Description
This recipe relies on a few key pantry staples to create a signature texture and flavor. The combination of sweetened condensed milk and butter creates a rich, fudge-like interior filled with coconut, pecans, and cherries, all without any cooking! It’s a beloved holiday classic perfect for gifting.
Ingredients
- 1 cup (2 sticks) Unsalted Butter, melted
- 1 pound (approx. 3 3/4 cups) Powdered Sugar
- 1 tablespoon Pure Vanilla Extract
- 14 ounces (1 can) Sweetened Condensed Milk
- 14 ounces Sweetened Shredded Coconut
- 10 ounces Maraschino Cherries, chopped (drained and patted very dry)
- 3 cups Pecans, finely chopped
- 16 ounces Candy Coating / Melting Wafers (or almond bark)
Instructions
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Mix the Base: In a very large mixing bowl, stir together the melted butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
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Add the Texture: Pour in the sweetened condensed milk and the shredded coconut. Mix well until fully combined and a thick, sticky mixture forms.
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Fold in Goodies: Gently fold in the chopped maraschino cherries and finely chopped pecans until evenly distributed.
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Shape and Chill: Line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Scoop portions of the mixture and roll into 1-inch balls. Place on the baking sheets and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
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Melt the Coating: Melt the candy coating in a deep bowl according to package directions (usually microwave in 30-second intervals) until smooth.
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Dip and Set: Remove one tray of chilled balls at a time. Using a fork or dipping tool, dip each ball into the melted coating, tap off excess, and place back on the parchment paper. (Add garnishes now if desired).
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Final Chill: Return the trays to the refrigerator for another 30 minutes until the chocolate shell is completely hard and set.
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Notes
- Dry the Cherries: This is the most crucial step! Dry your chopped cherries thoroughly with paper towels before adding them. Excess juice will make the filling too wet to roll.
- Sticky Dough: If the mixture is too sticky to roll immediately, chill the entire bowl for 20-30 minutes before shaping the balls.
- Dipping Tip: Use a deep, narrow bowl for melting the chocolate. This creates a deeper pool, making it easier to submerge the balls completely.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Candy, Holiday
- Method: No-Bake, Dipping
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 candy
- Calories: 165 kcal
- Sugar: 20 g
- Sodium: 40 mg
- Fat: 11 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 23 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 10 mg
