Martha Washington Candy is a timeless, indulgent treat that has graced holiday tables for generations. This homemade confection combines rich chocolate, creamy coconut, and smooth peanut butter, making it a beloved favorite for both children and adults. Named after the wife of George Washington, this candy offers a delightful mix of flavors and textures. It’s easy to make, making it a great addition to your holiday baking list or as a special gift for friends and family.
What sets Martha Washington Candy apart is its smooth, melt-in-your-mouth filling, which contrasts beautifully with the crunchy exterior. Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering or looking for a sweet treat to share, this recipe is sure to impress. It’s simple to prepare, requires minimal ingredients, and delivers a decadent candy that’s perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
To make Martha Washington Candy, you’ll need just a few key ingredients that combine to create the perfect blend of sweetness and richness. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups sweetened shredded coconut
- 2 cups milk chocolate chips
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
Preparation
Making Martha Washington Candy is incredibly easy, and the steps are straightforward. Here’s how to prepare these delicious treats:
- Prepare the Filling: Start by combining the peanut butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract in a large mixing bowl. Stir until everything is well combined and the mixture becomes thick and dough-like. If it’s too sticky, add a little more powdered sugar until you reach the desired consistency.
- Add the Coconut: Fold the shredded coconut into the peanut butter mixture. The coconut should be evenly distributed throughout the filling. The mixture should now be firm enough to mold into small balls.
- Shape the Balls: Scoop small amounts of the filling using a spoon or your hands, and roll them into bite-sized balls. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone mat. Continue until all the filling is used up. You should have about 20-25 candy balls.
- Chill the Balls: Refrigerate the peanut butter coconut balls for at least 30 minutes to firm up. This step ensures that the candy maintains its shape while being dipped into the chocolate.
- Dip in Chocolate: While the filling is chilling, melt the chocolate chips and vegetable oil in a heatproof bowl over a pot of simmering water, or use a microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between. Once the chocolate is smooth and fully melted, dip each chilled candy ball into the chocolate, covering it completely.
- Set the Candy: Return the chocolate-dipped balls to the parchment paper and let them set. You can refrigerate them again for 15-20 minutes to speed up the setting process.
Mistakes to Avoid
When making Martha Washington Candy, there are a few common mistakes that can affect the final result. By avoiding these, you’ll ensure your candy turns out perfectly every time:
- Not Chilling the Balls: If you skip the refrigeration step before dipping the candy balls in chocolate, the filling may become too soft, causing it to lose its shape when dipped in the warm chocolate. Chilling the balls helps them hold together and prevents the chocolate from melting the filling.
- Overmixing the Filling: While you want the peanut butter and sugar mixture to be well-combined, overmixing can result in a grainy texture. Stir until everything is just incorporated to keep the filling smooth and creamy.
- Not Using Enough Coconut: Coconut adds both flavor and texture to the candy. If you skimp on the coconut, the filling may lack that signature coconut flavor. Make sure to measure the coconut carefully to maintain the right balance.
- Using Low-Quality Chocolate: Since chocolate is the outer layer of the candy, using a poor-quality chocolate can lead to a less satisfying texture and flavor. Opt for good-quality milk chocolate chips for the best result.
- Not Letting the Chocolate Set Properly: Be patient and allow the chocolate to fully set before serving or storing the candy. Rushing this step can result in a sticky, messy treat.
Ingredient Alternatives
If you’re looking to customize your Martha Washington Candy or accommodate dietary preferences, there are several ingredient substitutions you can make without compromising flavor or texture. Here are some alternatives to consider:
- Peanut Butter Substitutes: For those with peanut allergies or a preference for different flavors, almond butter or cashew butter can work as great substitutes. Both nut butters offer a smooth, creamy consistency, similar to peanut butter, and will blend perfectly with the other ingredients.
- Coconut Alternatives: If you’re not a fan of shredded coconut or want to try something different, you can use finely chopped nuts such as almonds, walnuts, or pecans. These nuts provide a similar texture and a nice crunch, adding a different flavor profile to the candy.
- Powdered Sugar Substitutes: For a lower-sugar option, you can use powdered erythritol or powdered stevia as a sugar substitute. These options will help reduce the overall sugar content without affecting the texture too much, though the sweetness level may vary depending on the substitute used.
- Chocolate Variations: If milk chocolate isn’t your preference, you can substitute with dark chocolate for a richer, more intense flavor. Dark chocolate will also give the candy a slightly less sweet taste, which some people may prefer. For a white chocolate version, simply swap the milk chocolate with good-quality white chocolate chips.
- Vegetable Oil Substitutes: For a healthier fat option, you can use coconut oil instead of vegetable oil. Coconut oil adds a subtle coconut flavor and helps create a glossy, smooth chocolate coating.
Tips and Tricks
Making Martha Washington Candy can be a fun and rewarding experience, but here are some tips to help make the process even smoother and more enjoyable:
- Use Room Temperature Peanut Butter: When mixing the peanut butter and powdered sugar, make sure the peanut butter is at room temperature. If it’s too cold, it can be difficult to incorporate it smoothly with the powdered sugar. Room temperature peanut butter will mix more easily and result in a smoother filling.
