The Best Irish Potatoes

Despite their name, Irish Potatoes aren’t made with actual potatoes! These delicious no-bake treats are a classic Philadelphia St. Patrick’s Day dessert made with a sweet, creamy coconut filling and rolled in cinnamon to resemble little potatoes. They’re incredibly easy to make, require no baking, and are perfect for celebrating the holiday!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• No-Bake & Super Easy – Just mix, roll, and coat!
• Sweet & Creamy – A delicious combination of coconut, butter, and cinnamon.
• Fun & Festive – A unique treat for St. Patrick’s Day.
• Kid-Friendly – Fun for little helpers to roll into “potatoes.”
• Perfect for Gifting – Great for parties, dessert trays, or homemade gifts.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Cream cheese (softened)
• Unsalted butter (softened)
• Powdered sugar
• Sweetened shredded coconut
• Vanilla extract
• Ground cinnamon (for coating)

Optional Add-Ins:

• Cocoa powder (for a darker coating)
• Chopped nuts (for texture)
• Rum extract (for a boozy twist)

Directions

Make the Coconut Dough:

1. Beat Cream Cheese & Butter – In a large bowl, beat together cream cheese and butter until smooth.
2. Add Powdered Sugar – Gradually mix in powdered sugar until fully incorporated.
3. Stir in Coconut & Vanilla – Fold in shredded coconut and vanilla extract until evenly combined.

Shape the “Potatoes”:

4. Roll into Small Balls – Scoop small amounts of dough and roll into oval shapes to resemble potatoes.
5. Coat in Cinnamon – Roll each piece in cinnamon until fully covered.
6. Dust Off Excess – Lightly shake off extra cinnamon for a natural “potato skin” look.

Chill & Serve:

7. Refrigerate – Let candies chill for at least 1 hour before serving.
8. Enjoy! – Serve at room temperature or slightly chilled.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 20-24 Irish potatoes
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Chill Time: 1 hour
• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes

Variations

• Chocolate Irish Potatoes – Add cocoa powder to the coating for a chocolatey twist.
• Extra Spiced Version – Mix a little nutmeg or cardamom into the cinnamon coating.
• Nutty Version – Stir in finely chopped pecans or walnuts for texture.
• Dairy-Free Option – Use dairy-free butter and cream cheese.
• Rum-Flavored Irish Potatoes – Add a splash of rum extract for an extra kick!

Storage/Reheating

• Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
• Freezing: Freeze for up to 3 months; thaw before serving.
• Serving Tip: Let sit at room temperature for 5 minutes before eating for the best texture.

FAQs

Do Irish potatoes actually have potatoes in them?

No! Despite the name, they are a sweet coconut-based candy.

Why are they called Irish potatoes?

Their cinnamon-dusted appearance makes them look like small potatoes, perfect for St. Patrick’s Day.

Can I use unsweetened coconut?

Yes! But you may want to add a little more powdered sugar for sweetness.

How do I make these less sweet?

Reduce the powdered sugar slightly or use unsweetened coconut.

Can I use almond extract instead of vanilla?

Yes! It gives a nice nutty flavor that complements the coconut.

How do I prevent the cinnamon from clumping?

Sift the cinnamon before rolling the candies for an even coating.

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes! They actually taste better after chilling for a few hours.

Can I mix cinnamon into the dough instead of rolling them in it?

Yes, but rolling them gives the best “potato” appearance.

What’s the best way to gift these?

Place in a small treat bag or decorative tin with a festive St. Patrick’s Day ribbon!

What pairs well with Irish potatoes?

Enjoy with a cup of coffee, Irish tea, or a glass of Baileys Irish Cream.

Conclusion

These Irish Potatoes are a delicious, no-bake treat that’s perfect for St. Patrick’s Day! With their creamy coconut filling and cinnamon coating, they’re a fun and festive way to celebrate. Try this easy recipe and enjoy a sweet taste of Irish-inspired tradition!

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