This Buckeye recipe is the star of every cookie plate.
Buckeyes are a delicious no-bake peanut butter ball dipped in chocolate.
If you like peanut butter cups, you’ll love these easy treats!
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What is a Buckeye?
A Buckeye is a popular no-bake treat, inspired by Ohio’s famous state tree, which is considered lucky. These buckeye candies resemble the nuts that grow on a buckeye tree.
These are chocolate-dipped peanut butter balls, known for being delicious are simple to make! A creamy peanut butter ball is dipped partway in rich chocolate. Perfect for anyone who loves a sweet, easy-to-make dessert and a welcome addition to your Christmas cookie plate.
Ingredients in Buckeyes
Sometimes called ‘peanut butter balls’ or ‘buckeye cookies,’ this recipe is just a few pantry ingredients.
- Peanut Butter – Use regular creamy or crunchy peanut butter. Avoid all-natural peanut butter that tends to separate easily.
- Butter – Use unsalted room-temperature butter. If you only have salted butter, it will work but will make them a little bit salty.
- Vanilla Extract – This adds flavor to the peanut butter mixture.
- Powdered Sugar – Also known as confectioners sugar adds sweetness and creates the best texture.
- Chocolate Chips – I use semisweet chocolate chips for the perfect balance of sweetness. Swap for dark chocolate or milk if you prefer.
- Shortening – Vegetable shortening helps keep the chocolate from cracking. Can also use melt and use coconut oil.
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How to Make Peanut Butter Balls
- With an electric mixer, combine peanut butter, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla. Chill.
- Roll into balls and chill.
- Dip in melted chocolate, let the excess chocolate drip off, and enjoy!
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Buckeye Tips and Tricks
- Dust your hands with a bit of powdered sugar when rolling the peanut butter balls so the mixture doesn’t stick to your hands.
- Some buckeyes can be smaller and some can be larger and since there is no baking, there’s no need to worry about them baking evenly.
- Making sure the chocolate is warm and the peanut butter balls are very cold will give the best results for dipping.
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator until serving.
- Buckeyes can be kept in the freezer for up to 1 month. Thaw in the refrigerator the day before serving.
Peanut Butter Faves
Did your family love this easy Buckeye recipe? Leave us a comment and a rating below!
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Easy Buckeye Recipe
Buckeyes are a favorite recipe – creamy Peanut Butter Balls dipped in chocolate.
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In a medium bowl, combine peanut butter, butter, and vanilla with a hand mixer on medium speed until fluffy.
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Gradually add powdered sugar, mixing until incorporated after each addition. Chill the mixture in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
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Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Scoop and roll the mixture into 1-inch balls and place on the prepared baking sheet. Chill the peanut butter balls for at least 30 minutes.
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Combine chocolate chips and shortening in a small bowl. Microwave at 50% power for 1 minute. Stir and continue microwaving in 30-second increments just until melted.
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Place a toothpick into the peanut butter center of each ball and dip in chocolate leaving a little bit of the peanut butter peeking out the top.
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Place on the same parchment lined pan and chill in the refrigerator until set.
Store buckeyes in the fridge in a covered container for up to 2 weeks. They can also be frozen for up to 2-3 months.
Serving: 1buckeye | Calories: 194 | Carbohydrates: 19g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 12g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Cholesterol: 11mg | Sodium: 90mg | Potassium: 70mg | Sugar: 17g | Vitamin A: 145IU | Vitamin C: 0.1mg | Calcium: 19mg | Iron: 0.3mg
Nutrition information provided is an estimate and will vary based on cooking methods and brands of ingredients used.
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