Irish Treats for St. Patrick’s Day: Potato Candy

These tasty Irish treats are an easy no bake dessert for St. Patrick’s Day, and look just like cute little Irish potatoes!

WHAT’S THE TRUE HISTORY OF THESE IRISH TREATS?

No one really knows! The name “Irish Potato Candy” is a bit deceptive. While many Americans think of these sweet candies as traditional Irish treats, they’re actually not from Ireland. And while they look like little potatoes, they don’t contain any potato in the ingredients.

There is no documented history of how the Irish potato candy originated, but it is thought to have been created by Irish immigrants in Philadelphia over 100 years ago.

Every year, local Philadelphia confectioneries make and ship tens of thousands of pounds of potato candies all over the country. But they’re so simple to make, that you and your kids can easily whip these up yourself!

PIN TO SAVE IRISH POTATO CANDY:

HOW TO MAKE IRISH POTATO CANDY

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Yield: 60 candies

Irish Potato Candy

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These cute Irish treats actually originate in Philadelphia from Irish American immigrants. The prep time includes 60 minutes of chill time. Be sure to use regular cream cheese, not whipped or reduced fat type. Adapted from Food.com

Prep Time 1 hour 30 minutes

Total Time 1 hour 30 minutes

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup salted butter, softened
• 4 ounces real cream cheese, softened
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 16 ounce package powdered sugar
• 7 ounces sweetened flaked coconut, about 2 1/2 cups
• 1/4 cup ground cinnamon
• 2 tablespoons pine nuts

Instructions

1. In a large bowl, mix together the butter and cream cheese until smooth and creamy.
2. Add vanilla and confectioners' sugar.
3. Beat until mixture forms a ball.
4. Stir in coconut with a spoon.
5. Roll the mixture between your hands to form small smooth potato-shaped candies or roll into small balls.
6. Place cinnamon in a shallow dish and roll the balls in it.
7. Place the balls on a cookie sheet and chill for about 1 hour or until firm.
8. Poke a few pine nuts into each candy for the potato "eyes".
9. Keep refrigerated.

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

60

Serving Size:

60 candies
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 60Saturated Fat: 1gCholesterol: 4mgSodium: 22mgCarbohydrates: 9gSugar: 8g