pecans Carefully

Chop your drained maraschino cherries and pecans, then gently fold them in. Pat your cherries dry beforehand to avoid making the mixture too wet or sticky—that trick saved me from a messy experience more than once!

Step 4: Roll and Chill the Candy Balls

Use a small cookie scoop or your hands to form 1-inch balls. Place them on a parchment-lined tray and chill in the fridge for about 30 minutes. This step firms them up, making the chocolate dipping so much easier and less messy.

Step 5: Dip in Melted Chocolate

While the balls chill, melt your chocolate wafers according to package instructions. I prefer using a double boiler for smooth, even melting without burning. Dip each candy ball using a fork or dipping tool, ensuring it’s fully coated. Let the excess drip off before placing it back on the parchment.

Step 6: Final Chill and Enjoy

Once all are dipped, chill them again for 10-15 minutes until the chocolate sets firm. Then, you’re ready to enjoy! Martha Washington Candy is irresistibly good when fresh but also stores nicely if you want to prepare ahead.

Top Tip

Over the years, I’ve learned a few tricks that have made my Martha Washington Candy come out perfect almost every time. These might save you some kitchen mishaps and boost your confidence.

Cherry Prep: Always drain and pat the maraschino cherries completely dry before adding them; too much moisture makes the candy sticky and harder to roll.
Chocolate Melting: Use a double boiler to gently melt chocolate wafers – it’s easier to control the heat and prevents burning, which can ruin the flavor and texture.
Even Sized Candy Balls: Using a small cookie scoop makes your candies uniform in size, so they set evenly and look beautiful.
Storage Spot: Keep the finished candies in the fridge or a cool place—warm environments can melt the chocolate coating and make things messy.

How to Serve Martha Washington Candy Recipe

Martha Washington Candy - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I often sprinkle a few crushed pecans or shredded coconut on top of the chocolate coating right after dipping while it’s still wet — it adds a rustic, homemade touch that makes these candies feel extra special.

Side Dishes

These candies pair beautifully with a cup of strong coffee, hot cocoa, or a festive holiday punch. I also love serving them alongside a cheese board for a mix of sweet and savory bites.

Creative Ways to Present

For gifting, I place a few candies in small decorative boxes or wrap them in cellophane tied with ribbons. For holiday parties, arranging them on a pretty platter sprinkled with edible glitter or holiday confetti always gets compliments.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover Martha Washington Candy in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They last up to two weeks this way, and the flavor actually gets richer after a day or two! Just make sure the container seals tightly to prevent moisture from softening the chocolate coating.

Freezing

Freezing these candies works well if you want to prepare well in advance. Place parchment paper between layers in a freezer-safe container to prevent sticking. They hold up to 3 months and thaw beautifully in the refrigerator.

Reheating

Since these are best enjoyed cold or at room temperature, I recommend thawing frozen candies overnight in the fridge rather than reheating. If your chocolate shell softens, simply chill again to firm it back up before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use other types of nuts in the Martha Washington Candy Recipe?

Absolutely! While pecans are traditional and add a great flavor, walnuts, almonds, or even chopped macadamia nuts can be delicious alternatives. Just be sure to chop them finely so they mix evenly.

How do I prevent the candies from melting too quickly?

Storing your candies in a cool spot or in the refrigerator helps prevent melting, especially because of the chocolate coating. Also, avoid leaving them out for extended periods in warm rooms.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free or vegan?

You can swap the butter for coconut oil or a vegan butter substitute and use dairy-free sweetened condensed milk alternatives along with vegan chocolate wafers. Flavor and texture may vary slightly but it’s a good adaptation for dietary needs.

What's the best way to melt chocolate for dipping?

Using a double boiler gently melts the chocolate while preventing it from burning. Stir regularly for a smooth consistency. Microwaving in short bursts and stirring in between also works, but requires extra care to avoid overheating.

Final Thoughts

This Martha Washington Candy Recipe holds a special place in my heart because it conjures memories of cozy holiday kitchens and sharing something sweet with people I love. I hope you’ll try it and find the same joy I do — whether saving it for a special occasion or just treating yourself. It’s simple, delicious, and absolutely worth every step.