Old Fashioned Coconut Candy – 12 Weeks of Christmas Candy

If you love sweet, chewy, and tropical treats, this homemade coconut candy is about to become your new favorite indulgence! As part of my 12 Weeks of Christmas Candy Series, where a new candy recipe is shared every week leading up to Christmas, this Week 2 recipe brings a delightful taste of the tropics to your holiday candy table.

With its creamy texture and coconut-packed flavor, this easy coconut candy recipe captures the magic of old-fashioned holiday sweets, simple, nostalgic, and impossible to resist.
How to Make Old-Fashioned Coconut Candy
Sweet, chewy, and full of tropical flavor, this Homemade Coconut Candy is a holiday favorite! Made with shredded coconut, butter, and creamy condensed milk, this candy comes together easily in minutes. Perfect for gifting, cookie trays, or adding a touch of sunshine to your Christmas treats. Part of my 12 Weeks of Christmas Candy Series, this is Week’s recipe, and it’s as simple as it is irresistible!



COCONUT CANDY INGREDIENTS LIST- full printable recipe below in recipe card
- 2 ½ cups sweetened flaked coconut
- ⅓ cup all-purpose flour
- ⅛ teaspoon salt
- ⅔ cup sweetened condensed milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
COCONUT CANDY INSTRUCTIONS LIST
- Preheat the oven to 350℉ and line a baking pan with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, combine the coconut, flour, and salt.
- Add milk and vanilla; mix well (batter will be soft)
- Drop by tablespoonfuls 1 in. apart onto the lined baking sheet.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown.
- Slide the parchment paper onto the counter to cool the cookies, or transfer them to a cooling rack.
What can I make with the leftover ⅓ cup of sweetened condensed milk?
Don’t let that last bit of sweetened condensed milk go to waste! There are lots of quick and delicious ways to use it up:
- Coffee or Hot Cocoa Sweetener: Stir it into hot coffee or cocoa for a creamy, sweet twist like a homemade café-style drink.
- Fruit Dip: Mix with a little cream cheese or Greek yogurt for an easy, sweet dip for strawberries, apples, or pineapple.
- No-Bake Truffles: Combine with crushed cookies or graham crackers and roll into bite-sized balls for quick candy treats.
- Caramel Drizzle: Heat it gently with a tablespoon of butter for a quick caramel-style sauce to pour over ice cream or brownies.
- Sweet Toast Spread: Spread it on warm toast, biscuits, or pancakes for a rich, indulgent breakfast treat.
Alternatively, you can save it in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to a week and use it in next week’s 12 Weeks of Christmas Candy recipe!
A Classic Candy with a Tropical Twist

Coconut candy has been a beloved treat for generations, and for good reason. The combination of shredded coconut and creamy condensed milk creates that signature chewy texture and rich sweetness. It’s an old-fashioned coconut candy that feels both homemade and festive, perfect for Christmas gifting, dessert platters, or just a cozy night treat.
Even better, this candy doesn’t require a candy thermometer or complicated steps. It’s an easy homemade candy that anyone can make, whether you’re a beginner or an experienced baker looking for something quick and special.
Delicious Variations to Try

The best part about homemade coconut candy is how easy it is to customize:
- Chocolate-Dipped Coconut Candy: Dip each piece in melted chocolate for an elegant touch.
- Toasted Coconut Candy: Toast the coconut first for a rich, nutty flavor.
- Coconut Almond Bites: Add chopped nuts or drizzle with almond-flavored chocolate.
- Holiday Coconut Candy: Tint portions red and green for a festive Christmas look.
Why Coconut Candy Belongs on Your Holiday List
This recipe is a keeper for so many reasons:
- It’s part of our 12 Weeks of Christmas Candy countdown, perfect for adding variety to your treat trays.
- It’s quick and easy, requiring minimal ingredients and no candy-making experience.
- The flavor is classic yet tropical, making it stand out among traditional holiday candies.
- It’s a beautiful gift idea when wrapped in festive candy boxes or jars.
Tips for Success
- Watch the time closely, the ends of the coconut will get brown.
- For softer candy, reduce the baking time slightly.
- Store in an airtight container for up to a week, or freeze for longer storage.
- Add a sprinkle of sea salt on top for a gourmet twist.
A Sweet Celebration – Week 2 of Christmas Candy

