Irish Potato Candy is a fun and sweet treat that looks like little potatoes but tastes like creamy coconut and cinnamon sugar. The outside is rolled in cinnamon, giving it a warm, spicy touch, while inside it’s soft and sweet with coconut and cream cheese. It’s a delightful little candy that’s perfect for St. Patrick’s Day or any time you want a cute and tasty snack.
I love making Irish Potato Candy because it’s a simple recipe that doesn’t need baking, and it always surprises people with how good it tastes despite its funny name. I find that rolling each piece by hand is half the fun—it’s like a small craft project that ends with a sweet reward. Plus, the cinnamon sugar on the outside adds a nice little crunch and warmth that balances the sweet coconut inside.
When I serve Irish Potato Candy, I like to put it on a festive platter with some green and gold decorations to match the St. Patrick’s Day vibe. It’s always a hit at parties because it’s something different from the usual chocolate or cookies. These candies make for a charming homemade gift, too, and I’ve noticed they disappear fast whenever I bring a batch to share!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cream Cheese: This gives the candy its creamy, smooth texture. For a dairy-free version, try using a dairy-free cream cheese or coconut cream for a similar richness.
Powdered Sugar: Powdered sugar keeps the candy sweet and helps it hold its shape. Make sure to sift it to avoid lumps. You can use a powdered sugar substitute if you want a lower-sugar option, but it may affect texture.
Shredded Coconut: This adds flavor and texture. Sweetened shredded coconut is traditional, but you can use unsweetened if you prefer less sweetness.
Vanilla Extract: Adds a subtle depth of flavor. Almond extract is a nice alternative if you want a different twist.
Ground Cinnamon: This coats the candy, making it look like a potato. Don’t skip it! You can adjust how much you use to balance the spiciness with sweetness.
How Do I Shape and Coat the Candy So They Look Like Little Potatoes?
Shaping and coating the candies is the fun part that gives them their unique look!
- Pinch off small amounts of the dough—about 1 to 1.5 inches long works well.
- Roll between your hands to form oval, slightly lumpy shapes like little potatoes.
- Pour cinnamon onto a flat plate for easy rolling.
- Roll each shaped candy in cinnamon gently but thoroughly to coat all sides.
- Place them on parchment to set and chill if you like them firmer.
Taking your time with rolling helps the final look be realistic and the cinnamon adds a bit of texture and warmth to balance the sweet coconut inside.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Mixing bowls – I recommend a large bowl for mixing all the ingredients comfortably.
- Measuring cups and spoons – to get precise amounts for consistency.
- Shredded coconut – a standard bag works, and I love using sweetened coconut for added flavor.
- Plate or shallow dish – for rolling candies in cinnamon.
- Parchment paper – to prevent sticking and make cleanup easy.
- Cookie scoop or spoon – helpful for portioning the dough evenly.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Use crushed nuts (like pecans or almonds) mixed into the dough for extra crunch and flavor.
- Add a dash of almond or peppermint extract instead of vanilla for a different aroma and taste.
- Roll the candies in cocoa powder or crushed graham crackers instead of cinnamon for a different coating look and flavor.
- Make a white chocolate version by dipping or drizzling with melted white chocolate after coating in cinnamon.
How to Make Irish Potato Candy
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 8 oz (about 1 cup) cream cheese, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar, sifted
- 2 cups sweetened shredded coconut
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Ground cinnamon, for rolling and coating (about ½ cup)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and shape, plus an optional 30 minutes chilling time to help the candies firm up before you enjoy them.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Mix the Candy Dough
In a large bowl, add the softened cream cheese, sifted powdered sugar, shredded coconut, and vanilla extract. Stir everything together well until the mixture forms a smooth dough that you can shape by hand. It should be a bit stiff but easy to roll into shapes.
2. Shape the Candies
Pinch off small portions of the dough and roll them between your palms to make little oval shapes, about 1 to 1 ½ inches long—just like tiny potatoes!
3. Coat with Cinnamon
Pour ground cinnamon into a shallow plate. Roll each shaped candy in the cinnamon until it’s completely covered. This cinnamon coating looks like potato skin and adds a delicious warm spice.
4. Set and Serve
Place your cinnamon-coated candies onto a tray lined with parchment paper. You can serve them right away or chill them in the fridge for about 30 minutes to make them a little firmer. Enjoy your sweet, coconutty treats that taste as fun as they look!
Can I Use Frozen Cream Cheese?
It’s best to use cream cheese that’s fully thawed and softened for easy mixing. Thaw frozen cream cheese overnight in the fridge, then let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before starting.
Can I Make Irish Potato Candy Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the candies a day in advance and store them in an airtight container in the fridge. Just bring them to room temperature before serving for the best texture and flavor.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store leftover candies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. They may firm up when chilled, so let them sit at room temperature for a few minutes before enjoying.
Can I Substitute the Cinnamon Coating?
Definitely! If you’re not a fan of cinnamon, try rolling the candies in cocoa powder, crushed nuts, or graham cracker crumbs for a fun twist.
