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Creamy Irish Potato Candy Recipe with Coconut and Cinnamon

Irish potato candy - featured image

A nostalgic, creamy candy combining cream cheese, shredded coconut, and cinnamon for a sweet, chewy treat perfect for holidays and gifting.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 4 cups powdered sugar, sifted
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded sweetened coconut
  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for rolling)

Instructions

  1. Soften cream cheese and butter by leaving them at room temperature for about 30 minutes.
  2. In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and butter together on medium speed until creamy and smooth, about 2–3 minutes.
  3. Add vanilla extract (if using) and beat for 30 seconds to incorporate.
  4. Gradually sift in powdered sugar, about 1 cup at a time, mixing on low speed between additions until fully incorporated, about 5 minutes.
  5. Fold in shredded coconut and ground cinnamon gently with a rubber spatula until evenly distributed.
  6. Scoop mixture onto wax or parchment paper and shape into a 12-inch long, 2-inch thick log using hands or rolling pin. Dust hands with powdered sugar or cinnamon-sugar mix if sticky.
  7. In a small bowl, combine granulated sugar and cinnamon for the coating.
  8. Roll the candy logs in the cinnamon-sugar mixture until evenly coated.
  9. Wrap logs tightly in wax paper or plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.
  10. Slice chilled logs into 1/2-inch pieces with a sharp knife warmed under hot water and dried.

Notes

If mixture is too wet, add more powdered sugar; if too dry, add a teaspoon of milk. Use a sharp knife warmed under hot water for clean slicing. Chilling is essential for firm candy. Variations include adding nuts, chocolate chips, or orange zest. Dairy-free substitutions include coconut yogurt or dairy-free cream cheese and coconut oil instead of butter.

Nutrition

Keywords: Irish potato candy, creamy candy, coconut candy, cinnamon candy, homemade candy, holiday treat, easy candy recipe