Each week through the holidays, a brand-new candy recipe is being shared as part of the 12 Weeks of Christmas Candy series. From peanut brittle that can be made in the microwave to festive fudge, you’ll have a full collection of sweets ready for gifting, sharing, or simply enjoying all season long.
This Coconut Candy is Week 2’s featured recipe, bringing a bit of sunshine and tropical flair to your winter festivities. It’s simple, nostalgic, and guaranteed to brighten your dessert table.


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Frequently Asked Questions About Coconut Candy
Making homemade coconut candy for the holidays is simple, fun, and delicious, but if you’re new to candy making or planning to add this recipe to your 12 Weeks of Christmas Candy lineup, you might have a few questions! Here are some of the most common FAQs to help you get perfect results every time.
Traditional homemade coconut candy is made with just a few simple ingredients: shredded coconut, flour, vanilla, and sweetened condensed milk. These create the signature chewy texture and rich tropical flavor. Some versions include chocolate for extra depth, chopped almonds, and colored coconut for a festive touch.
Yes! You can make coconut candy with either sweetened or unsweetened coconut. If using unsweetened, consider adding a small amount of sugar or a drizzle of condensed milk to maintain the candy’s sweetness and chewy consistency.
No candy thermometer is needed! This easy coconut candy recipe is baked just until thick and golden. It’s perfect for beginners and anyone looking for a quick, no-fail holiday candy.
When stored in an airtight container at room temperature, coconut candy lasts up to one week. For longer storage, refrigerate or freeze it. Just bring it to room temperature before serving for the best texture.
Absolutely! Dipping or drizzling your coconut candy with melted chocolate turns it into a decadent treat similar to a Mounds or Almond Joy bar. Dark, milk, or white chocolate all pair beautifully with coconut.
Yes, this is one of the best make-ahead Christmas candies! It keeps its flavor and texture beautifully, making it perfect for holiday gifting, party trays, and your 12 Weeks of Christmas Candy collection.
Definitely! For a festive twist, divide the mixture, tint it red and green, scoop out the candy, and place it on a lined cookie sheet to bake. It’s an easy way to make Christmas coconut candy look as fun and festive as it tastes.
Wrap each piece in wax paper or place them in mini cupcake liners, then package in tins, jars, or holiday boxes. Add a ribbon and a tag noting it’s part of the 12 Weeks of Christmas Candy Series for a thoughtful, homemade gift.
Try this homemade coconut candy today and join in on the 12 Weeks of Christmas Candy fun! Make sure to come back next week for another sweet surprise and don’t forget to share or pin this recipe so your friends can follow along, too!🎄Sheryl

Old Fashioned Coconut Candy
Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups sweetened flaked coconut
- ⅓ cup all-purpose flour
- ⅛ teaspoon salt
- ⅔ cup sweetened condensed milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions

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You are on a roll! What a great foodie picture
It so is one of the main food groups! We love coconut in our house, and I can’t wait to try making these! Pinned 🙂
These sound awesome, Sheryl. I have to remember to make up some of these for the cookie plates. We are hosting Holiday Best at Tumbleweed Contessa and I’d love it if you shared these with us.
Linda
Just found your website, everything sounds delicious, don’t know where I’ll start first,,Thank You!
Awww…..that’s so nice to hear Lois. Merry Christmas!
How many cookies does it make?
Hi Danielle, I am so sorry I forgot to count the pieces of candy and add it to the recipe.
These will be my favorite
It’s mine!
Does flaked coconut mean the sweetened kind, like Baker’s? Thank you.
Hi Karen, Yes flaked coconut is sweetened. Flaked coconut is much larger then shredded.