Irish Potatoes

[rank_math_breadcrumb]

Irish potatoes may look like tiny spuds, but they’re actually a sweet, coconut-filled treat that comes together without any baking.

Softened cream cheese and butter give them a smooth, creamy texture, while powdered sugar adds just the right amount of sweetness.

The shredded coconut brings a bit of chewiness, and rolling them in cinnamon gives them that classic potato-like look.

This recipe is as simple as it gets—mix, roll, coat, and chill. It takes just minutes to prepare, and after a little time in the fridge, they’re ready to enjoy.

Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or just as a fun homemade snack, these little bites are always a hit!

Table of Contents

Irish Potatoes Recipe

Ingredients

4 ounces soft cream cheese (use dairy-free cream cheese for vegan)
¼ cup unsalted butter, softened (replace with plant-based butter for vegan)
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1 pound powdered sugar
2 ½ cups shredded coconut (make sure it’s unsweetened if preferred)
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon

Instructions

In a mixing bowl, blend the cream cheese, butter, and vanilla until smooth and creamy. An electric mixer works best, but you can mix by hand if needed.
Gradually add powdered sugar while mixing, continuing until fully combined and smooth.
Stir in the shredded coconut, making sure it’s evenly mixed throughout.
Take small portions of the mixture and shape them into little potato-like ovals, about an inch or slightly bigger.
Roll each piece in ground cinnamon until evenly coated.
Place them on a tray and refrigerate for at least an hour or until firm.

Helpful Tips For Making Irish Potatoes

Making Irish potatoes is easy, but a few simple tricks can make them even better:

Use Softened Ingredients: Make sure the cream cheese and butter are at room temperature before mixing. This helps create a smooth, lump-free texture.
Mix Gradually: Add the powdered sugar little by little to avoid a messy cloud of sugar and to help it blend evenly.
Shred Coconut Finely: If the coconut flakes are too big, pulse them in a food processor for a finer texture that mixes in better.
Shape Evenly: Use a spoon or a small scoop to get equal-sized portions so they look uniform.
Chill Before Rolling in Cinnamon: If the mixture is too soft, refrigerate it for 10–15 minutes before shaping. This makes it easier to handle.
Coat Lightly: Roll them in cinnamon gently—too much can make them taste bitter. If you prefer a milder flavor, mix the cinnamon with a little powdered sugar before coating.

Variations

If you want to change things up while keeping the same simple process, try these ideas:

Chocolate-Coated: Instead of cinnamon, roll the balls in cocoa powder or drizzle with melted chocolate for a richer taste.
Nutty Crunch: Mix in finely chopped nuts like almonds or walnuts for added texture. You can also roll them in crushed nuts instead of cinnamon.
Spiced Version: Add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom to the mixture for a warm, slightly different flavor.
Coconut-Free: If you’re not a fan of coconut, replace it with finely ground nuts or crushed biscuits for a different texture.
Extra Creamy: Swap a small portion of the cream cheese with sweetened condensed milk for a silkier consistency.

How To Store Irish Potatoes?

Proper storage keeps these treats fresh and tasty for longer:

Refrigeration: Store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They stay fresh for up to a week.
Layering: If stacking them in a container, place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
Freezing: For longer storage, freeze them in a sealed container for up to two months. Let them thaw in the fridge before eating.
Avoid Room Temperature: Because they contain dairy, they should not be left out for too long, especially in warm weather.