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Home » Recipes » Desserts

A Little Family Christmas: Martha Washington Balls

Stacey – December 20, 2010 – 85 Comments

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Each year for as long as I can remember, my Mom and I have made time right before Christmas to do all of our Christmas baking and candy making together.  I have such fond memories of this special time trying new recipes but being sure to include our family’s favorites.  Over the years, we’ve added people to our tradition.  My wife, my best friend, and this year was the first year my little boy was able to help too.  It was such an amazing day.  We laughed and joked and Jack was on a sugar high all day long.  I wouldn’t trade it for anything in the world.

Over the next few days, I’ll be sharing some of my family’s favorites that have been a staple at our house around the holidays.  These are easy, quick recipes that help spread a little love.  There’s just something special about homemade goodies around the holidays.  I can’t think of a better little gift, just to show someone you care.

If you like Almond Joy candy bars, you’ll love these Martha Washington Balls.  And, no.  I have no idea why they’re called that.

BE SURE to check out my chocolate coating tips below the recipe to make coating these little babies even easier.

Ingredients

  • 2 cups shredded coconut
  • 8 cups powdered sugar
  • 1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, melted
  • 1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 4 cups chopped pecans
  • chocolate flavored almond bark

Directions

  1. Combine first six ingredients well using hands.
  2. Roll into small balls and chill at least 30 minutes.
  3. Once thoroughly chilled, dip balls in melted chocolate flavored almond bark and allow to cool on wax paper.

    To achieve this look, I transferred some melted almond bark into a zip top bag, snipped the corner and drizzled chocolate over the candy, then sprinkled them with chopped coconut.

 

Chocolate Dipping Tip:  While you’re welcome to double boiler this to melt the almond bark, this is a much easier way to get it melted and keep it melted. Take a large Crock Pot and fill it about half way with hot water.  Turn the Crock Pot on high to keep the water hot.  Find a smaller bowl that will fit into the crock pot. Melt your chocolate in the microwave and transfer it to the inner bowl.  This method will keep your chocolate nice and melted for you while you coat.

 

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5 from 1 vote

Recipe Card

Martha Washington Balls

Course Dessert, Snack
Cuisine American
Prep Time 45 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Author Stacey Little | Southern Bite

Ingredients

  • 2 cups shredded coconut
  • 8 cups powdered sugar
  • 1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, melted
  • 1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 4 cups chopped pecans
  • chocolate flavored almond bark

Instructions

  • Combine first six ingredients well using hands.
  • Roll into small balls and chill at least 30 minutes.
  • Once thoroughly chilled, dip balls in melted chocolate flavored almond bark and allow to cool on wax paper.

Notes

The actual amount of almond bark will depend on how thick you coat your candies. Two 24-ounce packages should be more than enough.
Did you make my Martha Washington Balls?I'd love to see! Share on Instagram, tag @southernbite, and use the hashtag #southernbite!
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Hey, y’all! I’m Stacey…

Feeding people makes me happy. Few things in this world delight me more than my family and friends gathered around my table enjoying a meal. Pull up a chair and join us! Read more…

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  1. Reba Files

    December 11, 2021 at 6:42 am

    I think the original recipe called for paraffin wax in the chocolate to harden it at room temperature. But the taste was not good and neither is eating wax. Thank you for a new and easier version. I will add it back to my holiday gifts now.

    Reply
    • Stacey

      December 13, 2021 at 9:51 am

      Yep! While the paraffin gave them a pretty, glossy look, they didn’t taste as good as when using the bark. Enjoy!

      Reply
  2. Yvette Morales

    September 14, 2021 at 7:38 pm

    I love this recipe I do my own rendition on it. I actually used Wilton chocolate to coat the candy and I also use rum or peppermint flavored instead of the vanilla extract it’s awesome.

    Reply
    • Stacey

      September 15, 2021 at 10:41 am

      That sounds great, Yvette!

      Reply
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Stacey Little of Southern Bite

Hey, y’all! I’m Stacey…

Feeding people makes me happy. Few things in this world delight me more than my family and friends gathered around my table enjoying a meal. Pull up a chair and join us! Read more…

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About Cookbook Shop Contact
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