Irish Potatoes Recipe

I have made this recipe for Irish Potatoes every year around St. Patrick’s day for as long as I can remember.  It’s been in the family for years and is a great recipe to pass along quickly to someone because it has so few ingredients!  For anyone that has never had an Irish Potato, it is not actually a potato, although it may look like a tiny version of one.  It is a deliciously sweet dessert/ candy treat!

After making my annual batch this year, I decided to do some research on where this confection originated.  (Definitely not in Ireland).  I was very surprised to find that it started out right here locally and became a Philadelphia-area tradition over 100 years ago!  WHO KNEW!?!?  One of the largest distributors, if you’re looking for a store-bought version, is Oh Ryan’s based out of Linwood, PA.  In my research, I also found many different recipes, with varying ingredients.

But I can proudly say that I stand by my family recipe!!!!!  My recipe is far more tasty than any other recipe or store-bought version out there!!!!!!!  Check out my recipe for Irish Potatoes and let me know what you think!  The luck of the Irish to you!

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Irish Potatoes

Yield: 45 candies

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 15 minutes

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Ingredients

• 1 pound of confectioner's sugar (aka powdered sugar)
• 4 oz cream cheese, softened (I just cut an 8 oz block in half)
• 1 tablespoon of vanilla extract
• 1 (7 oz) bag of shredded coconut
• 1 and 1/2 tsp Ground Cinnamon

Instructions

1. Be sure to let your cream cheese sit out for a bit to let it soften.
2. Place your cream cheese in your mixer and slowly add in the confectioner's sugar a little at a time along with the vanilla extract.
3. Once fully blended, add in your coconut and mix again.
4. Taking small chunks, roll into small balls. (They do not have to be perfect ball shapes; I actually like making them different sizes/shapes and more into realistic-looking potato shapes.)
5. Roll all of your balls into cinnamon. (Now they look like potatoes!!)
6. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator until you are ready to serve your sweet treat!

Notes

The number of Irish Potatoes this recipe will yield will depend on the size you make them. I yielded 45 pieces.

Did you make this recipe?

Please leave a comment below OR share a photo on Instagram and tag @foodmarriage - can't wait to see how it turned out!

The number of Irish Potatoes this recipe will yield will depend on the size you make them. With this recent batch, it made about 45 potatoes!  They are perfect for sharing!!!  My husband and I will be able to take them to both of our works AND still have leftovers at home!