Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Classic peanut butter and chocolate combo
- No baking required
- Great for holidays, gifts, or party trays
- Easy to make with just a few pantry staples
- Fun and kid-friendly treat for all ages
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Creamy peanut butter
- Unsalted butter, softened
- Powdered sugar
- Vanilla extract
- Semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips
- Shortening or coconut oil (optional, for smoother dipping)
Directions
- Make the filling: In a large bowl, mix peanut butter, softened butter, vanilla, and powdered sugar until a thick, smooth dough forms. Add more sugar if needed to firm up the mixture.
- Shape: Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Chill in the freezer for 20–30 minutes until firm.
- Melt chocolate: In a heatproof bowl, melt chocolate chips (and shortening or oil if using) in the microwave in 20–30 second bursts, stirring until smooth.
- Dip the balls: Insert a toothpick into each peanut butter ball and dip into the melted chocolate, leaving a small circle of peanut butter showing at the top. Let excess chocolate drip off.
- Chill and set: Place dipped buckeyes back on the tray. Refrigerate until chocolate is fully set—about 30 minutes.
- Serve or store: Remove toothpicks if desired and smooth over the hole with your finger or a knife. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Servings and timing
- Servings: About 30–40 buckeyes
- Prep time: 30 minutes
- Chill time: 30–60 minutes
- Total time: 1–1.5 hours including chilling
Variations
- Crunchy version: Use crunchy peanut butter for texture
- Extra chocolatey: Fully dip the balls in chocolate for a different look
- White chocolate coating: Dip in white chocolate for a twist
- Add-ins: Mix in crushed graham crackers or Rice Krispies for a crunch
- Almond butter: Substitute almond or cashew butter for a different flavor profile
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks
- Room temperature: Can be stored at room temp for 3–4 days if kept cool and dry
- Freezing: Freeze in layers between parchment for up to 3 months. Thaw in fridge before serving
- Reheating: Not needed—enjoy chilled or at room temperature
FAQs
1. Why are they called Buckeyes?
They resemble the nut of the Ohio buckeye tree, with chocolate covering most of the ball and a small circle of peanut butter showing.
2. Can I use natural peanut butter?
It’s not recommended—natural peanut butter can be too oily and may cause the filling to separate.
3. Why is my filling too soft to roll?
Add more powdered sugar a little at a time until the dough is firm enough to shape.
4. Do I have to use shortening or oil in the chocolate?
No, but it helps thin the chocolate for smoother dipping and a shinier finish.
5. How do I prevent toothpick marks?
After chilling, gently smooth over the hole with your finger or the back of a spoon.
6. Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! They store very well in the fridge or freezer, making them ideal for prepping ahead.
7. How long does it take for the chocolate to set?
About 20–30 minutes in the refrigerator.
8. What’s the best chocolate for dipping?
Use high-quality semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips. Melting wafers also work well.
9. Can I use a different nut butter?
Yes—almond, cashew, or sunflower seed butter all work as alternatives.
10. Are these gluten-free?
Yes, as long as all ingredients used (especially chocolate and peanut butter) are gluten-free.
Conclusion
Buckeyes are a timeless treat that deliver everything you love about peanut butter and chocolate in one rich, poppable bite. With no baking and simple ingredients, they’re perfect for any occasion—from holiday platters to freezer snacks. Whip up a batch and enjoy a little piece of sweet, salty perfection.
Print
Buckeyes
- Total Time: 1–1.5 hours (including chilling)
- Yield: 30–40 buckeyes
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Buckeyes are no-bake peanut butter balls dipped in smooth chocolate, leaving a circle of peanut butter visible on top. A Midwest classic, they’re rich, sweet, and salty—perfect for holidays, gifting, or anytime treats.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups creamy peanut butter
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 3–4 cups powdered sugar (as needed for consistency)
- 2 cups semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips
- 1 tbsp shortening or coconut oil (optional, for smoother chocolate)
Instructions
In a large bowl, mix peanut butter, softened butter, vanilla, and powdered sugar until a smooth, thick dough forms. Add extra sugar if mixture is too soft.
- Roll dough into 1-inch balls and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Freeze 20–30 minutes until firm.
- Melt chocolate chips (and shortening if using) in the microwave in 20–30 second intervals, stirring until smooth.
- Insert a toothpick into each peanut butter ball and dip into melted chocolate, leaving a circle of peanut butter visible at the top. Let excess drip off.
- Place dipped balls back on the tray and refrigerate about 30 minutes until chocolate is set.
- Remove toothpicks and smooth holes if desired. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Notes
- For best results, avoid natural peanut butter—it’s too oily.
- To prevent toothpick marks, smooth over with your finger or a spoon after dipping.
- Chilling before dipping helps the balls hold shape and coat evenly.
- Freeze in batches for longer storage.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 buckeye
- Calories: 140
- Sugar: 13g
- Sodium: 55mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
