Description
Irish Potato Candy is a delightful no-bake treat that combines the creamy richness of butter and cream cheese with sweet powdered sugar and shredded coconut. Rolled in cinnamon to mimic the look of small potatoes, these bite-sized candies are a nostalgic favorite perfect for St. Patrick’s Day or any festive occasion. They are easy to make, require no cooking, and offer a unique blend of sweet and spicy flavors with a soft, chewy texture.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Candy:
- 1/4 cup butter, softened
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 2 1/2 cups shredded coconut
For the Coating:
- 1 cup cinnamon, for rolling
- Additional powdered sugar, for dusting (optional)
Instructions
- Mix the Base: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter, cream cheese, and vanilla extract together until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing well after each addition to fully incorporate. Once the sugar is mixed in, stir in the shredded coconut until evenly combined.
- Shape the Candy: Take small portions of the mixture and roll them into balls or shapes resembling small potatoes. If the mixture is too sticky to handle, place it in the refrigerator to chill for 20 to 30 minutes before shaping to make the process easier.
- Coat the Candy: Roll each shaped candy thoroughly in cinnamon until it is fully covered. For a more realistic potato appearance, you can lightly dust the candies with additional powdered sugar after coating them in cinnamon.
- Chill: Place the coated candies on a parchment-lined baking sheet and refrigerate them for about 1 hour to allow them to firm up before serving.
Notes
- Ensure the butter and cream cheese are softened to room temperature to make mixing easier.
- If the mixture feels too wet to shape, chilling helps to firm it up.
- The cinnamon coating provides the distinctive ‘potato’ look and adds a warm spice flavor.
- Additional powdered sugar dusting is optional but enhances the authenticity of the potato candy appearance.
- Store the candies in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep them fresh for up to one week.
