Description
This Irish Potatoes recipe is a delightful no-bake treat featuring a creamy blend of butter, cream cheese, powdered sugar, and sweetened coconut, rolled into bite-sized balls and coated with cinnamon. These rich, coconut cream candies are traditionally enjoyed during St. Patrick's Day and are perfect for serving as a nostalgic snack or dessert.
Ingredients
Scale
Base Mixture
- 1/2 stick butter (softened)
- 1/2 brick cream cheese (softened)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 4 cups confectioner's sugar
- 2 1/2 cups sweetened coconut
- 2 tbsp ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Prepare the base mixture: Using a hand mixer or electric stand mixer, beat together the softened butter and cream cheese until smooth and creamy.
- Add confectioner's sugar: Gradually add the powdered sugar to the butter and cream cheese mixture, mixing continuously until fully incorporated and smooth.
- Mix in vanilla: Add the vanilla extract and mix well to combine all flavors thoroughly.
- Incorporate coconut: Fold in the sweetened coconut, mixing well to ensure even distribution throughout the mixture.
- Chill the dough: Refrigerate the mixture for at least 30 minutes to firm up, making it easier to handle and shape into balls.
- Shape into balls: Using your hands or a small ice cream scoop, form the chilled mixture into small, bite-sized balls. Remember, these candies are rich, so smaller sizes are ideal.
- Coat with cinnamon: Roll each ball in ground cinnamon until completely coated, giving the candies their signature appearance and a hint of warm spice.
- Arrange for serving: Place the cinnamon-coated balls onto a parchment-lined baking sheet and store in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
Notes
- Irish Potato Candy is a traditional treat often enjoyed in the Philadelphia area around St. Patrick's Day.
- Chilling the dough before shaping is crucial for easier handling and better texture.
- Use a small ice cream scoop to ensure uniform size of the candies.
- These candies are rich and sweet; serving sizes should be small for the best experience.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to one week.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece
- Calories: 92 kcal
- Sugar: 15 g
- Sodium: 27 mg
- Fat: 3 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0.5 g
- Trans Fat: 0.1 g
- Carbohydrates: 17 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 0.2 g
- Cholesterol: 3 mg
