If you’re looking for a little culinary magic to add to your celebrations, Irish Potato Candy for St is the whimsical, coconut-filled treat you never knew you needed. Despite their name, there’s not a spud in sight—just luscious cream cheese, buttery sweetness, and a dusting of cinnamon that mimics the humble potato’s skin. These bite-sized wonders are ridiculously simple to put together and have a wonderful way of sparking nostalgia and joy, perfect for festive gatherings or gifting. With their charming, rustic look and melt-in-your-mouth texture, Irish Potato Candy for St will have everyone asking for seconds (and the recipe) in no time!

Irish Potato Candy for St Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

No need to hunt down obscure ingredients—everything you need for Irish Potato Candy for St is probably sitting in your kitchen right now! Each ingredient mixes together to create a candy that’s creamy, sweet, and delightfully aromatic, with a fun, spiced finish thanks to the cinnamon coating.

4 ounces cream cheese (softened): Gives the candy its smooth, tangy base and dreamy creaminess.
¼ cup unsalted butter (softened): Adds richness and helps the candies hold their shape perfectly.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Infuses a warm, comforting aroma that complements both the coconut and cinnamon.
4 cups powdered sugar: The secret to that irresistible sweetness and pillowy soft texture.
1 ½ cups sweetened shredded coconut: Adds chewy texture and a lovely tropical flavor to each bite.
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon (for coating): Used for rolling, it gives the candies their signature “potato” look and a cozy hint of spice.

How to Make Irish Potato Candy for St

Step 1: Cream Together Butter and Cream Cheese

Start by adding your softened cream cheese and butter to a large mixing bowl. Use a hand mixer or stand mixer to beat them until totally smooth, creamy, and combined. This decadent duo forms the rich, luscious foundation for your Irish Potato Candy for St, so be sure to blend thoroughly!

Step 2: Add Vanilla

Splash in the vanilla extract and mix just until it’s fully integrated. That little teaspoon packs a punch, adding warmth and depth to the flavor.

Step 3: Gradually Incorporate Powdered Sugar

With your mixer on low, slowly add the powdered sugar, about a cup at a time. Mixing gradually keeps everything smooth and ensures the candy dough firms up without turning grainy. The mixture will start off soft and sticky but will become thick and pliable as all the sugar is added.

Step 4: Stir in Shredded Coconut

Fold in the shredded coconut by hand or with a sturdy spatula. You want the coconut evenly distributed so every candy has the perfect chewy bite. At this point, the dough should hold its shape easily.

Step 5: Shape the Candies

Using your hands (or a small cookie scoop for extra tidiness), pinch off walnut-sized portions of the dough and roll into balls, about 1 inch in diameter. This is a fun step to do with kids—it’s sticky work but oh-so-satisfying!

Step 6: Roll in Cinnamon

Pour cinnamon into a shallow bowl. Roll each ball gently in the cinnamon until it’s fully coated. The deep brown color and sweet spice transform each ball into a dead ringer for a tiny new potato—extra cute and very festive for Irish Potato Candy for St presentations!

Step 7: Chill and Enjoy

Place each finished candy on a parchment-lined tray and refrigerate them for at least 1 hour before serving. Chilling helps set their shape and lets the flavors meld for that perfect creamy, coconutty bite.

How to Serve Irish Potato Candy for St

Garnishes

For a whimsical touch, you can add a thin sprig of fresh mint or a tiny piped swirl of whipped cream to mimic a sprouting potato. Dust with extra cinnamon or even a pinch of cocoa powder for added contrast.

Side Dishes

Irish Potato Candy for St pairs beautifully with a hot cup of tea, strong coffee, or an Irish cream liqueur. For a sweet platter, try adding chocolate truffles or buttery shortbread alongside your candies to round out the treat table and balance flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange the candies in a shallow wooden crate or small basket lined with green tissue paper for a rustic, truly “potato harvest” look. Pile them into mini paper cupcake liners for mess-free sharing, or place them in decorative boxes as homemade party favors for St. Patrick’s Day gatherings.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Irish Potato Candy for St will keep best when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay moist, chewy, and delicious for up to a week, making them perfect for prepping ahead for parties or gifting.

Freezing

If you want to make them even further in advance, these candies freeze surprisingly well! Arrange them in a single layer in a freezer-safe container with parchment or wax paper between layers. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight for the best texture.

Reheating

While there’s no “reheating” required for Irish Potato Candy for St (they’re a no-bake delight!), you can let them sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving to soften up slightly for the creamiest texture.

FAQs

Do Irish Potato Candy for St actually contain potatoes?

Nope! Despite the fun name, these candies are made with cream cheese, coconut, and cinnamon for that potato look—there’s not a single real potato involved.

Can I use unsweetened coconut instead of sweetened?

Absolutely! If you prefer a less-sweet treat, unsweetened shredded coconut can be swapped in—just know the texture may be a bit drier and the flavor more subtle.

How long can I keep Irish Potato Candy for St in the fridge?

They stay fresh and delicious for up to one week when kept cool in an airtight container—ideal for making ahead of the big day!

Can I make Irish Potato Candy for St without cream cheese?

Cream cheese is one of the key ingredients for the creamy texture, but you can experiment with dairy-free alternatives or thick Greek yogurt if you need a substitute.

What’s the best way to get an even cinnamon coating?

Roll each candy gently but thoroughly in the cinnamon. If you want an extra-thick coating, let the candies sit for a few minutes, then roll them again for even more cinnamon goodness!

Final Thoughts

There’s just something irresistible about sharing the quirky charm and coconutty goodness of Irish Potato Candy for St with friends and family. If you’ve never tried making them at home, now is the perfect time to gather your ingredients and create some edible fun—these sweet little “potatoes” will definitely become a new holiday tradition!

Irish Potato Candy for St Recipe

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4.5 from 28 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 20 minutes
Yield: 24 candies 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with these delightful Irish Potato Candy treats that are sweet, coconutty, and easy to make. Despite the name, there are no actual potatoes involved in this recipe!

Ingredients

Scale

Candy:

4 ounces cream cheese, softened
¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
4 cups powdered sugar
1 ½ cups sweetened shredded coconut

Coating:

1 tablespoon ground cinnamon

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Instructions

Mix Cream Cheese and Butter: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy.
Add Vanilla Extract: Mix in the vanilla extract until well combined.
Incorporate Powdered Sugar: Gradually beat in the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, until a thick dough forms.
Add Coconut: Stir in the shredded coconut until evenly distributed.
Shape Candy: Roll the mixture into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter.
Coat with Cinnamon: Roll each ball in the ground cinnamon to coat thoroughly.
Chill: Place the candies on a baking sheet and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving.