Buckeyes
Buckeyes are delightful bite-sized treats combining creamy peanut butter centers coated with smooth semisweet chocolate. This easy-to-make recipe delivers rich, sweet, and salty flavor harmony with a perfect melt-in-your-mouth texture. Ideal for holidays, gifts, and all peanut butter lovers, these classic candies are customizable and guaranteed to satisfy your chocolate cravings.
- Author: Emily
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
- Yield: About 36 Buckeyes 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
For the Peanut Butter Centers
- 1 cup smooth peanut butter
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt (a pinch)
- 3 cups powdered sugar
For the Chocolate Coating
- 2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- Prepare the Peanut Butter Mixture: In a mixing bowl, combine 1 cup smooth peanut butter, 1/2 cup softened unsalted butter, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and a pinch (1/4 teaspoon) of salt. Gradually add in 3 cups powdered sugar, mixing thoroughly until the dough is firm and holds its shape well.
- Shape the Buckeye Centers: Using your hands or a small cookie scoop, roll the peanut butter mixture into 1-inch balls. Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to firm up the centers for easier dipping.
- Prepare the Chocolate Coating: Melt 2 cups semisweet chocolate chips along with 2 tablespoons vegetable oil in a microwave-safe bowl or over a double boiler. Stir frequently until the chocolate is smooth, glossy, and well blended.
- Dip the Buckeyes: Quickly use a toothpick to dip each chilled peanut butter ball into the melted chocolate, leaving a small circle of peanut butter exposed at the top for the classic buckeye appearance. Let excess chocolate drip off and place the dipped candies back onto parchment paper.
- Chill and Set: Refrigerate the dipped Buckeyes for about 1 hour or until the chocolate coating hardens completely. After setting, remove toothpicks gently and use a bit of melted chocolate to fill any holes if needed.
Notes
- Use room temperature peanut butter and butter for easier mixing and better consistency.
- Do not fully cover the peanut butter centers with chocolate to maintain the iconic buckeye look.
- Work quickly when dipping to avoid the chocolate cooling and thickening.
- Chill the peanut butter centers before and after dipping for firm results.
- Use parchment paper to prevent sticking and ease cleanup.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 Buckeye (approx.)
- Calories: 90
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 55mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 11g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
Keywords: Buckeyes, peanut butter candies, chocolate peanut butter treats, no-bake sweets, holiday candy, homemade Buckeyes, peanut butter chocolate recipe