There is something utterly charming and nostalgic about this Irish Potato Candy for St. Patrick’s Day Recipe. Don’t let the name fool you—these little treats look like tiny potatoes but taste like a heavenly blend of creamy sweetness with a warm hint of cinnamon. This classic Southern favorite is a delightful way to celebrate Saint Patrick’s Day, offering a unique twist that’s both festive and irresistibly tasty. It combines simple ingredients into a treat that is as fun to make as it is to eat, perfect for sharing with friends and family or bringing a smile to any holiday table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering your ingredients for this Irish Potato Candy for St. Patrick’s Day Recipe is quick and easy. Each element plays a crucial role; from the creamy butter and tangy cream cheese to the delicate shredded coconut and warming cinnamon, every ingredient layers flavor, texture, and that charming potato look.
- Unsalted Butter (1/4 cup, softened): Provides a creamy base that binds the mixture and adds richness without overpowering sweetness.
- Cream Cheese (4 oz, softened): Adds tang and smoothness, creating the perfect soft texture that melts in your mouth.
- Vanilla Extract (1 tsp): A subtle but essential flavor enhancer that brings depth to the candy.
- Ground Cinnamon (1/4 tsp for the mixture): Infuses warmth and spice, making every bite cozy and comforting.
- Powdered Sugar (3 1/2 cups): Sweetens the candy and helps achieve that dough-like, moldable consistency.
- Sweetened Shredded Coconut (2 cups): Adds texture and the rustic potato “skin” effect when the candies are rolled.
- Ground Cinnamon (1 tbsp for rolling): Used in the coating to mimic the potato’s outer surface and bring an extra cinnamon kick.
- Granulated Sugar (1/4 cup for rolling): Balances the cinnamon in the coating with a gentle crunch and sweetness.
How to Make Irish Potato Candy for St. Patrick’s Day Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Mixture
Start by softening your unsalted butter and cream cheese until they’re at room temperature. This makes mixing effortless and ensures a velvety smooth base. In a medium bowl, cream together the butter, cream cheese, and vanilla extract until perfectly combined and fluffy. This creamy foundation is what gives these candies their melt-in-your-mouth quality.
Step 2: Add Powdered Sugar and Coconut
Gradually sift in the powdered sugar, mixing continuously so it blends seamlessly with the creamy base without any lumps. Once fully incorporated, fold in the shredded coconut and the 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon. The coconut adds the texture and surprise bite that makes this candy so unique, while the cinnamon gently echoes the festive flavor.
Step 3: Shape the Candies
When your mixture forms a soft, dough-like consistency, it’s ready to handle. Use your hands to mold small, potato-shaped candies about 1 to 1 1/2 inches long. This is a fun step—don’t worry about perfect shapes, the rustic, handmade look is part of their charm!
Step 4: Coat in Cinnamon Sugar
Combine 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon with 1/4 cup granulated sugar in a shallow dish. Roll each potato candy in this cinnamon sugar mixture until fully coated. This final touch not only adds a slight crunch but also perfectly replicates the look of a real potato skin with a touch of sweetness and spice.
Step 5: Chill and Set
Place your coated candies on a parchment-lined tray and chill them in the refrigerator for at least an hour. Chilling helps them firm up, making them easier to handle and intensifying the flavors so every bite is satisfyingly delicious.
Step 6: Serve
Once chilled, your Irish Potato Candy for St. Patrick’s Day Recipe is ready to be served. They’re gorgeous little sweets that bring joy with every bite and are guaranteed to transport you to holiday happiness!
How to Serve Irish Potato Candy for St. Patrick’s Day Recipe
Garnishes
Though these candies stand out on their own, a delicate sprinkle of extra cinnamon sugar on top before serving can add an inviting sparkle and hint of spice. You might also consider placing them in festive green cupcake liners to bring an extra pop of color to your presentation.
Side Dishes
Pair these delightful candies with a hot cup of Irish coffee or a creamy Irish cream latte. Their mellow sweetness complements the rich, bold flavors of these drinks wonderfully. For a holiday dessert spread, place alongside mint chocolate bites or salted caramel fudge for a stunning variety of treats.
Creative Ways to Present
Think beyond the plate: serve these adorable candies in a rustic wooden bowl surrounded by shamrock decorations or on a tiered serving tray with sprigs of fresh mint. Packaging them in small decorative jars or clear bags tied with green ribbons makes a charming homemade gift that friends and family will adore.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Irish Potato Candy is best enjoyed within a few days, but you can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. Keep them well-covered to maintain their freshness and prevent the cinnamon sugar coating from becoming soggy.
