Buckeyes Recipe

Introduction

Buckeyes are a classic sweet treat featuring creamy peanut butter centers coated in rich chocolate, leaving a small “buckeye” spot uncovered. These bite-sized candies are perfect for holidays, parties, or just a delightful homemade indulgence.

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 homogenous.
3. Step 3: Using a tablespoon measuring spoon, scoop the batter and roll into balls about 1 inch in diameter. Arrange the balls 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 each chilled peanut butter ball into the melted chocolate, leaving a small circle uncovered at the top to resemble a buckeye. Return them to the parchment-lined sheet, remove the toothpick, and smooth over the hole if needed.
6. Step 6: Refrigerate the dipped buckeyes until firm, about 1 to 2 hours more.

Tips & Variations

• For a richer flavor, try using natural peanut butter but reduce the salt to balance sweetness.
• To make allergy-friendly buckeyes, substitute sunflower seed butter for peanut butter.
• Add a pinch of cinnamon or a drop of vanilla extract to the peanut butter mixture for extra depth.
• If you don’t have coconut oil or vegetable shortening, a small amount of neutral oil can help the chocolate dip smoothly.

Storage

Undipped buckeyes can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 day. Dipped buckeyes freeze best: freeze them individually on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer to an airtight container and keep frozen for up to 1 month. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving. To re-harden after thawing, chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.

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 chunkier. It’s best if you prefer a bit of added crunch in your buckeyes.

What is the purpose of leaving a small circle uncovered in the chocolate coating?

This small uncovered spot mimics the look of a buckeye nut, giving the candy its distinctive and traditional appearance.

Buckeyes Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 135 reviews

• Author: Mariam
• Total Time: 3 hours (including chilling time)
• Yield: About 30 buckeyes 1x

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Description

Buckeyes are a classic American treat featuring creamy peanut butter centers dipped in rich semisweet chocolate, leaving a small circle of peanut butter exposed to resemble the nut of the Ohio buckeye tree. These bite-sized candies are smooth, sweet, and perfect for holiday gatherings or anytime you crave a nostalgic, no-bake dessert.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Peanut Butter Center

• 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. Make Peanut Butter Batter: 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. Then reduce the mixer speed to low and gradually blend in the powdered sugar until the batter is smooth and homogeneous.
2. Shape Peanut Butter Balls: Using a tablespoon measuring spoon, scoop the batter and roll it into balls approximately 1 inch in diameter. Arrange these balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet and refrigerate them until firm, about 1 to 2 hours.
3. Melt Chocolate: In a small heatproof bowl, microwave the semisweet chocolate together with the coconut oil or vegetable shortening in 20-second intervals, stirring between each session until 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 at the top uncovered to resemble a buckeye. Place the dipped balls back onto the parchment-lined sheet, remove the toothpick carefully, and smooth over any holes created.
5. Chill until Firm: Refrigerate the coated buckeyes until the chocolate is set and firm, about 1 to 2 hours.
6. Make Ahead and Storage: Undipped peanut butter balls can be made up to one day ahead and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The dipped buckeyes can be made up to one month ahead; freeze them individually on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer to an airtight container and keep frozen.

Notes

• Use creamy unsweetened peanut butter for the best texture and flavor balance.
• If you prefer a glossier chocolate coating, add a little more coconut oil while melting.
• Be careful when dipping to leave a small circle uncovered — it gives buckeyes their signature look.
• Store buckeyes in the refrigerator or freezer; they soften quickly at room temperature.
• For easier dipping, keep the peanut butter balls chilled before working with the chocolate.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: No-Cook
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: Buckeyes, Peanut Butter Candy, Chocolate Dipped, No Bake Dessert, Holiday Candy