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!
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. You can also use coconut oil.
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!
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!
4.94 from 29 votes↑ Click stars to rate now!
Or to leave a comment, click here!
Easy Buckeye Recipe
Buckeyes are a favorite recipe – creamy Peanut Butter Balls dipped in chocolate.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Chill Time 1 hour 20 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 40 minutes
Author Holly Nilsson
- 1 ½ cups smooth peanut butter not all natural
- ½ cup unsalted butter softened
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 3 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 tablespoon shortening or coconut oil
-
In a medium bowl, combine peanut butter, butter, and vanilla with a hand mixer on medium speed until fluffy.
-
Gradually add powdered sugar, mixing until incorporated after each addition. Chill the mixture in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
Place on the same parchment lined pan and chill in the refrigerator until set.
Do not use all natural peanut butter in this recipe.
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.
Course Candy, Cookies, Dessert
Cuisine American
© SpendWithPennies.com. Content and photographs are copyright protected. Sharing of this recipe is both encouraged and appreciated. Copying and/or pasting full recipes to any social media is strictly prohibited. Please view my photo use policy here.
Recipes you’ll love
About the author
Holly is a wine and cheese lover, recipe creator, shopping enthusiast and self appointed foodie. Her greatest passion is creating in the kitchen and making deliciously comforting recipes for the everyday home cook!
See more posts by Holly
Free eBook!
Subscribe to receive weekly recipes and get a FREE Bonus e-book: Quick & Easy Weeknight Meals!
You can unsubscribe anytime by clicking the “unsubscribe” link at the bottom of emails you receive.