If you’re looking for a festive treat that truly captures the holiday spirit, the Holiday Martha Washington Candy Recipe is a must-try. This candy has been a nostalgic favorite for me growing up, and I love how it’s perfect for gift-giving or sharing with family during cozy winter gatherings. The mixture of rich butter, creamy condensed milk, and the crunch of pecans and coconut really makes it a crowd-pleaser that feels both indulgent and homemade.

What makes this Holiday Martha Washington Candy Recipe so special is its balance of flavors and textures—plus, it’s easier to make than it looks! Whether you’re a candy enthusiast or just want to impress guests with something from scratch, this recipe is one I keep coming back to every year. I’ll walk you through every step to help you get it just right, so you can enjoy the sweet holiday magic without any guesswork.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients come together beautifully to create that classic sweet, nutty, and buttery flavor that defines Martha Washington candy. When shopping, fresh and high-quality nuts and coconut really make all the difference.

Unsalted butter: Room temperature butter blends smoothly into the mixture, giving it the signature creamy richness.
Sweetened condensed milk: Adds sweetness and a luscious, chewy texture that’s essential for this candy.
Powdered sugar: Use fresh powdered sugar to ensure a silky-fine texture in your candy.
Vanilla extract: A splash enhances the overall flavor with warm, inviting notes.
Salt: Just a little balances the sweetness perfectly.
Sweetened coconut flakes: Adds a delightful chew and tropical twist, essential to this classic recipe.
Chopped pecans: Toast them lightly for a deeper nutty flavor and satisfying crunch.
Chocolate flavored almond bark candy coating: This melts smoothly and sets quickly—perfect for coating your candy.
White almond bark, additional chopped pecans, additional coconut (optional garnish): These add festive flair and texture when you want to dress up your candy for gifting.

Variations

One thing I love about this Holiday Martha Washington Candy Recipe is that it invites personalization. Feel free to adjust it based on what you like or what you have on hand—candy-making is supposed to be joyful, not stressful!

Nut substitutions: I’ve swapped pecans for walnuts or almonds when I ran out, and it still turns out delicious with a slightly different crunch.
Dairy-free option: Using coconut oil instead of butter and a dairy-free condensed milk can make this vegan-friendly.
Chocolate varieties: Sometimes I mix milk and dark chocolate almond bark for a richer coating that still looks beautiful.
Flavor twists: Adding a teaspoon of almond extract instead of vanilla gives a unique spin I’ve found guests adore.

How to Make Holiday Martha Washington Candy Recipe

Step 1: Cream the Butter and Mix Sweetened Condensed Milk

Start by beating the unsalted butter in a large mixing bowl until it’s nice and creamy—about 2-3 minutes on medium speed if you have a stand mixer. Then, slowly add the sweetened condensed milk, mixing until fully combined. This base is the heart of your candy, so take your time here to get a smooth, lump-free texture.

Step 2: Add Powdered Sugar, Vanilla, and Salt

Gradually sift in the powdered sugar—adding it slowly helps avoid a sugar cloud in your kitchen! Mix on low speed until everything comes together like a soft dough. Stir in the vanilla extract and salt last, blending just until combined. The dough should be thick but pliable, ready for the coconut and pecans.

Step 3: Fold in Coconut and Pecans

Gently fold in the sweetened coconut flakes and chopped pecans. If you want extra flavor, toast the nuts lightly beforehand. This step adds wonderful texture and that special holiday flavor that makes Martha Washington candy so memorable.

Step 4: Shape and Chill the Candy

Press the mixture evenly into a parchment-lined baking pan or shape into small balls or logs if you prefer bite-size pieces. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours—or until firm enough to handle. This step is key for an easier chocolate coating later on.

Step 5: Melt the Chocolate Almond Bark and Coat

Melt the chocolate flavored almond bark in a microwave-safe bowl, heating in 30-second bursts and stirring in between until smooth. Using forks or a dipping tool, coat each candy piece thoroughly in the melted chocolate. Place them on wax paper to set—if you’re feeling fancy, sprinkle on some chopped pecans or coconut flakes while the chocolate is still wet for a lovely finishing touch.

How to Serve Holiday Martha Washington Candy Recipe

This image shows many round chocolate treats placed closely on a white marbled surface. Each treat is coated with smooth dark chocolate and decorated with thin white chocolate drizzle across the top in irregular lines. On top of the white drizzle, there are small pieces of chopped nuts scattered over the treats, adding texture and a light brown color contrast. The overall look is neat yet slightly rustic, with the white marbled surface softly visible between the treats. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I love garnishing these candies with a sprinkle of extra chopped pecans and some shredded coconut—it not only looks beautiful but adds a nice texture contrast. You can also drizzle a little white almond bark over the dark chocolate coating for a pretty marble effect that impresses guests.

Side Dishes

This candy pairs wonderfully with a hot cup of tea, coffee, or even rich eggnog during the holidays. For parties, set it alongside a cheese board or fresh fruit to balance the sweet richness.

Creative Ways to Present

For gift-giving, I’ve wrapped individual pieces in festive wax paper or placed them in small tins with holiday-themed decorations. Layering them with parchment keeps them from sticking, making them perfect for shipping or handing out to friends and coworkers.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover Martha Washington candy in an airtight container in a cool, dry place. They keep well for up to two weeks—you’ll want to keep them away from humidity to preserve that crisp chocolate coating.

Freezing

I’ve frozen these candies before by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer-safe container. They thaw nicely at room temperature without losing texture or flavor, making freezing a great option for prepping holiday treats in advance.

Reheating

Since this candy is meant to be enjoyed chilled or at room temperature, reheating generally isn’t necessary. If your chocolate coating feels a bit soft, just pop them in the fridge for a few minutes to firm back up.

FAQs

Can I use regular chocolate instead of almond bark for the coating?

While you can use regular chocolate, almond bark is preferred because it melts smoothly, sets quickly, and doesn’t require tempering. If you use regular chocolate, you might need to temper it to get that nice glossy finish and snap.
How long does the Holiday Martha Washington Candy last?

Stored properly in an airtight container at room temperature, these candies last about two weeks. Keep them cool and dry to maintain their texture and freshness.
Can I make this candy nut-free?

Yes! You can omit the pecans or substitute with seeds like pumpkin or sunflower seeds for crunch. The coconut still adds a lovely texture without the nuts.
What’s the best way to prevent the candy from sticking?

Using parchment paper or wax paper when chilling and storing the candy helps a lot. Also, chilling the candy thoroughly before dipping makes coating cleaner and smoother.
Can I make the candy ahead of time for holiday parties?

Absolutely! You can prepare the candy up to a week in advance and store it in an airtight container. This makes party day much less hectic and keeps your treats fresh and ready to serve.

Final Thoughts

This Holiday Martha Washington Candy Recipe holds a special place in my heart because it brings back warm family memories and always makes the holidays feel a bit more magical. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do—it’s one of those recipes you’ll be excited to share and proud to gift. Trust me, once you try it, this candy will become your go-to holiday treat too!