Buckeyes

Table of Contents

1. Buckeyes Ingredients
2. Substitutions and Additions
3. How to Make Buckeyes
4. How to Serve Buckeyes
5. Storage
6. FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
7. MORE RECIPES YOU’LL LOVE
8. JUMP TO RECIPE

Buckeyes feature a creamy peanut butter center wrapped in rich decadent chocolate while leaving a small bit of peanut butter peaking out. Resembling the nut of the Ohio buckeye tree, you don’t have to be from Ohio, or an Ohio State Buckeyes fan, to enjoy this delectable chocolate and peanut butter homemade candy. 

If you love the classic combination of peanut butter and chocolate you’ll also want to make Chocolate Peanut Butter Fudge, Chocolate Peanut Butter Ritz Cookies, and Buckeye Brownie Cookies. 

Buckeyes Ingredients

You will need:

• 1¾ cup creamy peanut butter
• ½ cup butter softened
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 3 cups powdered sugar
• 3 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1 tablespoon shortening

Substitutions and Additions

PEANUT BUTTER: Choose your favorite peanut butter brand for this recipe. We’d recommend avoiding natural peanut butter because the natural oils sometimes make it hard to get the peanut butter to set the way you need it to. 

CHOCOLATE CHIPS: If you prefer to make these with either milk chocolate or dark chocolate chips, both will work fine for the delicious chocolate coating. 

How to Make Buckeyes

PRO TIP: This recipe is super easy to double, freezes really well, and makes excellent gifts to share.

STEP ONE: Line a baking sheet with waxed paper and set it aside.

STEP TWO: Using an electric handheld mixer and a medium-sized mixing bowl, or a stand mixer; cream together the peanut butter, softened butter, and vanilla.

STEP THREE: Slowly add the powdered sugar, and mix until smooth.

STEP FOUR: Using a spoon or small cookie dough scoop, scoop the peanut butter mixture and shape into 1-inch round balls, and place it on the waxed paper-covered baking sheet. (This usually measures out to a little over a ½ tablespoon.)

PRO TIP: If you are rolling the balls with your hands and are finding that it is sticky work, cover your hands with a light dusting of powdered sugar to prevent the peanut butter from sticking to you.

STEP FIVE: Place the peanut butter balls in the freezer for 45 minutes.

STEP SIX: In a heat-safe bowl, combine the chocolate chips and the shortening.

STEP SEVEN: Heat in the microwave for 45 seconds. Remove and stir the chocolate chips. Return to the microwave and heat in 15-second intervals, stirring well after each 15 seconds until the chocolate is smooth.

STEP EIGHT: Remove the peanut butter balls from the freezer.

STEP NINE: Insert a toothpick into the peanut butter balls. Dip each ball into the chocolate, leaving a small amount of the top of the peanut butter visible. Allow the excess chocolate to drip off, or carefully wipe the bottom of the ball on the side of the bowl. Return to the sheet pan.

PRO TIP: The chocolate has to be quite hot and the peanut butter balls really cold for the chocolate to stick properly. If you find it is taking too much time, you may want to keep the peanut butter balls in the freezer and only take a few out at a time to work with.

STEP TEN: You will need to place the balls in the fridge to help the chocolate properly set.

How to Serve Buckeyes

A classic flavor for a reason, you can enjoy this easy Buckeye recipe any time you are craving the delectable combination of chocolate and peanut butter. Serve them on a plate with other homemade treats like fudge and cookies. You can also make these peanut butter chocolate candies in advance and store them in the freezer. Buckeyes also make wonderful gifts and are popular for gifting during the holidays. 

Storage

ON THE COUNTER: You can keep your buckeyes at room temperature for up to three days in an airtight container. 

IN THE FREEZER: These tasty buckeyes will keep in the freezer for up to one month.

Buckeyes are one of the simplest homemade candies to make. They are almost like peanut butter balls that simply didn’t get dipped all the way in chocolate. Decadent, truffle-like delicacy, these chocolate and peanut butter balls make enough to share or to keep stashed in your freezer for whenever you need a bite of something sweet. 

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Can I freeze buckeyes? 

This simple buckeye recipe can be frozen in an airtight container for up to one month.

Why are these called buckeyes? 

This confection is called a buckeye because the finished product with its chocolate exterior and a small bit of peanut butter peeking out resembles buckeye nuts from the buckeye tree which is native to Ohio.

Can I use milk or dark chocolate chips in this buckeye recipe? 

Any type of chocolate chip will work fine for coating your buckeye candy.

MORE RECIPES YOU’LL LOVE

• Chocolate Covered Peanut Butter Hearts
• Caramel Brownies
• Peanut Butter Balls
• Chocolate Peanut Butter Crazy Cake