What is Irish Potato Candy?

Irish Potatoes are bite-sized, cinnamon-coated coconut cream candies that are made to look like small potatoes. They become popular every March in the weeks leading up to St. Patrick's Day. They've become a celebrated tradition all throughout the greater Philadelphia region, and those who grew up in the area never let the holiday go by without savoring a few of these sweet treats.

Are Irish Potato Candies from Ireland?

No. Despite their name, Irish Potatoes are entirely an American creation, originating in Philadelphia. It's said that Irish immigrants began making the candy as a way to honor and remember the millions of people lost in the Irish Potato Famine of the mid 1800's.

Do Irish Potato Candies contain potatoes?

No, they are just made to look like little potatoes and are intended to celebrate Irish heritage and St. Patrick's Day.

Is Irish Potato Candy the same as Old Fashioned Potato Candy?

No, they are totally different. Irish Potato Candy is made to look like little potatoes, while Old Fashioned Potato Candy is actually made from potatoes.

How to Store them and how long will they keep?

Irish Potato Candy keeps for quite a while in the refrigerator and even longer in the freezer. Store in an air-tight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks and in the freezer for up to 6 months! They can be served chilled or at room temperature, and are actually quite delicious frozen as well.

The BEST Irish Potato Candies

Name: Irish Potato Candies
Prep time: 45 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Irish
Ingredients: 1/4 cup (half a stick) of unsalted butter, softened*; 4 oz (1/2 package) cream cheese, softened; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 3 1/2 cups or 1 lb confectioners sugar; 1 teaspoon salt*; 3 cups or 8 oz unsweetened shredded coconut flakes; 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon, plus more as needed

Irish Potato Candies

close up of a box of candies with shamrocks

Print Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 4 reviews

These sweet, coconut Irish Potato Candies aren't Irish or made of potatoes, but they are ridiculously tasty and the perfect treats for St. Patricks' Day! This recipe makes the BEST Irish potatoes you've ever had!

Author: Nicole Gaffney (ColeyCooks.com)
Prep Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: about 40 candies 1x
Category: candy
Method: mixed
Cuisine: Irish

Ingredients

Scale

1/4 cup (half a stick) of unsalted butter, softened*
4 oz (1/2 package) cream cheese, softened
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3 1/2 cups or 1 lb confectioners sugar
1 teaspoon salt*
3 cups or 8 oz unsweetened shredded coconut flakes
2 tablespoons ground cinnamon, plus more as needed

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Instructions

In a medium bowl, beat the butter and cream cheese together until smooth.
Add the vanilla and salt, then slowly add in the confectioners sugar while beating until it’s all incorporated and totally smooth.
Add the coconut a little bit at a time and mix until it's totally combined.
Place in the refrigerator to chill for at least 30 minutes so that it’s easier to handle.
Scoop out scant tablespoons, then use your hands to form them into balls or oblong potato shapes, then roll in cinnamon to coat.
Refrigerate until ready to serve.

Notes

*If using salted butter, reduce the salt to 1/4 teaspoon.
*Keep refrigerated for up to 2 weeks or in the freezer for up to 6 months.

Nutrition

Serving Size:
Calories: 92
Sugar: 10.7 g
Sodium: 69 mg
Fat: 5.1 g
Carbohydrates: 12.2 g
Protein: 0.5 g
Cholesterol: 5.9 mg

Keywords: Irish, potatoes, candy, coconut, sweets, treats, dessert, cinnamon, Philadelphia

Find it online: https://coleycooks.com/irish-potato-candies/