Indulge in a classic, homemade delight with this Shaggy Dog Candy Recipe. This decadent, no-bake treat, featuring rich chocolate and fluffy marshmallows rolled in sweet coconut, is an absolute must-have for any festive gathering or Christmas plate!
If you adore coconut, you’ll also love these delightful Coconut Macaroons!
Shaggy Dog Candy: The Ultimate Easy No-Bake Christmas Treat
The holiday season often brings a flurry of baking and cooking, filling our homes with delightful aromas and cherished memories. Among the myriad of festive treats, there are some timeless classics that stand out for their simplicity and irresistible charm. The Shaggy Dog Candy is one such confection, a vintage recipe that promises decadent flavor without the need for an oven. Originally shared in 2007, this beloved homemade candy has been a seasonal favorite for good reason, and it’s always the perfect time to bring it back for your holiday celebrations.
This delightful candy combines a rich chocolate base with soft, pillowy marshmallows, all enrobed in a generous coating of shredded coconut. The result is a treat that’s not only visually appealing but also a symphony of textures and flavors. While making it can be a little messy – a small price to pay for such deliciousness – the process itself is remarkably straightforward, making it an ideal choice for both seasoned candy makers and beginners looking to try their hand at homemade sweets. If you’re seeking an easy yet impressive addition to your holiday dessert platter, look no further than these captivating Shaggy Dog Candies.
The Irresistible Appeal of Homemade Christmas Candy
There’s something uniquely special about homemade candy, especially during the Christmas season. It evokes a sense of nostalgia, a connection to simpler times, and the warmth of shared traditions. While December can be incredibly busy, filled with endless to-do lists and festive preparations, taking a moment to craft simple, delectable treats like Shaggy Dog Candy can be incredibly rewarding. It’s an opportunity to slow down, enjoy the creative process, and create edible gifts that truly come from the heart.
Many people find the idea of making candy intimidating, conjuring images of sugar thermometers, precise temperatures, and tricky techniques. However, recipes like our Shaggy Dog Candy prove that homemade confectionery can be accessible and fun. This no-bake recipe eliminates many of those common fears, allowing you to focus on the joy of combining simple ingredients into something truly magical. The charm of an old-fashioned recipe lies in its ability to deliver incredible flavor with minimal fuss, ensuring that even on your busiest holiday schedule, you can whip up a batch of these delectable chocolate and coconut logs.
A Serendipitous Discovery: The Shaggy Dog Story
Sometimes, the best recipes are found by happy accident. Such was the case with the Shaggy Dog Candy. While exploring a cookbook dedicated to confectionery, the intention was to recreate a different treat. However, a slight misidentification of a picture led to this incredible discovery. It turned out to be a fortunate mistake, as these particular chocolate marshmallow delights quickly became the highlight of the batch.
Despite being a bit more “hands-on” during preparation – truly embodying the “shaggy” part of their name through the generous coconut coating – their popularity was undeniable. They were the first to disappear from any shared platter, a testament to their winning combination of textures and flavors. This happy accident turned into a beloved tradition, solidifying the Shaggy Dog Candy’s place as a cherished recipe. It’s a wonderful reminder that sometimes, the most unexpected paths lead to the sweetest outcomes.
Crafting Your Perfect Shaggy Dog Candies: Tips for Success
Making Shaggy Dog Candies is a delightful experience, but a few tips can help ensure your treats turn out perfectly every time. The core of this recipe involves a rich chocolate mixture infused with marshmallows, which then gets shaped and coated in coconut. While the process is straightforward, paying attention to a couple of details will elevate your candy-making game.
First, when preparing the chocolate base, ensure you melt the butter and chocolate chips slowly over medium-low heat. Gentle heat prevents the chocolate from seizing or burning, guaranteeing a smooth and velvety mixture. Once melted, removing it from the heat before slowly whisking in the beaten eggs is crucial to prevent them from scrambling. Continue whisking diligently until the mixture is completely smooth before gradually adding the powdered sugar. This creates a beautifully thick and glossy base that will perfectly hold the miniature marshmallows.
The next key step is refrigeration. Allowing the chocolate-marshmallow mixture sufficient time to cool and firm up in the refrigerator is essential for easier handling. While impatience is understandable when delicious candy is involved, resisting the urge to rush this step will save you a lot of effort later. A partially set mixture is much easier to divide and shape into logs. If you find the mixture still too soft, simply return it to the fridge for a bit longer. When it comes to forming the logs, greasing your hands lightly can make a significant difference in managing the stickiness and achieving a uniform shape. Roll them generously in sweetened coconut, pressing gently to ensure an even and thick coating that gives these candies their iconic “shaggy” appearance.
