Pioneer Woman Best Potato Candy

Pioneer Woman best potato candy takes 1 hour 20 minutes and just five ingredients, including a russet potato, powdered sugar and peanut butter, to make a soft swirled dessert. Save this easy old-fashioned Christmas candy for holiday gifting, cookie swaps or New Year's Eve, because it's a no-bake treat.

Chill the rolled log in the freezer for at least 45 minutes before you slice it, since cold candy holds its swirl. Skip that and the peanut butter squishes out while the slices smear under your knife.

Microwaving the potato instead of boiling it keeps the mash dry, so the dough turns out like molding clay and not sticky paste. Adding the powdered sugar one cup at a time lets you stop the second it feels right, since every potato holds a different amount of moisture.

Pioneer Woman Best Potato Candy

0.0 from 0 votes

Course: DessertCuisine: American, Comfort FoodDifficulty: Easy

Servings

36

servings

Prep time

20

minutes

Cooking time

10

minutes

Calories

111

kcal

Mashed potato and powdered sugar come together into a smooth, pliable dough that rolls up around a layer of creamy peanut butter. Once it chills, it slices into soft, sweet pinwheels that hold their swirl.

Ingredients

• 1 large russet potato (about 12 ounces)
  

• 2 tbsp. salted butter, at room temperature
  

• 1 tsp. vanilla extract
  

• 6 c. powdered sugar, plus more for dusting
  

• 1/2 c. creamy peanut butter, at room temperature
  

Directions

• Microwave the potato: Prick the russet potato all over with a fork, then microwave it on a microwave-safe plate for 8 to 10 minutes, rotating halfway through. If it is still firm, cook it in 1-minute increments until a paring knife slides in easily.
• Mash the potato: Cut the potato in half and let it cool for about 5 minutes so the steam escapes. Then scoop out the flesh, mash it smooth in a medium bowl and measure 1/2 cup, saving the rest for another use.
• Make the dough: Beat 2 tablespoons butter, 1 teaspoon vanilla and the 1/2 cup potato in a stand mixer with the paddle on medium-low speed. Reduce to low and add the powdered sugar one cup at a time, up to 6 cups, until the dough feels like molding clay, which usually takes 4 to 6 cups.
• Roll out the dough: Dust a large sheet of waxed or parchment paper with powdered sugar and roll the dough into a 12-by-10-inch rectangle, about 1/4 inch thick. Dust the top again if it gets sticky, then spread the 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter in an even layer.
• Roll and freeze: Starting at a long side, roll the candy tightly into a log like a jelly roll, peeling the paper away as you go. Wrap the log in waxed paper, twist the ends closed and freeze it for 45 minutes to 1 1/2 hours until very firm.
• Slice and serve: Unwrap the log on your work surface and cut it crosswise into 1/4-inch-thick slices. Wipe the knife between cuts, since a clean blade gives you neat pinwheels.

Tools for this recipe

• KitchenAid Artisan 5-quart stand mixer, Escali Primo digital kitchen scale, Victorinox Fibrox 8-inch chef's knife, Nielsen-Massey Madagascar Bourbon vanilla extract, 8 oz. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

FAQs

Can I make potato candy ahead for gifts?

Yes, you can make the log a day ahead and keep it wrapped in the fridge until you are ready to slice. Slice it just before packing, so the swirls stay sharp and the cut edges don't dry out.

Do I have to use a russet potato?

Russets work best because their fluffy, dry flesh mashes up light and doesn't add much moisture. Waxy potatoes hold more water, so you would need extra powdered sugar to get the dough firm enough to roll.

Can I make this without a stand mixer?

A hand mixer handles the early mixing fine, and you can finish by hand once the dough gets thick. Use a sturdy spoon at first, then knead in the last of the sugar with your hands until it feels like clay.

What is the biggest mistake with potato candy?

Using a potato that is still hot or wet is the most common problem, since the extra moisture makes the dough sticky and the butter leaks out. Let the potato cool and steam off first, then add sugar until the dough stops sticking.

Can I use leftover mashed potatoes instead of microwaving a fresh one?

Plain mashed potatoes with no milk, butter or salt added work fine, so measure out 1/2 cup and skip the microwave. Anything seasoned or creamy adds moisture and flavor, so you would need more powdered sugar and the candy tastes off.