Buckeyes Recipe

Introduction

Buckeyes are classic no-bake peanut butter and chocolate treats that are rich, creamy, and irresistibly sweet. Named after the nut of the Ohio buckeye tree, these bite-sized delights resemble the nut’s distinctive look with a chocolate coating partially covering a peanut butter center. Perfect for parties or a homemade snack, they’re easy to prepare and always a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

• 8 tablespoons unsalted butter (room temperature)
• 1 ½ cups creamy peanut butter (do not use natural peanut butter)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ⅛ teaspoon kosher salt
• 3 ½ cups powdered sugar
• 10 ounces milk chocolate melting wafers (such as Ghirardelli)
• ½ cup semi sweet chocolate chips

Instructions

1. Step 1: Line a sheet pan with parchment paper and set aside to prepare for the buckeyes.
2. Step 2: Cream the unsalted butter and creamy peanut butter together until smooth and fully combined, about 2 minutes.
3. Step 3: Beat in the vanilla extract and kosher salt until evenly mixed.
4. Step 4: Add 1 ½ cups of powdered sugar and mix on low speed until mostly combined, then increase to high speed for one minute. Repeat by adding 1 cup powdered sugar two more times, mixing each time until the mixture is smooth, slightly crumbly, and no longer sticky to the touch.
5. Step 5: Scoop the peanut butter mixture and roll into 1-inch balls. Place them on the prepared baking sheet.
6. Step 6: Freeze the peanut butter balls for 30 minutes until very firm. If freezer space is limited, refrigerate for 2 hours instead.
7. Step 7: While the balls firm up, prepare the chocolate coating by combining the melting wafers and chocolate chips in a shallow, microwave-safe bowl.
8. Step 8: Melt the chocolate in the microwave in 30-second increments at 50% power, stirring between each, until smooth and fully melted—avoid overheating.
9. Step 9: Using toothpicks or wooden skewers, carefully dip each peanut butter ball into the melted chocolate, leaving the top of the ball uncovered to mimic a buckeye.
10. Step 10: Wipe excess chocolate on the bowl edge and place coated buckeyes back on the parchment-lined pan.
11. Step 11: Gently twist and remove the toothpick or skewer. Smooth the hole left behind with a small amount of peanut butter mixture or a slightly wet finger, or leave as is.
12. Step 12: Repeat dipping with all remaining peanut butter balls until complete.
13. Step 13: Let the buckeyes sit until the chocolate has set, then refrigerate until ready to serve and enjoy.

Tips & Variations

• Use creamy peanut butter for the best texture; natural peanut butter may be too oily and affect consistency.
• Chill your hands slightly before rolling to prevent sticking.
• For a richer chocolate coating, use dark chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet.
• Try adding a pinch of cinnamon or a splash of bourbon to the peanut butter mixture for a unique twist.
• Store portions on wax paper in the freezer for longer-term keeping and grab them as needed.

Storage

Store buckeyes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. For longer storage, freeze them for up to 3 months, separating layers with parchment paper. To enjoy, thaw in the refrigerator before serving. Avoid leaving them at room temperature too long as the chocolate can soften and the peanut butter may become overly soft.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use natural peanut butter for buckeyes?

Natural peanut butter is not recommended because its higher oil content can make the mixture too soft and oily, preventing the buckeyes from holding their shape properly.

How do I prevent the chocolate from seizing when melting?

Use microwave-safe bowls and melt the chocolate slowly at 50% power in short intervals, stirring well between each. Avoid overheating and keep water away from the chocolate, as even a small amount can cause it to seize.

Buckeyes Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 76 reviews

• Author: Julian
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 36 servings 1x

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Description

Buckeyes are a classic no-bake treat featuring creamy peanut butter balls coated partially in rich melted chocolate, resembling the nut of the Ohio buckeye tree. This recipe combines smooth peanut butter, butter, and powdered sugar to form the sweet filling, which is chilled before being dipped in a luscious milk chocolate coating. Perfect for parties or as a delightful snack, these bite-sized buckeyes are simple to prepare and sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Peanut Butter Mixture

• 8 tablespoons unsalted butter (room temperature)
• 1 ½ cups creamy peanut butter (do not use natural peanut butter)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ⅛ teaspoon kosher salt
• 3 ½ cups powdered sugar

Chocolate Coating

• 10 ounces milk chocolate melting wafers (Ghirardelli recommended)
• ½ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

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Instructions

1. Prepare the baking sheet: Line a sheet pan with parchment paper and set aside to ensure your buckeyes do not stick during chilling.
2. Mix peanut butter and butter: Cream the unsalted butter and creamy peanut butter together until smooth and fully combined, about 2 minutes, to create a uniform base for the buckeyes.
3. Add vanilla and salt: Beat in the vanilla extract and kosher salt to enhance the flavor of the peanut butter mixture.
4. Incorporate powdered sugar: Gradually add powdered sugar, starting with 1 ½ cups on low speed until mostly incorporated, then increase to high speed for one minute. Repeat twice more with 1 cup each time. The resulting mixture should be smooth, slightly crumbly, but not sticky to the touch.
5. Form peanut butter balls: Scoop and roll the mixture into 1-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet to maintain shape before chilling.
6. Chill the balls: Freeze the peanut butter balls for 30 minutes until very firm; alternatively, refrigerate for 2 hours if freezer space is limited.
7. Prepare chocolate coating: Combine milk chocolate melting wafers and semi-sweet chocolate chips in a shallow microwave-safe bowl. Melt at 50% power in 30-second increments, stirring between each, until smooth and fully melted. Avoid overheating to prevent seizing.
8. Dip peanut butter balls in chocolate: Using toothpicks or wooden skewers, carefully dip each peanut butter ball into the melted chocolate, leaving the top exposed to resemble a buckeye nut.
9. Remove excess chocolate: Wipe off excess chocolate on the side of the bowl before returning the dipped balls to the parchment-lined sheet.
10. Remove toothpicks and finish: Twist the toothpick or skewer gently to remove it from each dipped ball. Smooth over any holes with extra peanut butter mixture or your damp finger, or leave as is for a rustic look.
11. Repeat dipping process: Continue dipping all remaining peanut butter balls until complete.
12. Set and chill: Allow the chocolate coating to fully set at room temperature briefly, then refrigerate the buckeyes until firm and ready to serve.

Notes

• Use creamy peanut butter, not natural, to ensure smooth texture and ease of rolling.
• Be careful not to overheat chocolate while melting to avoid burning or seizing.
• Chilling the peanut butter balls before dipping ensures they hold their shape.
• You can store buckeyes in the refrigerator for up to one week or freeze for longer storage.
• For a decorative touch, drizzle white chocolate over the finished buckeyes after they have set.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Category: No-Bake Treats
• Method: No-Cook
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: buckeyes, peanut butter balls, chocolate candy, no bake, dessert, holiday treat, easy recipes