Description
Sweet Irish potato candies blend nostalgic family flavors with delightful coconut and cream cheese. Pillowy confections melt smoothly, offering a charming Irish-inspired treat that invites you to savor each delectable bite.
Ingredients
																
							Scale
													
									
			
Main Ingredients:
- 1 package (8 ounces/226 grams) cream cheese, softened
 - 4 cups (480 grams) powdered sugar
 - 2 cups (160 grams) sweetened shredded coconut
 
Flavoring Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup (50 grams) unsweetened cocoa powder
 - 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 milliliters) vanilla extract
 
Coating/Topping Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup (30 grams) chopped pecans
 - 1/4 cup (25 grams) ground cinnamon
 
Instructions
- Combine softened cream cheese and powdered sugar in a spacious mixing bowl, blending until achieving a silky, uniform texture.
 - Incorporate cocoa powder and vanilla extract, stirring meticulously to ensure complete integration and a rich, smooth consistency.
 - Gradually fold in shredded coconut, kneading the mixture until it transforms into a compact, moldable dough.
 - For enhanced depth and crunch, gently mix in chopped pecans, distributing them evenly throughout the candy base.
 - Using gentle pressure, sculpt the mixture into compact spheres approximating walnut dimensions, ensuring uniform size and shape.
 - Optional: Delicately roll each candy sphere in ground cinnamon, creating a traditional coating that adds warm, aromatic complexity.
 - Transfer the prepared candies to a refrigerated environment, allowing them to set and firm for a minimum of 2 hours, which enhances texture and flavor melding.
 - Once chilled, transfer the Irish potato candies to a sealed container and maintain refrigeration to preserve freshness and structural integrity.
 
Notes
- Chilling is crucial for achieving the perfect texture, allowing the candies to firm up and develop a more intense flavor profile.
 - Adjust sweetness by gradually adding powdered sugar, tasting as you go to find your ideal balance of sweetness.
 - For a nut-free version, skip the pecans or replace with toasted coconut flakes for extra crunch and tropical twist.
 - Make these treats ahead of time as they store beautifully in the refrigerator for up to a week, making them perfect for advance party prep or unexpected guests.
 
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
 - Cook Time: 0 minutes
 - Category: Desserts, Snacks
 - Method: Rolling
 - Cuisine: Irish
 
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
 - Calories: 178
 - Sugar: 24 g
 - Sodium: 60 mg
 - Fat: 6 g
 - Saturated Fat: 4 g
 - Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
 - Trans Fat: 0 g
 - Carbohydrates: 30 g
 - Fiber: 1 g
 - Protein: 2 g
 - Cholesterol: 20 mg