Introduction

Irish Potato Candy is a delightful treat that looks like small potatoes but tastes like a sweet, creamy candy with a hint of cinnamon. Perfect for St. Patrick’s Day or any time you want a unique, homemade confection that’s surprisingly easy to make.

Irish Potato Candy Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients

1 (8-ounce) package Philadelphia cream cheese, softened (room temperature)
4 ounces (1 stick or 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)
3 tablespoons ground cinnamon (for rolling the candies)

Instructions

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 the mixture is smooth and fully combined.
Step 2: Scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl to ensure all ingredients are incorporated evenly.
Step 3: Cover the mixture and chill in the refrigerator for one hour to firm up the dough.
Step 4: After chilling, scoop out small, tablespoon-sized portions of the coconut mixture and roll them into balls. You should have about 75 pieces.
Step 5: Place the ground cinnamon in a shallow bowl. Roll each ball in cinnamon until fully coated, then set them on a baking sheet lined with parchment or wax paper.
Step 6: Cover the candies loosely with plastic wrap and refrigerate until ready to serve.
Step 7: Serve the Irish Potato Candy as a sweet snack or dessert, arranged on a platter or stored in a jar for easy access.

Tips & Variations

For an extra coconut flavor, add a teaspoon of coconut extract along with the vanilla.
Use fine shredded coconut for a smoother texture or leave it a bit coarser for chewiness.
Be gentle when rolling the balls to keep them evenly shaped and avoid cracks.
If you prefer less cinnamon, roll the candies lightly or mix cinnamon into the dough directly.

Storage

Store Irish Potato Candy in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. When ready to eat, you can serve them cold or let them sit at room temperature for a few minutes to soften slightly. These candies do not freeze well because of the cream cheese content.

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 a hand mixer. It may take a bit longer to achieve a smooth consistency, but it’s definitely possible.

Are these candies actually made from potatoes?

No, Irish Potato Candy does not contain any potatoes. The name comes from their shape and appearance after rolling in cinnamon, which resembles small potatoes.

Irish Potato Candy Recipe

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4.6 from 614 reviews

Irish Potato Candy is a unique and delightful treat that resembles small potatoes but offers a sweet, creamy coconut flavor with a hint of cinnamon. Made with cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, shredded coconut, and vanilla, these bite-sized candies are rolled in cinnamon for that iconic potato-like appearance. Perfect as a festive snack or dessert, they are simple to prepare and wonderfully satisfying.

Author: Daniel
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Yield: 75 candies 1x
Category: Dessert
Method: No-Cook
Cuisine: Irish American

Ingredients

Scale

Base Ingredients

8-ounce package Philadelphia cream cheese, softened (room temperature)
4 ounces (1 stick or 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

Preparation: Begin by gathering all your ingredients and ensuring that the cream cheese and butter are softened to room temperature for smooth mixing.
Mix Ingredients: In a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, combine the cream cheese, butter, confectioner’s sugar, shredded coconut, vanilla extract, and a pinch of kosher salt. Mix on low speed until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
Scrape Bowl: Use a spatula to scrape down the sides and bottom of the mixer bowl to incorporate any ingredients that may be stuck, ensuring a uniform mixture.
Chill Mixture: Cover the prepared mixture with plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container and chill in the refrigerator for one hour. This helps firm the dough for shaping.
Shape Candies: After chilling, scoop out small tablespoon-sized portions of the coconut dough. Roll each portion into a small ball, aiming to make approximately 75 candies.
Coat with Cinnamon: Place ground cinnamon in a shallow bowl. Roll each ball in the cinnamon until fully coated to give the candies their signature potato-like look.
Set on Tray: Arrange the rolled candies on a baking sheet lined with parchment or wax paper. Cover loosely with plastic wrap to prevent drying out.
Chill Before Serving: Refrigerate the coated candies until ready to serve. This keeps them firm and allows the flavors to meld.
Serve: Present the Irish Potato Candy on a platter as a sweet treat or store them in an airtight container or jar for convenient snacking.

Notes

Make sure cream cheese and butter are softened to room temperature for easier mixing.
Use sweetened shredded coconut to achieve the desired chewy texture.
Rolling the candies evenly ensures a consistent size and appearance.
These candies can be stored in the refrigerator for up to one week.
For a stronger cinnamon flavor, adjust the amount used on the coating to taste.

Keywords: Irish Potato Candy, Irish dessert, no-bake candy, cream cheese candy, coconut candy, cinnamon candy