Martha Washington Bonbons
Delightful coconut bonbons coated in rich chocolate, perfect for holidays and special occasions, offering a sweet, nutty flavor with a smooth, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix melted margarine with sweetened condensed milk and vanilla extract.
- Add one box of powdered sugar to the mixture.
- Stir in shredded coconut and chopped nuts.
- Gradually add remaining powdered sugar until mixture is firm enough to handle.
- Chill the mixture in the refrigerator for 1 to 2 hours.
- Form the chilled mixture into small balls about 1/2 to 1 inch in diameter and place onto a buttered cookie sheet.
- Chill the formed balls for another 1 to 2 hours.
- Insert toothpicks into the center of each coconut ball and chill again.
- Melt paraffin and chocolate chips together until smooth.
- Dip each coconut ball into the melted chocolate mixture, coating completely.
- Place the coated balls onto a cookie sheet and let set for 1 to 2 minutes.
- Remove toothpicks if desired and enjoy the candies.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using unsweetened shredded coconut or adding a pinch of sea salt to the mixture. If you don’t have margarine, unsalted butter can work as a substitute. Ensure the mixture is chilled well before shaping to maintain its form. You can also use dark chocolate chips for a deeper taste that pairs beautifully with these sweet bonbons.
Serving Suggestions
These Martha Washington Bonbons are perfect for holiday gatherings or as a sweet treat after meals. Serve them alongside a cup of coffee or tea for a delightful afternoon snack. They also make a great dessert option when paired with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Browse more American recipes for additional sweet treats to complement your dessert table.
Storage & Reheating
Store the bonbons in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, refrigerate them, where they can last for up to two weeks. To enjoy them again, simply take them out and let them sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Martha Washington Bonbons contains roughly 464 calories, with 7g protein, 63g carbohydrates, and 23g fat. It is a good source of protein (14% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (13% of the Daily Value), and iron (10% of the Daily Value). It also contributes 4g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of nut?
Absolutely! While the recipe calls for chopped nuts, you can substitute with your favorite variety such as almonds, pecans, or walnuts. Just ensure they are finely chopped for the best texture and flavor integration.
Is it necessary to use paraffin?
Paraffin is not strictly necessary, but it helps achieve a shiny coating on the chocolate. If you prefer to avoid it, you can simply melt the chocolate chips alone and dip the bonbons in that. The bonbons may not have the same glossy finish, but they will still taste delicious.
How can I make these bonbons more festive?
To make your bonbons more festive, consider adding colorful sprinkles or edible glitter after dipping them in chocolate. You could also drizzle white chocolate over the top for a beautiful contrast. These touches can enhance their appearance for special occasions.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).