These classic buckeyes are the perfect blend of creamy peanut butter and rich chocolate. These bite-sized treats are bound to be a hit!
If you’re like me and can’t resist the combo of peanut butter and chocolate, you’re in for a treat with these buckeyes! Named for their resemblance to the nut of the Ohio buckeye tree, these little candies are creamy, sweet, and covered in a layer of rich chocolate that makes them pretty much irresistible. The best part? They’re no-bake and so, so easy to make! Whether you stick with the classic recipe or try a fun twist or two, you’ll have a batch ready in no time and plenty of reasons to share (or keep them all to yourself!).
Why You’ll Love This Buckeyes Recipe
- Classic flavor combo. These buckeyes capture the nostalgic flavor of peanut butter and chocolate in every bite.
- Easy to make. With no baking required, they’re quick to assemble and perfect for beginners or just an easy kitchen project.
- Simple ingredients. Made with pantry staples, this recipe doesn’t require any special ingredients.
- Perfectly portable. Buckeyes are sturdy and easy to store, making them great for gifting or sharing at gatherings.
What You’ll Need
See the recipe card below for ingredient quantities and full instructions.
- Peanut butter – Stick to a regular, shelf-stable peanut butter (like Jif or Skippy), as natural peanut butter varieties that require stirring can cause the filling to be too oily or crumbly. A smooth, creamy peanut butter works best here for that classic buckeye texture.
- Unsalted butter – If you want to use salted butter, omit or decrease the salt in the recipe.
- Vanilla extract – A splash of vanilla adds warmth and depth to the flavor, rounding out the sweetness of the confectioners’ sugar and balancing the peanut butter’s nuttiness.
- Salt – Adjust to your taste, but even a pinch can really enhance the other flavors and balance the sweetness.
- Confectioners’ sugar – Also labeled as powdered sugar or 10X sugar, this is essential for achieving a smooth, creamy filling. I’ve listed a range to allow for a firmer or softer filling, depending on your preference.
- Semisweet chocolate – Opt for chocolate bars or discs instead of chocolate chips, as they contain fewer stabilizers and melt more smoothly. Semisweet chocolate gives a balanced sweetness, but feel free to go darker for a more intense chocolate flavor.
- Vegetable oil – Just a tablespoon of vegetable oil thins the chocolate slightly, making it easier to coat each buckeye with a smooth, glossy finish. This also helps prevent the chocolate from seizing as it melts.
How to Make Buckeyes
- Mix the peanut butter filling. Beat the peanut butter, butter, vanilla, and salt until smooth. Gradually add 3 cups of the confectioners’ sugar, mixing until stiff but smooth. If necessary, add more sugar to get the desired consistency. Chill for 20-30 minutes.
- Form into balls. Using a tablespoonful at a time, roll into balls and place on baking sheet lined with parchment paper or wax paper. Refrigerate for about 30 minutes.
- Melt the chocolate. Place the chocolate and oil in a microwave-safe bowl, and heat in 30-second intervals until smooth.
- Dip the buckeyes. Use a toothpick to dip each peanut butter ball into the melted chocolate, leaving a bit of the peanut butter exposed at the top of the ball. Place them back on the baking sheet.
- Chill. Refrigerate the buckeye balls until the chocolate is firm. They should be set after about 30 minutes.
Tips for Success
- Chill the dough. You might consider chilling the peanut butter mixture after mixing to make it easier to scoop and roll. Once you’ve shaped the balls, be sure to chill them to firm them up before dipping—this helps them hold their shape. Finally, refrigerate the dipped buckeyes to set the chocolate, which keeps it smooth and shiny.
- Adjust the sweetness. If you prefer a less sweet filling, start with the lower end of the confectioners’ sugar range, then add more as needed to reach your ideal sweetness and texture. Remember, the dough should be stiff but smooth.
- Use a toothpick for dipping. Insert a toothpick into each peanut butter ball before dipping in chocolate. This helps you achieve the classic “buckeye” look by leaving a small circle of peanut butter exposed at the top when dipping.
- Patch the hole. After dipping, use your fingertip, a small spatula, or a toothpick to smooth over the hole left by the toothpick for a seamless finish. Or leave that little hole for what some consider an authentic look.
- Melt the chocolate smoothly. Melt the chocolate in short bursts in the microwave (or use a double boiler) to avoid overheating, which can cause it to seize. Adding the vegetable oil helps, but gentle heating is key!
Variations
- Add some crunch. Use crunchy peanut butter or add finely chopped peanuts to the filling for a bit of texture. This gives a nice contrast while still keeping the traditional flavor.
- Give them a salty bite. After dipping, sprinkle a tiny pinch of flaky sea salt on each buckeye before the chocolate sets. It adds a hint of savory contrast that enhances the sweetness and richness.
- Go with dark chocolate. Substitute dark chocolate for a richer, less sweet flavor that complements the peanut butter beautifully.
- Cover completely. For a different look, fully coat each peanut butter ball in chocolate.
How to Store
- Refrigerator: Store buckeyes in an airtight container, and they’ll keep well for up to 2 weeks in the refrigerator. If you need to store in layers, place parchment paper or wax paper between the layers.
- Freezer: For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to 3 months—just layer them with parchment or wax paper in between to prevent sticking. When ready to serve, let them sit at room temperature for a few minutes to soften slightly. This keeps them tasting fresh and keeps the chocolate from getting too hard!
More Candy Recipes
Get the Recipe:
Buckeyes
Yield
about 48 buckeyes
Prep Time
20 minutes
Additional Time
1 hour
Total Time
1 hour 20 minutes
These classic buckeyes are the perfect no-bake treat, combining creamy peanut butter and rich chocolate. Easy to make and even easier to eat, they’re a sure crowd-pleaser!
Ingredients
- 1 & 1/2 cups (382g) creamy peanut butter
- 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (optional, depending on the saltiness of your peanut butter)
- 3-4 cups (330-440g) confectioners’ sugar (adjust for desired consistency)
- 10-12 ounces (284-340g) semisweet chocolate, roughly chopped
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
Instructions
- In a large bowl, beat together the peanut butter, softened butter, vanilla, and salt until smooth. Gradually add the confectioners’ sugar, mixing until the dough is stiff but still smooth and not too crumbly. If necessary, add more of the confectioners' sugar to get the right consistency and your desired sweetness.
- Using about a tablespoonful at a time, roll the peanut butter mixture into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or wax paper, and refrigerate for about 30 minutes to allow them to become firm.
- Melt the chocolate and oil in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until smooth.
- Using a toothpick or another dipping tool, dip each chilled peanut butter ball into the melted chocolate, leaving a small circle of peanut butter exposed at the top to resemble a buckeye. Place them back on the lined baking sheet.
- Refrigerate the dipped buckeyes until the chocolate is firm, about 30 minutes.
Notes
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator up to 2 weeks.
For tips, step-by-step photos, and extra details, be sure to read the full post above before starting. It’s packed with helpful info to answer common questions!
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