An old fashioned homemade candy – this Shaggy Dog Candy Recipe is perfect for the Christmas plate! Chocolate and marshmallows are rolled in coconut in this decadent treat.
If you are a coconut fan, make sure you also try these Coconut Macaroons!
Originally posted December 14, 2007 – I have wanted to remake this candy recipe forever, and what better time than the Christmas season? These Shaggy Dogs are a little bit messy to make, but they really are super easy. If you are wanting to try your hand at making some candy this year but you are a little intimidated, these candies are a good start. Just be ready to get your hands a little bit messy! These would make another great addition to any holiday plate!
I had every intention to post this yesterday, but things got too busy. Oh well…
I can’t believe this is my first post of the month for my Cookbook of the Month – Candymaking. December is such a busy month. I see all of the wonderful cookies and holiday treats on everyone’s blogs, and I feel like I am so far behind!!
One of my favorite recipes from the cookbook was a candy recipe called Shaggy Dogs. I actually made this Shaggy Dog candy recipe by mistake. I saw a picture in the book, and there were 3 candies featured. I thought one of them looked really good, and not really paying attention, I read the caption and guessed that they were the Shaggy Dogs.
Well, when I got home with my ingredients, I realized that the ones I actually wanted to make were a different one in the picture!! Well, my mistake was worth it because these were my favorite of the bunch. They were the hardest to work with, but they were eaten up the quickest!
You make a chocolate mixture and then add in marshmallows. After letting the mixture cool, you are supposed to make it into logs that are coated in coconut, chilled, and then cut into pieces. Maybe I didn’t let the mixture cool long enough (I am impatient, after all) and forming the logs was a bit messy. It worked out though.
I took a plate of the candy to work, and the Shaggy Dogs were the first off the plate. I’ll definitely remember this Shaggy Dog candy recipe!!
Looking for more candy recipes?
Creamy Cranberry Pistachio Fudge
Blonde Rocky Road
Toffee Peanuts
Homemade Caramel Candy
Cherry Nut Chocolates
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Shaggy Dogs
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
- Combine the butter and chocolate chips in a large saucepan over medium-low heat. Cook, stirring frequently, until the chocolate and butter are both melted and the mixture is smooth.
- Turn off the heat and then very slowly, whisking continuously, pour in the eggs. Continue to whisk until smooth. Add in the powdered sugar, 1/4 cup at a time, until completely incorporated until smooth. Stir in the marshmallows. Refrigerate the mixture until it starts to set up.
- Lay down a piece of parchment paper or wax paper. Sprinkle 1/3 of the coconut over the top. Divide the chocolate/marshmallow mixture into 3 equal portion. Place one portion of the mixture on the coconut and form it into a log, about 1 1/2” thick and 8 inches long. (I found that it is easiest to do with greased hands.) Roll the log over the coconut, pressing the coconut into the sides to adhere. Transfer the coconut covered log to a piece of plastic wrap and wrap tightly. Repeat with the remaining 2 portions.
- Refrigerate the candy until set up, at least a couple hours, up to 3 weeks. When ready to serve, unwrap the log and cut it into 1/2-inch slices.
Terri Asher says
I make a candy like this but no eggs or powdered sugar. Just melt semi sweet chocolate chips with butter, cool a minute or so; stir in marshmallows and put onto coconut lined foil and waxed paper. Liberally sprinkle with more coconut then roll up foil/paper into logs twisting the ends. Store in freezer and slice when cooled. Been making this for over 40 years. Now my daughter makes it for her family. Your Shaggy Dogs look just like my chocolate candy. No messy hands. Thanks for your recipies. Good stuff!
Linda Pekar says
Have been making something very close to these for years, use colored Marshmallows and we call them Church Windows.
Juju says
What are the eggs for?
Deborah says
They just work as a binder to keep everything together. Some people have said that they have made these successfully without eggs, though.
Paula says
Hello, Deborah! We made these yesterday and love them. Thank you for sharing the recipe. We are just wondering if you’ve ever tried freezing them? What are your thoughts?
Sorsha says
We have egg allergy in the family. Any ideas or suggestions on how to replace the eggs needed?
Deborah says
I am afraid I’m not versed in egg replacements, so I don’t even know. So sorry!!
Megan says
Is the heat still on when you add the eggs and sugar?
Deborah says
You will turn off the heat just before adding the eggs. I have updated the recipe. Thanks!