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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- Prepare the baking sheet: Line a sheet pan with parchment paper and set aside to ensure your buckeyes do not stick during chilling.
- 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.
- Add vanilla and salt: Beat in the vanilla extract and kosher salt to enhance the flavor of the peanut butter mixture.
- 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.
- 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.
- Chill the balls: Freeze the peanut butter balls for 30 minutes until very firm; alternatively, refrigerate for 2 hours if freezer space is limited.
- 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.
- 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.
- Remove excess chocolate: Wipe off excess chocolate on the side of the bowl before returning the dipped balls to the parchment-lined sheet.
- 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.
- Repeat dipping process: Continue dipping all remaining peanut butter balls until complete.
- 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
