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    Home » Recipes » Desserts » Buckeye Recipe

    Buckeye Recipe

    Published: December 15, 2019 · Modified: Oct 16, 2020 by John Kanell

    This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.

    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
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    several buckeyes spread across a white marble counter
    overhead image of several buckeyes spread across a white marble counter
    several buckeyes spread across a white marble counter
    close up of 4 buckeyes on a white surface
    closeup of 3 buckeyes on a white surface
    3 buckeyes stacked on a grey ceramic dish

    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 love this recipe try these out!

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    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!

    A small gray bowl full of buckeye candy.
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    5 from 628 votes

    Buckeyes

    You'll love these easy to make and DELICIOUS buckeyes, creamy, perfectly sweet peanut butter balls dipped in chocolate.
    Course Dessert
    Cuisine American
    Prep Time 15 minutes
    Chill time 20 minutes
    Total Time 8 minutes
    Servings 24 buckeyes
    Calories 218kcal
    Author John Kanell

    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.

    Video

    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
    Have you Tried this Recipe? Tag me Today!Mention @preppykitchen and tag #preppykitchen!

     

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    Thanks for stopping by! I’m John Kanell, a husband, dad to twins Lachlan and George, Los Angeles native, and an avid baker and cooker of all things delicious thanks to a life long education from my mother. This blog is where I share all of my kitchen creations!

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