Irish Potato Candy

Irish potatoes (the candy) are an easy, no-bake buttercream treat shaped like tiny potatoes, made with shredded coconut, cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and cinnamon–but no actual potatoes. This is my authentic Philadelphia family recipe for Irish potato candy, a St. Patrick’s Day hometown staple that I’ve perfected as a professional pastry chef. A nostalgic Philly favorite (make that “phavorite”).

What Are Irish Potatoes Candies?

Irish potatoes are easy, no-bake buttercream candies rolled in cinnamon (sometimes cocoa powder) to resemble little potatoes. They are a sweet, traditional Philadelphia treat: neither Irish nor potatoes, but 100% delicious.

As a professional pastry chef and a native Philadelphia-area resident, I’ve spent decades both making and eating Irish potatoes, finding the perfect flavor balance and method for this seasonal treat. I have even written about the fascinating history of Irish Potatoes for Saveur magazine. For more on how this uniquely Philadelphian candy got its name and why it isn’t made with potatoes, see What Are Irish Potatoes? (Hint: In Philly, It’s a Candy). While you can find them in every Philly grocery store come March, nothing compares to the homemade version.

Below, I am sharing the authentic Philly Irish potato candy recipe, refined with professional pastry techniques to ensure a silkier texture and a more balanced sweetness than store-bought versions. If you love the flavor of a Mounds bar but want something homemade with St. Patrick’s spirit, this is it.

Why This Is the Best Irish Potato Candy Recipe

• Pastry Chef Perfected: Many recipes are too sweet. My ratio uses the tang of Philadelphia cream cheese and a specific powdered sugar ratio to balance the sweetness.
• Authenticity: This is the real-deal recipe I’ve eaten in the Philadelphia region my entire life, a beloved (and oft-requested!) family recipe passed down for generations
• No-Bake and Fast: Only 6 ingredients and about 20 minutes of active prep
• Pro-Tip Method: I’ll show you exactly how to mix, chill, and roll the dough so your “potatoes” don’t get mushy or dry

Celebrating St. Patrick’s Day? You’ll also like: 9 Irish Recipes for St. Patrick’s Day and What Are Irish Potatoes?: Food History.

Ingredients for Irish Potatoes

• 1 8-ounce package cream cheese, softened: I highly recommend Philadelphia brand for the best flavor and firmest set
• 1 stick (4 ounces; 8 tablespoons) unsalted butter: make sure this is softened, too, so the cream cheese and butter emulsify smoothly
• 32 ounces confectioner’s sugar
• 7 ounces sweetened, shredded coconut
• 1 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract: I always use pure, real vanilla extract for the best aroma and flavor.
• Pinch of salt: to complement the sweetness; this is barely noticeable, but rounds the flavor
• 3 tablespoons (about) ground cinnamon: for that signature “plucked right from the dirt” potato look.

Instructions: How to Make Irish Potato Candy (Step-by-Step)

1. Cream the Base: In a stand mixer with the paddle attachment, cream the softened butter and cream cheese until completely smooth.
2. Add the Remaining Ingredients: Mix in the vanilla and salt, then gradually add the powdered sugar on low speed. Fold in the shredded coconut.
3. The Essential Chill: Cover and chill the dough for at least one hour. You need the dough to firm up to scoop and roll the potatoes the best way.
4. Scoop and Roll: Use a small cookie scoop to portion tablespoon-sized rounds. Roll them between your palms until smooth.
5. The Cinnamon Coating: Toss the balls in a bowl of cinnamon a few at a time. Tap off the excess.
6. Cover and Chill: Store in a single layer and chill until ready to eat. These will keep for up to one week in the refrigerator, covered in an airtight container, and can also be frozen.

Pastry Chef Pro Tips for Better Results

• Control the Sweetness: If the dough feels too sweet, add a tiny extra pinch of kosher salt. Salt is a pastry chef’s best tool for cutting through high-sugar recipes.
• The Mixing Method: Use the paddle attachment, not the whisk. We want a dense, fudge-like consistency. A whisk will incorporate too much air, and the dough will get stuck inside the whisk “balloon.” Also be sure to mix the dough on low speed to prevent your powdered sugar from exploding all over your countertop! You can also mix the dough by hand with a sturdy spatula.
• The “Potato Eye” Trick: For extra realism, press a few small pieces of chopped pine nuts (pignoli) into the finished candy to look like potato eyes
• Coating Variation: Roll the Irish potatoes in a 1:1 combination of sifted cocoa powder and cinnamon instead of just cinnamon for a slightly softer flavor. This is also an authentic Philly way to make Irish potatoes.

Storing and Freezing Irish Potatoes Candy

In the Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to one week

In the Freezer: These freeze beautifully! Place them in a single layer on a tray (covered so as to not dry out and to prevent spills) to freeze solid, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight in a single layer to hold the shape.

I don’t use this expression lightly, but I warn you that these can be very addictive–I speak from personal experience. I hope you enjoy bringing this sweet, seasonal Pennsylvania tradition to your kitchen.

If you really want to eat like a Philly local, you can follow these sweets with the ultimate savory, flavorful (phlavorful?) classic: an authentic Philly cheesesteak made with the right roll and American cheese, Whiz, or sharp provolone.

F.A.Q.s and Expert Tips

What Do Irish Potato Candies Taste Like?

Imagine the best-tasting vanilla coconut buttercream you’ve ever had. Now make it a little thicker, and roll it in cinnamon for an earthy complementary flavor to offset the sweetness. That’s what Irish potato candies taste like: sweet, soft, full of coconut, with just the right tang and earthy notes from cream cheese and cinnamon to balance the sweetness from the coconut and powdered sugar.

Come Easter, this same coconut cream filling gets shaped into eggs and dipped in dark chocolate; try our coconut cream Easter eggs for a springtime spin on the same idea. And if you love the flavor of sweet coconut, I also recommend this recipe for the “Tom Cruise” white chocolate coconut bundt cake — one of my absolute favorites.

Pair your St. Patrick’s Day (like rich Irish Guinness Chocolate Cake, perhaps?) with a classic side: try the hearty Colcannon (Traditional Irish Mashed Potatoes) for St. Patrick’s Day. Want another homemade candy that’s fun to make in springtime? I love making homemade chocolate peanut butter eggs for Easter; think Reese’s, but better.

Love this Philly Irish Potato candy recipe? More essential Irish and Philly recipes:

• Beef and Mushroom Shepherd’s Pie
• Irish Soda Bread, 2 Ways

Originally published March 7, 2024. Updated March 2025 and February 2026.

Why You Should Trust This Recipe: These recipes were developed and tested from scratch by Lisa Ruland, a Philadelphia-area native, Culinary Institute of America graduate (valedictorian), Level 2 WSET-Cerrtified Wine Professional (With Honors), and professional pastry chef and food writer/recipe developer. I am committed to providing accurate, trustworthy culinary guidance based on years of hands-on experience in professional and home kitchens. Learn more about Lisa’s background and expertise.