Finally, ample chilling time is vital for the logs to fully set before slicing. This not only makes them easier to cut into neat pieces but also helps them hold their shape beautifully. These candies are incredibly forgiving and can be prepared well in advance, making them an ideal festive treat for busy holiday hosts.
Variations, Serving Suggestions, and Storage
While the classic Shaggy Dog Candy is perfect as is, there’s always room for creative variations to suit your taste or occasion. Consider adding a few drops of peppermint extract to the chocolate mixture for a refreshing twist, or a hint of almond extract to complement the coconut. You could also experiment with different types of chocolate chips, such as milk chocolate or dark chocolate, to alter the richness of the flavor. For an added textural dimension, try mixing in finely chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts into the chocolate base before adding the marshmallows. Instead of plain coconut, a toasted coconut coating would add a nutty depth and a lovely golden hue.
Shaggy Dog Candies are wonderfully versatile for serving. Arrange them artfully on a holiday platter alongside other festive treats like gingerbread cookies and shortbread. Their distinct look and appealing flavor make them a standout. They also make fantastic edible gifts when placed in decorative boxes or bags, perfect for sharing with friends, family, and neighbors during the holiday season. The fact that they can be made weeks in advance and stored in the refrigerator means less stress closer to big events, allowing you more time to enjoy the festivities.
For storage, once the logs are firm and sliced, place the candy pieces in an airtight container between layers of parchment paper to prevent sticking. They will keep beautifully in the refrigerator for up to three weeks, ensuring you have a delightful supply ready for impromptu guests or whenever a sweet craving strikes. For longer storage, you can also freeze the unsliced logs wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and then foil for up to two months. Thaw in the refrigerator before slicing and serving.
Whether you’re looking for a quick and easy homemade gift, a charming addition to your holiday dessert table, or simply a delicious treat to enjoy, Shaggy Dog Candies are a recipe that delivers on all fronts. Their timeless appeal, straightforward preparation, and customizable nature make them a true gem in the world of confectionery.
Explore More Delicious Candy Recipes:
Creamy Cranberry Pistachio Fudge
Blonde Rocky Road
Toffee Peanuts
Homemade Caramel Candy
Cherry Nut Chocolates
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Shaggy Dog Candy
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Ingredients
- 1/2 cup butter
- 6 oz. semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 2 eggs beaten
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 10 oz. miniature marshmallows
- 2 cups sweetened coconut
Instructions
- In a large saucepan, combine the butter and chocolate chips over medium-low heat. Cook, stirring frequently, until both the chocolate and butter are fully melted and the mixture is smooth and glossy.
- Remove the saucepan from the heat. Very slowly, while continuously whisking, pour in the beaten eggs. Continue to whisk vigorously until the mixture is completely smooth and well combined. Gradually add the powdered sugar, about 1/4 cup at a time, whisking thoroughly after each addition until it’s fully incorporated and the mixture is smooth. Finally, stir in the miniature marshmallows until evenly distributed. Refrigerate the mixture until it begins to firm up, typically for about 30-60 minutes, or until it’s cool enough to handle easily.
- Prepare your work surface by laying down a piece of parchment paper or wax paper. Sprinkle about 1/3 of the sweetened coconut evenly over the paper. Divide the chilled chocolate-marshmallow mixture into 3 equal portions. Take one portion and place it onto the coconut. Using lightly greased hands, form the mixture into a log, approximately 1 1/2 inches thick and 8 inches long. Roll the log over the sprinkled coconut, gently pressing the coconut into the sides to ensure it adheres well. Carefully transfer the coconut-covered log to a piece of plastic wrap and wrap it tightly. Repeat this process with the remaining two portions of the chocolate mixture.
- Refrigerate all three wrapped candy logs until they are completely firm, which will take at least a couple of hours. For best results and easier slicing, chill them for 3 hours or longer. These logs can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks. When you are ready to serve, unwrap a log and use a sharp knife to cut it into 1/2-inch thick slices.
Recipe Notes:
Nutrition information provided as an estimate only. Various brands and products can change the counts.
Nutrition Information
Calories: 172kcal (9%),
Carbohydrates: 22g (7%),
Protein: 1g (2%),
Fat: 9g (14%),
Saturated Fat: 6g (38%),
Polyunsaturated Fat: 0g,
Trans Fat: 0g,
Cholesterol: 26mg (9%),
Sodium: 56mg (2%),
Fiber: 1g (4%),
Sugar: 19g (21%)