Description
Sweet Martha Washington candies offer a delightful taste of Southern confectionery nostalgia. Creamy coconut centers and rich chocolate coating create an irresistible treat you’ll savor with pure indulgence.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 2 lbs (900 g) powdered sugar, sifted
- 2 cups (160 g) sweetened shredded coconut
- 1 ½ cups (180 g) chopped pecans
Wet Ingredients:
- 1 cup (225 g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 can (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Coating Ingredients:
- 24 ounces (680 g) semi-sweet or milk chocolate chips
- 2 tablespoons vegetable shortening (optional, for a smoother coating)
Instructions
- Craft a velvety foundation by whisking softened butter and sweetened condensed milk into a luxurious, uniform mixture. Infuse the blend with vanilla extract’s aromatic essence.
- Gradually incorporate powdered sugar, stirring methodically until the composition transforms into a dense, malleable consistency. Gently fold shredded coconut and chopped pecans throughout the mixture, ensuring even distribution.
- Delicately sculpt the mixture into petite, uniform spheres using a tablespoon as your guide. Arrange these delicate orbs on a parchment-lined tray, creating a neat arrangement.
- Chill the nascent candies in the refrigerator or freezer, allowing them to firm and solidify for approximately one hour, enhancing their structural integrity.
- Melt chocolate chips with vegetable shortening using a microwave or double boiler technique, stirring intermittently to achieve a glossy, smooth texture.
- Carefully immerse each chilled sphere into the molten chocolate, utilizing a fork or specialized candy dipper. Ensure complete coverage, allowing excess chocolate to gracefully cascade back into the bowl.
- Meticulously place chocolate-enrobed candies onto the parchment-lined surface, maintaining a precise, uniform appearance.
- Allow the chocolate coating to set naturally at room temperature or expedite the process by refrigerating. Once hardened, transfer the completed confections to an airtight storage container, preserving their exquisite texture and flavor.
Notes
- Soften butter completely at room temperature to ensure a smooth, lump-free filling that blends effortlessly with other ingredients.
- Use a stand mixer or hand mixer for easier and more consistent mixing of the candy filling, preventing arm fatigue during preparation.
- Control the sweetness by adjusting powdered sugar gradually – start with less and add more to achieve desired consistency and taste.
- Chill the candy balls thoroughly before chocolate coating to prevent them from falling apart during dipping and help chocolate adhere better.
- Choose high-quality chocolate with at least 60% cocoa content for a richer, more decadent coating that complements the sweet filling.
- Create texture variations by toasting pecans before chopping to enhance their nutty flavor and add a delightful crunch to the candy.
- Store candies in a cool, dry place or refrigerate to maintain their shape and prevent chocolate from melting, extending their shelf life.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Desserts, Snacks
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 36
- Calories: 161
- Sugar: 24 g
- Sodium: 25 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 23 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 10 mg