Sweet, creamy, and delightfully bite-sized, Irish Potato Candy is a no-bake treat made with coconut, cream cheese, and powdered sugar, rolled to look like tiny potatoes and coated in cinnamon. Perfect for St. Patrick’s Day or anytime you want a fun, festive candy.
Irish Potato Candy is a fun and festive no-bake treat that’s perfect for St. Patrick’s Day or any time you want a sweet snack. Made with cream cheese, shredded coconut, and powdered sugar, these little candies are rolled into potato-shaped bites and coated in cinnamon for a light, sweet spice.
Easy to make and adorable to serve, they’re a treat that everyone will love. You might also enjoy St. Patrick’s Day Pretzels or for even more ideas check out these 15 Easy St Patrick’s Day Desserts.
Table of contents
Why I Love Irish Potato Candy
- No-Bake and Easy – Comes together quickly with simple ingredients and requires no oven.
- Festive and Fun – Tiny potato shapes make these candies a playful addition to any St. Patrick’s Day spread.
- Creamy and Sweet – The combination of cream cheese, coconut, and powdered sugar creates a smooth, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Lightly Spiced – Rolled in cinnamon for a subtle warmth that balances the sweetness perfectly.
- Perfect Bite-Sized Treats – Great for parties, gifts, or just a little sweet indulgence anytime.
Ingredients
- Ground cinnamon – for coating the candies and giving that classic “little potatoes” look with a warm, sweet spice.
- Salted butter, softened – adds richness and creaminess to the candy base.
- Cream cheese, softened – creates a smooth, creamy texture that holds the candy together.
- Vanilla extract – enhances the flavor with a touch of warmth and depth.
- Powdered sugar – sweetens and firms up the candy base for easy rolling.
- Sweetened shredded coconut – provides texture, sweetness, and the signature coconut flavor.
Step By Step Instructions
Step 1. Line large baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step 2. Next, get out a small bowl and add the ground cinnamon. Set aside for later.
Step 3. Beat the softened butter and cream cheese on medium-high speed until smooth and creamy. I like to use my stand mixer. This will take about 5 minutes. Then reduce to low and add the vanilla extract.
Step 4. Gradually add the confectioners sugar on low speed. Add about ⅓ cup at a time and make sure to mix well after each addition.
Step 5. Once combined, add shredded coconut. Mix together with a spatula or clean hands until a dough forms.
Step 6. Form the dough into balls using a 1-teaspoon cookie scoop.
Step 7. Roll each ball in the cinnamon to coat.
Step 8. Finally, place on the prepared baking sheet. Once all of the dough has been used, transfer the baking sheet to the freezer and chill for about 1 hour, or until the candy balls are firm. Then serve and enjoy.
Storage
Refrigerator: Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Allow them to come to room temperature before serving for the best texture.
Freezing: Irish Potato Candy can be frozen for up to 1 month. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
Pro Tips
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Use butter and cream cheese at room temperature so the mixture blends smoothly and easily.
- Sift Powdered Sugar: Sifting prevents lumps in the candy base and ensures a creamy texture.
- Uniform Size: Roll the candies into even bite-sized pieces for consistent cooking and a neat appearance.
- Chill if Needed: If the mixture is too soft to handle, chill it slightly before rolling.
- Cinnamon Coating: Roll each candy in cinnamon just before serving to keep the coating fresh and flavorful.
- Cocoa Powder Alternative: For a chocolate twist, roll the candies in cocoa powder or mix cocoa powder into the coating instead of cinnamon.
- Optional Powdered Sugar Dust: Lightly dust with extra powdered sugar after the cinnamon for a more “rustic potato” look.
- Flavor Variations: Add finely chopped nuts or a few drops of coconut extract to enhance flavor.
More St. Patrick’s Day Treats
- St Patrick’s Day Cookies
- St. Patrick’s Day Cake Pops
- St. Patrick’s Day Puppy Chow
- St. Patrick’s Day Cupcakes
Try making these delicious, creamy, and festive Irish Potato Candies at home and delight your family and friends! Share your creations in the comments and rate the recipe.
Irish Potato Candy
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
- ¼ cup salted butter softened
- 4 ounces cream cheese softened
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 7 ounces sweetened shredded coconut
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Instructions
- Prepare a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Add the ground cinnamon to a small bowl and set aside.
- Use a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, or a hand mixer and large bowl, beat the softened butter and cream cheese on medium-high speed until smooth and creamy. This will take about 5 minutes.
- Reduce the mixer speed to low and add the vanilla extract. Mix until fully combined.
- With the mixer still on low speed, gradually add the powdered sugar, about ⅓ cup at a time, mixing well after each addition until smooth.
- Remove the bowl from the mixer and add the shredded coconut. Use a spatula or clean hands to knead the mixture until evenly combined and a dough forms.
- Using a 1-teaspoon cookie scoop, portion out the dough and roll into smooth balls. Roll each ball in the cinnamon to coat, then place on the prepared baking sheet.
- Repeat until all of the dough has been used.
- Transfer the baking sheet to the freezer and chill for about 1 hour, or until the candy balls are firm.
- Then the candy is ready to serve and enjoy!
These were So Good and easy to make. Everyone loved them. Thanks for the recipe.
Jill – You made my day! Thank you so much!