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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Chill until Firm: Refrigerate the coated buckeyes until the chocolate is set and firm, about 1 to 2 hours.
- 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
