Mary Frances' Christmas Candy
Delicious coconut and chocolate-flavored candy balls with a melt-in-your-mouth texture, perfect for holiday parties and gift-giving, appealing to those with a sweet tooth.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Melt margarine; add milk, coconut, and powdered sugar.
- Mix with hands until well combined.
- Roll the mixture into small balls.
- Chill the balls until firm enough to handle.
Tips & Substitutions
For a smoother texture, ensure the margarine is fully melted before mixing. If you prefer a richer flavor, consider substituting half of the margarine with unsalted butter. To add a festive touch, you can mix in chopped nuts or dried fruits. If you prefer a different chocolate flavor, try using dark chocolate chips. This recipe is perfect for holiday gatherings, just like the Oh Henry! treat.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these delightful candy balls as a sweet treat at holiday parties or as part of a dessert platter alongside Fresh Peach Tarts or Chiffon Berry Pie. They make great gifts when packaged in decorative boxes. Pair them with a warm cup of Egg Nog for a festive experience. You can also serve them at a movie night for a cozy vibe.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover Christmas candy in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. For longer storage, you can freeze the candy for up to three months. To enjoy them again, let them thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving. Avoid reheating as they are best enjoyed cold or at room temperature.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Mary Frances' Christmas Candy contains roughly 29 calories, with 0g protein, 3g carbohydrates, and 2g fat.
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 sweetened coconut instead of unsweetened?
Yes, you can use sweetened coconut to enhance the sweetness of the candy. Just be mindful of the overall sugar content in the recipe; you may want to adjust the amount of powdered sugar accordingly to prevent the candy from becoming overly sweet.
What can I use instead of cake paraffin?
If you can't find cake paraffin, you can melt chocolate chips to coat the candy instead. This will give a delicious chocolate flavor and a nice finish. Keep in mind that the coating will not be as firm as paraffin, so allow the chocolate to set properly before serving.
How can I make these candy balls more festive?
To give your candy balls a festive look, consider rolling them in crushed nuts, sprinkles, or cocoa powder before chilling. You can also drizzle melted chocolate over them for an extra touch. These variations make them visually appealing and perfect for holiday celebrations.
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).