Martha Washington Candies

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Martha Washington candies are sweet little coconut-filled Southern Christmas traditions that are versatile and fun to eat!

Martha Washington candy on a red Christmas tree plate on a wooden platter with more Martha Washington candy scattered on www.sweetteaandthyme.com

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A.K.A. Christmas Candies.

A.K.A. Coconut Bonbons.

A.K.A. Michelle Obama Bonbons, as voted on Instagram.

These are southern Christmas traditions, y'all. When I lived in Virginia Beach, I went to a Christian private school that would go all out for Christmas. And when the month of December rolled around, out came these sweet, chocolate coated, coconut candies that everyone would be on their best behavior to receive in class or during lunch. Those were the days. And each one would have different bits inside, my favorite being cherries mixed in.

Martha Washington candy lined up on a wooden platter with Christmas sprinkles on www.sweeteaandthyme.com

The authentic version of Martha Washington candies don't involve maraschino cherries, and include using paraffin wax in the coating.

Well, I like maraschino cherries, that's what was always in our candy in school, and I am not looking in the craft stores for some edible paraffin wax. I used chocolate almond bark candy melts that I found at Aldi for $2 and change and they worked perfectly and were super easy to work with.

These Michelle Obama / Martha Washington candies are so sweet and rich with a ton of coconut and powdered sugar. This recipe will take up a whole bag of powdered sugar, so make sure the kiddos don't steal two handfuls and bounce off the walls like mine and his little friend did.

Martha Washington candy on a red Christmas Tree plate with the candy broken open showing coconut flakes and cherries inside on www.sweetteaandthyme.com

You could exchange the classic pecans for almonds (for an almond joy type of mix) put in those holiday green and red cherries for a more festive feel, or switch up the coating and decorate it (like I did!) to make these appropriate for any occasion like game day, parties, etc.

Have the kids cover them in sprinkles for a fun little Christmas craft, along with sugar cookies to decorate, or dress them up with a contrasting chocolate drizzle on top. I love how versatile these candies are.

Martha Washington candy lined up on wooden board close up with Christmas themed sprinkles on www.sweetteaandthyme.com

 
Looking for more Christmas cheer? Check out:
The Best Cinnamon Rolls
Chocolate Crinkle Cookies
Double Chocolate Mint Cookies
Stove Top Candied Pecans
Christmas M&M Cookies
Gingerbread Whoopie Pies
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📖 Recipe

Martha Washington Candy

Britt
Martha Washington candies are sweet little coconut-filled Southern Christmas traditions that are versatile and fun to eat!
Be the first to rate this recipe!
Prep Time 2 hours 5 minutes
Total Time 2 hours 5 minutes
Cuisine American
Servings 6 dozen
Calories 90 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 lbs confectioners' sugar sifted
  • ½ cup unsalted butter softened
  • 1 14 oz bag sweetened coconut flakes
  • 1 8 ounce can sweetened condensed milk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 ½ cup maraschino cherries chopped
  • 3 cups pecans or preferred nuts chopped
  • 1-1 ½ cup chocolate almond bark melting candy melted
  • Sprinkles optional

Instructions
 

  • With a rubber spatula, mix butter, coconut flakes, sweetened condensed milk, vanilla, and cherries together in a large bowl. Add powdered sugar, one cup at a time, and stir until well incorporated.
  • Add cherries and nuts, mix well.
  • Place in fridge for at least 2 hours to overnight.
  • Roll into 1 inch balls using a spoon or small cookie scoop.
  • Melt chocolate melting bark according to package directions. Dip candy into melted chocolate mixture, one piece at a time, with a tooth pick.
  • Sit on wax paper on a large plate to set. Decorate with sprinkles before the chocolate completely sets.
  • Store in refrigerator until ready to serve.

Nutrition

Calories: 90kcal
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