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.

Ingredients

Scale

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

Instructions

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.
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.
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.
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.
Chill Buckeyes: Refrigerate the dipped buckeyes for an additional 1 to 2 hours until the chocolate coating is firm and set.
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