Irish Potato Candy Recipe

Introduction

Irish Potato Candy is a charming and sweet treat that looks like tiny potatoes but tastes like a delicious blend of cream cheese, coconut, and cinnamon. Perfect for St. Patrick’s Day or any festive occasion, these candies are easy to make and sure to impress your guests.

Ingredients

• 8-ounce package Philadelphia cream cheese, softened (at room temperature)
• 4 ounces (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened (at room temperature)
• 32 ounces confectioner’s sugar (powdered sugar)
• 7 ounces sweetened shredded coconut
• 1.5 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
• 1 pinch kosher salt (preferably Diamond Crystal)
• 3 tablespoons ground cinnamon (for rolling the candies)

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, combine the cream cheese, butter, confectioner’s sugar, shredded coconut, vanilla extract, and salt. Mix on low speed until smooth and fully combined.
2. Step 2: Scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl to ensure all ingredients are incorporated.
3. Step 3: Cover the mixture and chill in the refrigerator for one hour to firm up.
4. Step 4: Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of the coconut mixture and roll them into small balls. You should get about 75 pieces.
5. Step 5: Pour the ground cinnamon into a shallow bowl. Roll each ball in the cinnamon until coated evenly.
6. Step 6: Place the coated candies on a baking sheet lined with parchment or wax paper.
7. Step 7: Cover loosely with plastic wrap and chill until ready to serve.
8. Step 8: Serve the Irish Potato Candy on a platter as a festive snack or dessert.

Tips & Variations

• For a smoother texture, pulse the shredded coconut briefly in a food processor before mixing.
• If you prefer less cinnamon, roll the candies lightly or dust with a mixture of cinnamon and sugar for a milder coating.
• Use full-fat cream cheese and butter at room temperature for the best texture and flavor.
• To add a little green tint for St. Patrick’s Day, add a drop of green food coloring to the mixture before chilling.

Storage

Store Irish Potato Candy in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. They can also be frozen in a sealed container for up to 1 month. To serve, allow them to come to room temperature for about 15 minutes for the best texture and flavor.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make these candies without a stand mixer?

Yes, you can mix the ingredients by hand using a sturdy spoon or electric hand mixer. Just be sure to mix thoroughly until the texture is smooth.

Do these candies really taste like potatoes?

No, the candies don’t taste like actual potatoes. Their potato-like appearance comes from the cinnamon coating and shape, while the flavor is sweet, creamy, and coconutty—more like a soft candy than a vegetable.

Irish Potato Candy Recipe

Print Recipe

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4.5 from 57 reviews

Irish Potato Candy is a delightful confection that mimics the look of small potatoes using a sweetened cream cheese and coconut mixture rolled in cinnamon. This nostalgic treat is creamy, chewy, and bursting with cinnamon flavor, perfect for St. Patrick’s Day or any festive occasion.

• Author: Sophie
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Yield: Approximately 75 candies 1x
• Category: Candy
• Method: No-Cook
• Cuisine: Irish-American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Base Ingredients

• 1 package (8 ounces) Philadelphia cream cheese, softened (room temperature)
• 1 stick (4 ounces / 8 tablespoons) unsalted butter, softened (room temperature)
• 32 ounces confectioner’s sugar (powdered sugar)
• 7 ounces sweetened shredded coconut
• 1.5 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
• 1 pinch kosher salt (preferably Diamond Crystal)

Coating

• 3 tablespoons ground cinnamon

Instructions

1. Preparation: Ensure the cream cheese and butter are softened to room temperature for smooth mixing.
2. Mix Ingredients: In a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, combine the cream cheese, butter, confectioner’s sugar, shredded coconut, vanilla extract, and kosher salt. Mix on low speed until the mixture is smooth and uniformly combined. Scrape down the bowl as needed to incorporate all ingredients.
3. Chill Mixture: Cover the combined mixture and refrigerate for one hour to firm up the dough, making it easier to handle.
4. Form Candy Balls: Using a tablespoon, scoop out small portions of the chilled mixture and roll them into approximately 75 small, oval-shaped balls to resemble miniature potatoes.
5. Roll in Cinnamon: Place the ground cinnamon in a shallow bowl and roll each candy ball thoroughly in the cinnamon until evenly coated.
6. Set and Chill: Arrange the cinnamon-coated candies on a baking sheet lined with parchment or wax paper. Cover loosely with plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
7. Serve: Present the Irish Potato Candy on a decorative platter or store them in an airtight container or jar at cool temperature for easy access and snacking.

Notes

• For best results, soften cream cheese and butter to room temperature before mixing to ensure smooth texture.
• If you prefer a less sweet candy, adjust the amount of confectioner’s sugar to taste.
• Store candies in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain freshness; they can keep for up to one week.
• The sweetened shredded coconut adds chewiness, but you can substitute with unsweetened if preferred, adjusting sugar accordingly.
• Rolling in cinnamon mimics the appearance of potato skin and adds a warm spice flavor that balances the sweetness.

Keywords: Irish potato candy, cream cheese candy, St. Patrick’s Day treat, no bake candy, cinnamon coated candy, coconut sweet snack