Pin It A classic holiday confection featuring creamy peanut butter centers partially dipped in rich chocolate, resembling the nut of the Ohio buckeye tree.
I first made peanut butter buckeyes when hosting a family holiday party and was amazed at how quickly they disappeared. Even those who "don't like sweets" kept coming back for more!
Ingredients
- Peanut Butter Filling: 1 1/2 cups creamy peanut butter, 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter (softened), 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract, 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt, 3 1/2 cups powdered sugar (sifted)
- Chocolate Coating: 2 cups semisweet chocolate chips or chopped chocolate, 2 tablespoons coconut oil or vegetable shortening (optional, for smoother coating)
Instructions
- Prepare Peanut Butter Base:
- In a large mixing bowl, beat together the peanut butter, softened butter, vanilla extract, and salt until smooth and creamy.
- Incorporate Powdered Sugar:
- Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing until fully incorporated and the dough is stiff but pliable (may use hands).
- Shape Buckeyes:
- Scoop out 1-inch portions and roll into smooth balls. Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Chill:
- Refrigerate peanut butter balls for at least 30 minutes or until firm.
- Melt Chocolate:
- In a heatproof bowl, melt the chocolate chips and coconut oil (if using) over a pot of simmering water or in the microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring until smooth.
- Dip Peanut Butter Balls:
- Using a toothpick, dip each chilled ball about 3/4 of the way into the melted chocolate, leaving the top exposed. Let excess chocolate drip off.
- Finish and Chill:
- Return dipped buckeyes to the baking sheet. Remove the toothpick and gently smooth over the hole if desired. Chill until the chocolate is set, about 30 minutes. Store buckeyes in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
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Buckeyes have become a yearly tradition for my kids, who love rolling the peanut butter balls and dipping them in chocolate together. There's always playful debate over who makes the "most perfect" buckeye!
Preparation Tips
Soften your butter completely for smooth mixing. Using a mixer makes it easier but you can also combine by hand for extra fun with kids.
Allergen Information
Contains peanuts, dairy, and soy (if using chocolate containing soy lecithin). Check all labels carefully if serving to those with allergies.
Serving Suggestions
Pair buckeyes with coffee for adults or a cold glass of milk for kids. They also make beautiful homemade gifts packed in festive boxes or tins.
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These peanut butter buckeyes are sure to bring smiles at any celebration and will quickly become a favorite among your friends and family.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → How do I achieve a smooth peanut butter filling?
Beat peanut butter, softened butter, vanilla, and salt until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar until the mixture is stiff yet pliable, ensuring a creamy texture.
- → What chocolate works best for coating?
Semisweet chocolate chips or chopped chocolate melt smoothly and offer balanced sweetness that complements the peanut butter filling.
- → Can I make the coating smoother?
Adding coconut oil or vegetable shortening to the melted chocolate yields a silkier coating that sets nicely.
- → How do I shape the buckeyes evenly?
Scoop uniform portions and roll between your hands into smooth balls before chilling to maintain shape during dipping.
- → How long should the confections chill before and after dipping?
Chill peanut butter balls for at least 30 minutes to firm up, and after dipping, chill another 30 minutes to allow the chocolate to set.