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Buckeyes are like peanut butter balls that didn’t get all the way dipped in chocolate. They’re no bake, SUPER-EASY to make and as an added bonus you can make these peanut butter candies in advance and pull them out of the fridge at a moment’s notice.

close up of buckeyes on a white surface

Peanut butter and chocolate are a match made in heaven so who could resist a buckeye ball or two?? Buckeyes taste like peanut butter cups with an emphasis on the peanut butter! Not too sweet, really creamy, and so satisfying.

What You’ll Need for This Recipe

Ingredients needed to make buckeyes on a red and white napkin.

Chocolate: Semisweet chocolate chips work well for this recipe but chocolate in bar form is easier to melt. You can use bittersweet, dark chocolate, or milk chocolate if preferred.

Coconut oil: This optional ingredient makes it easier to get a thin dipping consistency. You can sub in shortening or even butter if needed.

How to Make Buckeyes

Peanut butter, butter and vanilla getting mixed in a bowl.

1. Add the peanut butter, butter, and vanilla to a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment and mix on low.

2. After 30 seconds or so stop and scrape the bowl down and mix until thoroughly combined.

Powdered sugar added to a peanut butter mixture which is then tolled into balls.

3. Slowly add confectioners’ sugar and mix on medium low. Really important to scrape the bowl down here too!

4. Pinch off about a tablespoon of the mixture and roll balls in the palms of your hands. Chill to firm.

Peanut butter balls getting dipped into melted chocolate.

5. Melt the chocolate and coconut oil in a medium bowl and mix to combine. Set aside and allow to cool to room temp.

6. Using a toothpick, dip each chilled peanut butter ball into the chocolate. Remove toothpick and smooth hole over with a knife.

Buckeyes getting smoothed with a small knife.

Pro Tips for Making this Recipe

  • If your butter isn’t room temp then just cut the sticks into a few slices and microwave on 50% power in 5 second bursts. Flip the butter with every burst.
  • These buckeyes will keep in the fridge for up to two weeks, just make sure they’re covered.
  • Its so important to scrape that bowl down after adding the powdered sugar. I forgot to once and the top was super firm but the bottom of the bowl was VERY soft.
  • Coconut oil helps thin the chocolate so it’s easier to dip your buckeyes but you can use shortening if that’s what you have on hand.
  • The butter can be reduced a tablespoon for a firmer ball if desired.

A group of buckeyes in a light-colored bowl.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why are they called buckeyes?

This no bake peanut butter treat closely resembles buckeye nuts! The buckeye is the state tree of Ohio and as you can imagine this dessert is pretty popular in Ohio and the neighboring states. Before I looked it up I thought they were named after the football team.

How do you dip them?

  1. Chill the balls and insert a toothpick or wooden skewer about 3/4 the way in.
  2. Dip into the cooled chocolate and gently wipe the bottom on the side of the bowl to remove excess chocolate.
  3. Place buckeyes on a sheet of parchment paper and chill.
  4. Twist toothpick or skewer to remove from ball and use a small knife to smooth the hole over.

Whats the best peanut butter to use for these cookies?

  • For best results use a smooth, salted peanut butter for your buckeyes.
  • There’s no need to use a sweetened peanut butter but if that’s what you have on hand it will work just fine. You can always decrease the sugar if desired.
  • If you’re using a natural peanut butter without stabilizers make sure to mix really well after opening the jar. The oil heavy top of that jar will make very runny buckeyes.

If you’ve tried this buckeye recipe then don’t forget to leave a rating and let me know how you got on in the comments below, I love hearing from you!

Buckeyes

Author: John Kanell
Servings: 24 buckeyes
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Chill time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 8 minutes
A small gray bowl full of buckeye candy.
4.99 from 942 votes
You'll love these easy to make and DELICIOUS buckeyes, creamy, perfectly sweet peanut butter balls dipped in chocolate.

Equipment

  • Mixer
  • Bowl
  • Baking Sheet

Ingredients 

  • 1 cup peanut butter smooth, 240g
  • 5 tbsp unsalted butter 70g
  • 2 cups powdered sugar 240g
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract 5mL
  • 2 cups semisweet chocolate 340g
  • 2 tbsp coconut oil 30mL, optional

Instructions

  • Cream the peanut butter and butter together with the vanilla extract.
  • Add powdered sugar and mix on low until combined. Scrape down bowl and mix again.
  • Pinch off tablespoon sized pieces and roll into balls. About 20g if you're weighing.
  • Transfer balls to a baking sheet and chill until firm. At least 20 minutes.
  • Add chocolate and coconut oil to a medium bowl and melt on 50% power in the microwave. Stir to combine and set aside to cool to room temperature.
  • Use a skewer or toothpick to dip the peanut butter balls into the chocolate. Leave a bit of the peanut butter exposed for that signature buckeye pea look.
  • Chill to allow the chocolate to firm up and enjoy. If you want to remove the holes left from the skewers, run a small knife or spatula over the tops.

Notes

  • These will keep in the fridge for up to two weeks, just make sure they're covered.
  • So important to scrape that bowl down after adding the powdered sugar. I forgot to once and to top was super firm but the bottom of the bowl was VERY soft.
  • Coconut oil helps thin the chocolate so it's easier to dip things but you can use shortening if that's what you have on hand.
  • The butter can be reduced a tablespoon for a firmer ball if desired.

Nutrition

Serving: 2balls Calories: 218kcal Carbohydrates: 20g Protein: 4g Fat: 15g Saturated Fat: 7g Cholesterol: 7mg Sodium: 51mg Potassium: 152mg Fiber: 2g Sugar: 16g Vitamin A: 80IU Calcium: 14mg Iron: 1.1mg

*Nutrition Disclaimer

Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American

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