Buckeyes Recipe

Introduction

Buckeyes are a classic no-bake treat featuring a creamy peanut butter center dipped in rich chocolate. These bite-sized sweets are perfect for holidays, parties, or anytime you crave a nostalgic, homemade candy.

Ingredients

• 1 cup (240 g) creamy unsweetened peanut butter
• 4 tablespoons (1/2 stick) unsalted butter, room temperature
• 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
• 2 cups (230 g) powdered sugar
• 2 cups (340 g) semisweet chocolate
• 2 tablespoons refined coconut oil or vegetable shortening

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a large bowl, use an electric mixer on high speed to cream together the peanut butter, butter, and salt until smooth.
2. Step 2: Reduce the mixer speed to low and gradually blend in the powdered sugar until the batter is smooth and homogeneous.
3. Step 3: Scoop the batter using a tablespoon and roll into balls about 1 inch in diameter. Arrange them on a parchment-lined baking sheet and refrigerate until firm, about 1 to 2 hours.
4. Step 4: In a small heatproof bowl, microwave the chocolate and oil in 20-second intervals, stirring between each, until melted and smooth.
5. Step 5: Using a toothpick, dip the chilled peanut butter balls into the melted chocolate, leaving a small circle uncovered at the top to resemble a buckeye.
6. Step 6: Return the dipped candies to the parchment-lined sheet, remove the toothpick, and smooth over the hole if needed. Refrigerate again until the chocolate is firm, about 1 to 2 hours more.

Tips & Variations

• Use creamy peanut butter for the smoothest texture; natural peanut butter with no added sugar works well but may require stirring before use.
• Refined coconut oil helps the chocolate set with a nice shine, but vegetable shortening works as a neutral alternative.
• For extra flavor, add a splash of vanilla extract or a pinch of cinnamon to the peanut butter mixture.
• To create mini buckeyes, use a teaspoon to scoop and decrease chilling time accordingly.

Storage

Store undipped buckeyes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 day. Once dipped, keep buckeyes refrigerated for up to 1 week or freeze them for up to 1 month. When freezing, place them on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer to a container to avoid sticking. Let frozen buckeyes thaw in the refrigerator before serving.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?

Yes, you can use crunchy peanut butter, but the texture will be less smooth and may affect the final consistency of the buckeyes. For the classic creamy texture, smooth peanut butter is recommended.

Why do I leave a small circle uncovered in the chocolate coating?

The uncovered circle at the top mimics the look of a real buckeye nut, giving these candies their distinctive appearance and charm. It also helps prevent the chocolate from fully encasing the peanut butter ball, maintaining an authentic look.

Buckeyes Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 90 reviews

• Author: Harry
• Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
• Yield: Approximately 36 buckeyes 1x

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Description

Classic Buckeyes are a delightful homemade treat featuring creamy peanut butter balls dipped in rich, melted chocolate, leaving a small peanut butter circle exposed on top to resemble the Ohio buckeye nut. These no-bake candies are perfect for parties, holidays, or anytime you crave a sweet and salty indulgence.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Peanut Butter Mixture

• 1 cup (240 g) creamy unsweetened peanut butter
• 4 tablespoons (1/2 stick) unsalted butter, room temperature
• 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
• 2 cups (230 g) powdered sugar

Chocolate Coating

• 2 cups (340 g) semisweet chocolate
• 2 tablespoons refined coconut oil or vegetable shortening

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Instructions

1. Cream Peanut Butter Mixture: In a large bowl, use an electric mixer on high speed to cream together the peanut butter, unsalted butter, and kosher salt until the mixture is smooth and well combined. Reduce the mixer speed to low and gradually blend in the powdered sugar until the batter is smooth and homogenous.
2. Form Peanut Butter Balls: Using a tablespoon measuring spoon, scoop the peanut butter batter and roll into balls about 1 inch in diameter. Place the balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Refrigerate the balls for 1 to 2 hours until they are firm.
3. Melt Chocolate Coating: In a small heatproof bowl, microwave the semisweet chocolate and refined coconut oil or vegetable shortening in 20-second intervals, stirring between each until the chocolate is fully melted and smooth.
4. Dip Peanut Butter Balls: Using a toothpick, dip each chilled peanut butter ball into the melted chocolate, leaving a small circle uncovered at the top to resemble the buckeye. Return the dipped balls to the parchment-lined baking sheet. Remove the toothpick and smooth the hole over with a knife or your finger if needed.
5. Chill Buckeyes: Refrigerate the dipped buckeyes for an additional 1 to 2 hours until the chocolate coating is firm and set.
6. Make Ahead and Storage: Undipped peanut butter balls can be made up to 1 day ahead and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Dipped buckeyes can be frozen for up to 1 month by first freezing them individually on a baking sheet until firm, then transferring them to an airtight container and keeping them frozen.

Notes

• Use creamy unsweetened peanut butter for best texture and flavor.
• Ensure peanut butter balls are fully chilled before dipping to prevent melting the chocolate coating.
• Refined coconut oil or vegetable shortening helps achieve a smooth and shiny chocolate coating.
• Store dipped buckeyes in the refrigerator or freezer to maintain freshness.
• For a nut-free variation, substitute peanut butter with sunflower seed butter and check for allergy-safe chocolate.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 5 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: No-Cook
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: buckeyes, peanut butter balls, chocolate candies, no bake dessert, holiday treats, peanut butter and chocolate, easy sweets