- Invest in Quality Chocolate: As mentioned earlier, using high-quality chocolate is key to achieving that perfect smooth and glossy finish. A good chocolate will not only taste better but will also melt more easily, making the dipping process more efficient.
- Make Smaller or Larger Balls: While this recipe calls for bite-sized balls, you can adjust the size depending on your preference. If you prefer smaller treats, you can roll them into mini balls, or if you want larger, more indulgent pieces, increase the size slightly. Just be sure to adjust the dipping time if necessary.
- Double Coat the Chocolate: For an extra decadent treat, you can double coat the balls in chocolate. After the first layer of chocolate has set, dip the candy again to create a thicker, richer coating. This will add a little extra chocolatey goodness to each bite.
- Add a Pinch of Sea Salt: If you love the combination of salty and sweet, try sprinkling a tiny bit of sea salt on top of the chocolate coating before it sets. The salt will enhance the sweetness of the chocolate and peanut butter filling, creating a delightful contrast in flavors.
- Make Ahead: Martha Washington Candy can be made in advance and stored for up to two weeks in an airtight container in the fridge. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze the candy for up to 3 months. This makes them a great make-ahead option for holiday parties or gifting.
Suggestions
Martha Washington Candy is a versatile treat that can be enjoyed in various ways. Here are some ideas for serving and enjoying these delicious candies:
- Gift Idea: These candies make an excellent homemade gift during the holiday season. Package them in a decorative tin or box, tied with a festive ribbon, and they’ll be the perfect thoughtful treat for friends, family, or coworkers.
- Serve at Parties: Whether you’re hosting a Christmas party, a birthday, or a casual get-together, Martha Washington Candy is sure to be a hit. Arrange the candies on a tray or place them in a glass jar for an elegant touch that complements any celebration.
- Pair with Coffee or Tea: The sweet and nutty flavors of these candies pair wonderfully with a cup of hot coffee or tea. Enjoy them as an afternoon snack or a special dessert after a meal. Their richness makes them a perfect complement to a warm beverage.
- Add to a Dessert Buffet: If you’re putting together a dessert buffet for a holiday meal or special event, Martha Washington Candy should definitely be on the menu. Their beautiful chocolate coating and sweet filling will look great alongside other treats like cookies, fudge, and truffles.
- Try Different Coatings: While traditional Martha Washington Candy is coated in milk chocolate, you can experiment with different coatings to suit your tastes. Try dark chocolate for a more intense flavor, or even a drizzle of white chocolate for a festive touch.
FAQ
- Can I make Martha Washington Candy without coconut? Yes, if you’re not a fan of coconut, you can substitute it with finely chopped nuts, such as almonds, pecans, or walnuts. The texture will be different, but the candy will still be delicious.
- How long do Martha Washington Candies stay fresh? When stored in an airtight container in the fridge, Martha Washington Candies can last for up to two weeks. If you want them to last longer, you can freeze them for up to 3 months.
- Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy? Yes, you can substitute crunchy peanut butter for creamy peanut butter. Keep in mind that the texture of the candy will be slightly different due to the added crunch.
- Can I make Martha Washington Candy ahead of time? Absolutely! These candies can be made in advance and stored in the fridge or freezer until you’re ready to serve them. This makes them a great make-ahead option for holidays or parties.
- How can I make the chocolate coating smoother? If you find that the chocolate coating isn’t smooth enough, try adding a teaspoon of vegetable oil or coconut oil to the chocolate while melting. This will help make the chocolate more fluid and glossy.
Conclusion
Martha Washington Candy is a delightful and indulgent treat that combines the richness of peanut butter and coconut with the smoothness of chocolate. It’s easy to make, customizable to your preferences, and perfect for any holiday celebration or as a homemade gift. With just a few simple ingredients and a little patience, you can create a batch of these irresistible candies that will impress your friends and family.
Whether you stick to the classic version or experiment with ingredient substitutions, Martha Washington Candy will always be a crowd-pleaser. So, gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and enjoy a classic holiday treat that’s as delicious as it is beautiful
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Classic Martha Washington Candy Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 ½ cups shredded coconut
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups milk chocolate chips
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (or coconut oil)
Instructions
- Prepare the Filling: In a large bowl, combine the powdered sugar, peanut butter, shredded coconut, and vanilla extract. Mix well until the ingredients are fully incorporated and the mixture is smooth.
- Shape the Balls: Using your hands or a spoon, scoop out portions of the mixture and roll them into bite-sized balls. Place the balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
- Chill the Balls: Refrigerate the peanut butter coconut balls for at least 30 minutes to allow them to firm up.
- Melt the Chocolate: While the balls chill, melt the milk chocolate chips and vegetable oil in a heatproof bowl over a pot of simmering water (double boiler method) or in the microwave, stirring every 30 seconds until fully melted and smooth.
- Dip the Balls: Once the balls are firm, dip each one into the melted chocolate, ensuring it’s completely covered. Use a fork to lift the balls out of the chocolate, letting any excess drip off.
- Set the Candy: Place the chocolate-dipped balls back onto the parchment paper. Let them set for 15-20 minutes in the refrigerator or until the chocolate hardens completely.
- Serve and Enjoy: Once the chocolate is firm, your Martha Washington Candy is ready to enjoy. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two weeks.