Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with a tray of Irish potato candy — a sweet, festive confection that’s fun to make and even better to share. Despite the name, these bite-sized treats contain no potatoes; they’re coconut-based candies rolled in cinnamon to resemble little potatoes, perfect for gifting or serving at a holiday get-together.
I first tasted this candy years ago at work when a friend brought in a plate and left the recipe. In an office full of women, treats disappear fast, and this one was no exception — it was instantly popular. The combination of creamy coconut and cinnamon creates a nostalgic, comforting flavor that makes these candies addictive.
What is Irish Potato Candy?
Irish potato candy contains no potatoes; instead, it’s a sweet confection made from cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and shredded coconut, formed into small, potato-like shapes and dusted with cinnamon. The cinnamon gives them a rustic brown exterior that mimics a real potato. Though commonly associated with St. Patrick’s Day, the treat likely originated in the Philadelphia area and is enjoyed year-round.
If you enjoy creamy coconut confections, these are similar in texture to coconut-filled candies like Mounds, with a sweet cinnamon coating for added charm. Using cream cheese in the mixture creates a smooth, luscious texture that sets this version apart.
What you’ll need
This recipe is straightforward and kid-friendly with a little supervision. You’ll only need a few common pantry and fridge ingredients:
- Butter (softened)
- Cream cheese (softened)
- Powdered sugar
- Fine sea salt
- Shredded coconut (sweetened or unsweetened)
- Vanilla extract
- Ground cinnamon (for coating)
How to make Irish potato candy
- Step 1: In a mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and cream cheese until smooth. Add the powdered sugar, salt, shredded coconut, and vanilla, and beat until the mixture forms a stiff dough.
- Step 2: Scoop walnut-sized portions of dough and roll between your palms until smooth. Flatten slightly and shape into small, elongated rounds to resemble potatoes.
- Step 3: Roll each shaped candy in ground cinnamon and shake off any excess. A slightly rustic, uneven coating improves the potato-like appearance.
- Step 4: Arrange the candies on a parchment-lined sheet and chill in the refrigerator until firm, about one hour. Store chilled until ready to serve.
Irish potato candy FAQs
Store these candies in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Serve them chilled for best texture and flavor.
Yes. The original recipe often calls for sweetened shredded coconut, but desiccated or unsweetened shredded coconut works well if you prefer less sweetness or a drier texture.
No. There are no potatoes in these candies — they’re only shaped and dusted with cinnamon to look like tiny potatoes.
More gluten free St. Patrick’s day recipes
- Gluten free Irish cream brownies
- Gluten free rainbow cake
- Gluten free soda bread
- Gluten free Irish brown bread
Whether you’re celebrating St. Patrick’s Day or simply craving a nostalgic sweet, these Irish potato candies are easy to make and delightful to share. Their creamy coconut center and cinnamon coating make them an irresistible treat for any occasion.
Irish Potato Candy
Ingredients
- 56 grams (4 tbsp) butter, softened
- 113 grams (4oz or ½ of an 8oz pkg) cream cheese, softened
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon fine sea salt
- 454 grams (1lb) powdered sugar
- 198 grams (7oz) sweetened shredded coconut
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
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In a mixing bowl, cream the butter and cream cheese until smooth. Add the powdered sugar, vanilla, salt, and coconut, and beat until the mixture resembles stiff cookie dough.
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Scoop walnut-sized portions and roll between your palms, shaping each into a small, elongated potato-like form.
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Roll each piece in ground cinnamon, shake off excess, and place on parchment-lined paper.
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Chill for about one hour until firm. Store in the refrigerator in a covered container for up to 5 days and serve chilled.