Buckeyes Peanut Butter Chocolate

Everyone in my family looks forward to Buckeyes every year They are the glossy little peanut butter chocolate bites that fly off every holiday cookie tray I love how just a few classic ingredients quickly come together to make a homemade treat people rave about The melt in your mouth center with the snappy chocolate coating delivers that unbeatable sweet salty combo

My cousin called these “dangerously good” the first time she tried them During a snow day last year my kids and I rolled a double batch and there were only a few left by bedtime

Ingredients

• Unsalted butter: for rich flavor and a creamy texture let it come to room temperature for easy blending
• Creamy peanut butter: gives smoothness and nutty flavor avoid natural peanut butter for best results
• Vanilla extract: adds the perfect background note choose pure extract for a richer taste
• Kosher salt: balances the sweet and heightens the peanut flavor go for a fine texture
• Powdered sugar: creates a smooth texture and helps firm up the mixture sift if lumpy
• Milk chocolate melting wafers: provide that shiny coating choose good quality for best results
• Semi sweet chocolate chips: deepens the chocolate flavor and gives a bit more structure to the shell pick your favorite classic brand

Instructions

Prepare the Tray:

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside so you have space to chill and set your buckeye balls

Cream the Butter and Peanut Butter:

Blend unsalted butter and creamy peanut butter together in a large mixing bowl for about two minutes until very smooth this step ensures a silky peanut butter base

Add Flavor and Salt:

Mix in vanilla extract and kosher salt thoroughly this lets the flavor distribute evenly through each bite

Sweeten and Firm the Mixture:

Add one and a half cups powdered sugar and mix on low then speed up to high for about a minute repeat with one cup of sugar two more times the mixture will come together smoothly but not stick to your hands

Shape the Buckeyes:

Scoop out mixture using a small cookie scoop or spoon roll into one inch balls and set them on the prepared baking sheet

Chill or Freeze:

Place the peanut butter balls in the freezer for at least thirty minutes or chill in the fridge for two hours until very firm

Melt the Chocolate:

Combine milk chocolate melting wafers with semi sweet chocolate chips in a microwave safe bowl microwave at half power in thirty second bursts stirring well each time until perfectly smooth be careful not to cook too long

Dip the Buckeyes:

Stick a toothpick or skewer into each peanut butter ball and dip it into the melted chocolate leaving a small circle of peanut butter showing at the top let the excess drip off and return each ball to the tray

Finish and Set:

Carefully twist out the skewer you can smooth over the hole with a dab of the mixture or leave it for that classic look let the chocolate firm up completely

Chill Until Serving:

Once the chocolate has set pop your buckeyes in the fridge until you are ready to share and enjoy

The peanut butter center is always my favorite part It is creamy with just enough salt and sweetness My oldest always volunteers for chocolate dipping and it has been our nightly holiday ritual

Storage Tips

Buckeyes store best in an airtight container in the refrigerator This keeps the chocolate crisp and the peanut center fresh for a week If you want to freeze layer them with wax paper in a freezer safe box then let thaw in the fridge overnight before eating

Ingredient Substitutions

If you need a nut free option try using sunflower seed butter though it will change the flavor You can also use dark chocolate melting wafers or white chocolate if you want to change up the shell Just do not use natural peanut butter for these since it makes the centers too soft

Serving Suggestions

Buckeyes always make a big impression on a holiday tray or as part of a candy tower You can add them to dessert boards or wrap in cellophane for homemade gifts They pair perfectly with a mug of coffee or even an afternoon mug of cocoa

Brief History

Buckeyes get their name for their resemblance to the nut of the Ohio buckeye tree Decades ago families in the Midwest especially Ohio started making these candies for parties and big celebrations Now they are beloved everywhere you find peanut butter fans

Seasonal Adaptations

Try swirling some crushed pretzels into the mixture for extra crunch Top with red or green sprinkles for a festive look at Christmas Use pastel candy melts to dip for an Easter dessert twist

Success Stories

Family and friends always ask for the recipe and I love handing it out after parties One year my daughter made her own miniature batch as teacher gifts and her teachers could not stop talking about them The treats are a regular feature at our New Year’s get together

Freezer Meal Conversion

Make a double batch of buckeyes then freeze in layers between wax paper to grab a treat anytime in the next two months This is a great way to get ahead for holidays school events or just to have a sweet bite on hand

However you serve them Buckeyes always disappear quickly and never fail to bring smiles Keep some tucked away for yourself

Common Recipe Questions

→ Can I use natural peanut butter for buckeyes?

Natural peanut butter may separate and alter the consistency; opt for traditional creamy varieties for best texture.

→ What’s the best way to melt chocolate for dipping?

Use a microwave in short bursts at low power, stirring often, to prevent chocolate from burning or seizing.

→ How do I prevent buckeyes from sticking to my hands when rolling?

Chill the mixture briefly or lightly dust your hands with powdered sugar to keep the dough from being too sticky.

→ How should buckeyes be stored?

Keep them refrigerated in an airtight container for up to one week, or freeze for longer storage.

→ Why is part of the peanut butter filling left exposed?

This technique mimics the appearance of real buckeye nuts and gives the candy its familiar, classic look.