Freezing
If you want to make these candies ahead of time or preserve them longer, freezing is a great option. Arrange the candies on a baking sheet lined with parchment and freeze until solid, about 2 hours. Then transfer them to a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. They’ll keep well for up to two months.
Reheating
No need to reheat Irish Potato Candy; simply let frozen candies thaw in the refrigerator overnight. They’ll retain their texture and flavor perfectly, ready to delight once again without any fuss.
FAQs
Why are they called potato candy?
These sweets look like miniature potatoes because of their shape and the cinnamon sugar coating. Interestingly, they contain no actual potatoes, but their rustic appearance pays homage to this fun namesake.
Can I use shredded coconut without added sugar?
You can, but keep in mind the overall sweetness will be a bit less. The sweetened shredded coconut adds that essential balance, so you might want to adjust powdered sugar amounts or add a touch more vanilla for extra sweetness if using unsweetened coconut.
Is it necessary to chill the candies?
Chilling is recommended because it firms up the candies, making them easier to handle and improving their texture. It also helps the flavors meld beautifully, creating a more delightful eating experience.
Can I add food coloring to these candies?
While traditional Irish Potato Candy doesn’t include food coloring, you could add a drop of green or gold food coloring to the dough for a festive twist. Just be careful not to add too much to avoid changing the texture.
Are these candies suitable for kids?
Absolutely! Irish Potato Candy for St. Patrick’s Day Recipe is sweet, simple, and made from wholesome ingredients, making it a fun, kid-friendly treat to enjoy during holiday celebrations.
Final Thoughts
Making Irish Potato Candy for St. Patrick’s Day Recipe is one of those simple pleasures that remind us how comfort and creativity come together in the kitchen. This sweet, cinnamon-kissed candy is a delightful way to celebrate the holiday and share a piece of tradition with loved ones. Give it a try this year—you might just find it becomes a treasured part of your St. Patrick’s Day celebrations for years to come!
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Irish Potato Candy for St. Patrick’s Day Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes plus 1 hour chilling
- Yield: 20 servings
- Category: Candy
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Irish-American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Irish Potato Candy is a delightful St. Patrick’s Day treat that resembles miniature potatoes but tastes sweet and creamy. Made from a smooth mixture of cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and shredded coconut, these candies are rolled in a cinnamon sugar coating for a hint of spice and extra sweetness. Perfectly festive and easy to prepare, these bite-sized confections offer a nostalgic and charming addition to any celebration.
Ingredients
For the Candy Mixture
- 1/4 cup Unsalted Butter, softened
- 4 oz Cream Cheese, softened
- 1 tsp Vanilla Extract
- 1/4 tsp Ground Cinnamon (for flavor)
- 3 1/2 cups Powdered Sugar
- 2 cups Sweetened Shredded Coconut
For Coating
- 1 tbsp Ground Cinnamon (for rolling)
- 1/4 cup Granulated Sugar (for rolling)
Instructions
- Prepare the Mixture: In a mixing bowl, combine the softened unsalted butter, softened cream cheese, vanilla extract, and 1/4 teaspoon of ground cinnamon. Beat these ingredients together until smooth and creamy, ensuring there are no lumps.
- Add Powdered Sugar and Coconut: Gradually add the powdered sugar into the mixture, stirring well after each addition to fully incorporate it. Once the powdered sugar is completely mixed in, fold in the shredded sweetened coconut until the mixture forms a dough-like consistency that can be shaped by hand.
- Shape the Candies: Take small portions of the dough and roll them between your palms to form small, oval-shaped pieces resembling miniature potatoes. This step is key to achieving the traditional look.
- Coat in Cinnamon Sugar: Mix the tablespoon of ground cinnamon with the quarter cup of granulated sugar in a shallow dish. Roll each shaped candy in this cinnamon sugar mixture thoroughly so that they are fully coated, which adds a sweet, spicy layer and the characteristic appearance.
- Chill and Set: Place the coated candies on a parchment-lined tray or plate and refrigerate them for at least an hour. Chilling allows them to firm up and helps the flavors meld together for the best taste and texture.
- Serve: Once set, the Irish Potato Candies are ready to be served. Arrange them on a festive platter and enjoy this charming treat during your St. Patrick’s Day celebration or share as a delightful homemade gift.
Notes
- Use sweetened shredded coconut for the best flavor and texture; unsweetened coconut will alter the sweetness and mouthfeel.
- If the dough feels too sticky to handle, chill it briefly before shaping to make it easier to work with.
- Store leftover candies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.
- This candy is traditionally not made with actual potatoes; the name comes from its appearance and shape.
- You can adjust the cinnamon quantity in the coating according to your spice preference.
