Save A classic holiday confection featuring creamy peanut butter centers partially dipped in rich chocolate, resembling the nut of the Ohio buckeye tree.
Every December, my family loves making peanut butter buckeyes together. Rolling the dough and dipping each ball in chocolate brings back warm childhood memories.
Ingredients
- Peanut Butter: 1 1/2 cups creamy peanut butter
- Unsalted Butter: 1/2 cup (1 stick), softened
- Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- Fine Sea Salt: 1/4 teaspoon
- Powdered Sugar: 3 1/2 cups, sifted
- Semisweet Chocolate Chips or Chopped Chocolate: 2 cups
- Coconut Oil or Vegetable Shortening: 2 tablespoons (optional, for smoother coating)
Instructions
- Prepare Filling:
- In a large mixing bowl, beat together peanut butter, softened butter, vanilla extract, and salt until smooth and creamy.
- Mix Dough:
- Gradually add powdered sugar, mixing until fully incorporated and the dough is stiff but pliable. You may need to use hands for this step.
- Shape Buckeyes:
- Scoop out 1-inch portions and roll into smooth balls. Place on parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Chill:
- Refrigerate peanut butter balls for at least 30 minutes, or until firm.
- Melt Chocolate:
- In a heatproof bowl, melt chocolate chips and coconut oil together over simmering water (double boiler) or microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring until smooth.
- Dip Buckeyes:
- Using a toothpick, dip each chilled peanut butter ball 3/4 of the way into melted chocolate, leaving the top exposed to resemble a buckeye. Let excess chocolate drip off.
- Finish Buckeyes:
- Return dipped buckeye to the baking sheet. Remove toothpick and gently smooth over the hole if desired.
- Final Chill:
- Chill until chocolate is set, about 30 minutes. Store buckeyes in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Save My kids especially look forward to making these every winter, sneaking spoonfuls of peanut butter as we work together in the kitchen.
Required Tools
Large mixing bowl, hand mixer or stand mixer, rubber spatula, baking sheet, parchment paper, double boiler or microwave-safe bowl, toothpicks
Allergen Information
Contains peanuts, dairy, and soy (if using chocolate containing soy lecithin). May contain traces of gluten depending on chocolate and powdered sugar processing. Always check product labels.
Nutritional Information (per buckeye)
Calories: 130, Total Fat: 8 g, Carbohydrates: 14 g, Protein: 2 g
Save These classic buckeyes always delight friends and family, and storing leftovers in the fridge keeps them fresh for days.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → What type of peanut butter works best?
Creamy peanut butter creates smooth, pliable centers, while chunky versions add crunch and texture.
- → How is the chocolate coating applied?
Melt chocolate chips with optional coconut oil, then dip peanut butter balls about three-quarters of the way, leaving a small exposed tip.
- → Can these treats be stored for later?
Yes, store finished buckeyes in an airtight container in the refrigerator; they also freeze well for up to two months.
- → What is the purpose of chilling the peanut butter balls before dipping?
Chilling firms the centers, preventing them from melting or losing shape during the chocolate dip.
- → Are there any optional flavor variations?
A pinch of cinnamon can be added to the filling to introduce a subtle warm spice note enhancing the flavor.