Irish Potato Candy Recipe

If you’ve ever wanted to experience a classic taste of St. Patrick’s Day from the comfort of your own kitchen, Irish Potato Candy is your dream come true! This incredibly nostalgic sweet treat has no actual potatoes, but it channels all the homespun charm you could crave. Creamy, coconutty, gently spiced with cinnamon, and shaped to look like adorable baby potatoes, they’re beloved in Philadelphia and beyond. Once you make a batch, you’ll understand why these candies get passed from neighbor to neighbor and vanish from serving trays in record time.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

Part of the magic of Irish Potato Candy is how a handful of humble ingredients comes together to create something unforgettable. Each brings something essential, whether it’s luscious creaminess, irresistible sweetness, or a playful crunch. Make sure to use the best ingredients you can find—it truly makes a difference!

• Unsalted Butter (1/4 cup, softened): The butter gives the candies a rich mouthfeel and helps the base combine perfectly.
• Cream Cheese (4 oz, softened): This adds tangy creaminess and binds the dough together beautifully.
• Vanilla Extract (1 teaspoon): A splash infuses the candy with those comforting, familiar vanilla notes.
• Powdered Sugar (4 cups): No-grit sweetness and that melt-in-your-mouth smooth texture all comes from this!
• Sweetened Shredded Coconut (2 1/2 cups): These fine shreds create the “potato” flesh texture and an irresistible coconut chew.
• Ground Cinnamon (1 tablespoon): The finishing touch; roll the candies for their signature “potato skin” and a warming spice flavor.

How to Make Irish Potato Candy

Step 1: Cream the Butter and Cream Cheese

Start by grabbing a large, sturdy mixing bowl and beat together the softened butter and cream cheese until the mixture is completely smooth and fluffy. This step is key, so don’t rush—it’s the creamy backbone of your Irish Potato Candy and makes every bite luscious.

Step 2: Add Vanilla and Powdered Sugar

With your butter and cream cheese whipped and light, blend in the vanilla extract. Next, slowly add the powdered sugar, mixing after each cup. This part’s a little arm workout, but it transforms your ingredients into a thick, candy-like dough. Watch it come together—it’s basically magic!

Step 3: Stir in the Coconut

Once your dough is nice and thick, fold in the sweetened shredded coconut until it’s super well distributed. This gives the candies their signature texture that mimics “potatoes” and adds a chewy, tropical bite that keeps everyone coming back for another piece.

Step 4: Shape the Candies

Now for the most fun part—shaping! Pinch off bits of dough and roll them between your palms into 1-inch balls. If you want to get creative, shape some slightly oblong to look like mini fingerling potatoes. Don’t worry about perfection; a little variety adds to their charm.

Step 5: Roll in Cinnamon

Pour the ground cinnamon into a shallow dish or plate, then roll each ball until it’s fully coated. Not only does this make them look just like baby potatoes, but it also gives the Irish Potato Candy a sweet, warming spice that’s simply irresistible.

Step 6: Chill and Serve

Transfer your cinnamon-rolled candies onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, and pop them in the refrigerator for at least an hour. This helps them firm up and makes the flavors meld together. Once chilled, they’re ready to serve—either right from the fridge or at room temperature for a silkier bite.

How to Serve Irish Potato Candy

Garnishes

Garnishing your Irish Potato Candy is half the fun. Try a light dusting of extra cinnamon just before serving or a sprinkle of cocoa powder for a chocolatey twist. For those feeling playful, a few tiny edible gold flakes or green-hued sugar crystals add a lovely celebration-ready sparkle.

Side Dishes

While these candies are a star all on their own, they play well on a dessert platter beside buttery shortbread, chocolate-dipped pretzels, or fruit skewers. For a truly festive spread, serve with Irish coffee or a frothy hot chocolate.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to wow your guests, pile your Irish Potato Candy high in a rustic wooden bowl or scatter them in a little basket lined with green napkins. Tuck a few into mini favor bags as take-home treats, or nestle them on a pretty tray with edible “clovers” (mint leaves) for a lucky touch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

To keep your Irish Potato Candy fresh and fabulous, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll stay delicious for about a week—though they rarely last that long!

Freezing

Believe it or not, you can freeze Irish Potato Candy. Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a zip-top bag or airtight container. They’ll keep in the freezer for up to two months. Just thaw in the fridge before serving.

Reheating

These candies are meant to be enjoyed cold or at room temperature—no reheating needed! If they’re a little too firm out of the fridge, let them sit at room temperature for 10–15 minutes before serving and they’ll be just perfect.

FAQs

Does Irish Potato Candy actually contain potatoes?

Nope! Despite the name, there are zero potatoes involved. The candies just look remarkably like baby spuds, thanks to their cinnamon coating and adorable size. The texture comes from coconut and cream cheese instead.

Can I make Irish Potato Candy without coconut?

The coconut is essential for the traditional taste and texture, but you could experiment with finely chopped nuts or oat flakes for a twist. However, it won’t be quite the same classic bite everyone expects.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! All the ingredients for Irish Potato Candy are naturally gluten-free. Always check your labels to be certain, especially for the powdered sugar and coconut.

Why are my candies sticky or too soft?

If your mixture feels sticky or too loose to roll, just add a bit more powdered sugar, a tablespoon at a time, until you reach the perfect consistency. Make sure your butter and cream cheese were properly softened—not melted—for best results.

Can I add mix-ins for variety?

Absolutely! Chopped pecans or walnuts add a lovely crunch, or try mixing a little cocoa powder into the dough for a chocolate-coconut twist. It’s a versatile recipe, so embrace what you love.

Final Thoughts

Irish Potato Candy is more than just a cute treat, it’s a warm hug of nostalgia and fun in every bite. If you haven’t tried making it yet, now’s the time! Gather your friends or kids, set up a rolling-and-coating station, and let the good times roll. I guarantee it will become one of your favorite sweet traditions.

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