Delicious Buckeyes: Creamy Peanut Butter Balls Dipped in Melted Chocolate Recipe

Introduction

Buckeyes are irresistible peanut butter and chocolate sweets that are simple to make and perfect for sharing. These bite-sized treats boast a creamy peanut butter center partially dipped in rich chocolate, resembling the nut they’re named after. They’re a nostalgic favorite that everyone will love.

A white speckled bowl is filled with round chocolate candies that each have two visible layers: a smooth and shiny dark brown chocolate outer shell covering the bottom and sides, and a lighter tan peanut butter-like center exposed on the top, slightly recessed within the chocolate. The candies are stacked in a small pile, showing their uniform size and shape, placed on a soft light gray cloth over a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

  • 1 cup peanut butter (smooth, 240g)
  • 5 tbsp unsalted butter (70g)
  • 2 cups powdered sugar (240g)
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract (5mL)
  • 2 cups semisweet chocolate (340g)
  • 2 tbsp coconut oil (30mL, optional)

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Cream the peanut butter and butter together with the vanilla extract until smooth and well combined.
  2. Step 2: Add the powdered sugar gradually and mix on low speed until fully incorporated. Scrape down the sides of the bowl and mix again to ensure an even texture.
  3. Step 3: Pinch off tablespoon-sized portions of the mixture and roll each into a ball about 20g if using a scale.
  4. Step 4: Place the peanut butter balls on a baking sheet and chill them in the refrigerator for at least 20 minutes until firm.
  5. Step 5: In a medium bowl, combine the semisweet chocolate and coconut oil if using. Melt at 50% power in the microwave, stirring frequently until smooth. Allow the chocolate to cool to room temperature.
  6. Step 6: Using a skewer or toothpick, dip each peanut butter ball into the melted chocolate, leaving a small circle of peanut butter exposed at the top for the signature buckeye look.
  7. Step 7: Return the dipped buckeyes to the baking sheet and chill until the chocolate has set. To hide holes left by the skewers, gently smooth the chocolate surface with a knife or spatula.

Tips & Variations

  • Use natural peanut butter for a more intense peanut flavor, but reduce added salt if it’s salted.
  • Substitute coconut oil with vegetable oil or omit it entirely for a firmer chocolate coating.
  • Add a pinch of sea salt on top after dipping for a sweet-salty twist.
  • For a festive touch, sprinkle crushed nuts or mini chocolate chips before chocolate sets.

Storage

Store buckeyes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. For longer storage, they can be frozen for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw in the refrigerator and bring to room temperature before serving. Avoid storing at room temperature to keep the chocolate firm.

How to Serve

A speckled white bowl filled with round chocolate-covered balls that have a smooth, glossy dark brown outer layer and a circular light beige creamy top center. The balls are piled in the bowl, showing texture contrast between the shiny chocolate and the matte creamy part. The bowl sits on a soft, light gray fabric with a white marbled surface underneath. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of smooth?

Yes, you can use crunchy peanut butter if you prefer a bit of texture inside your buckeyes. Just be aware the final texture will be less smooth but still delicious.

What is the purpose of the coconut oil in the chocolate coating?

Coconut oil helps thin the melted chocolate, making it easier to dip and giving the coating a nice sheen. It’s optional; if you prefer a thicker coating, you can leave it out.

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon

Delicious Buckeyes: Creamy Peanut Butter Balls Dipped in Melted Chocolate Recipe


  • Author: Victor
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: Approximately 24 buckeyes 1x

Description

Buckeyes are a classic no-bake treat featuring smooth peanut butter and butter blended with powdered sugar, shaped into balls, and partially dipped in rich semisweet chocolate. These bite-sized confections offer a perfect balance of creamy peanut butter and luscious chocolate, making them a nostalgic favorite especially around the holidays.


Ingredients

Scale

Peanut Butter Mixture

  • 1 cup smooth peanut butter (240g)
  • 5 tbsp unsalted butter (70g)
  • 2 cups powdered sugar (240g)
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract (5mL)

Chocolate Coating

  • 2 cups semisweet chocolate (340g)
  • 2 tbsp coconut oil (30mL, optional)

Instructions

  1. Cream the Peanut Butter and Butter: In a mixing bowl, combine the smooth peanut butter, unsalted butter, and vanilla extract. Use a hand mixer or stand mixer to cream them together until the mixture is smooth and evenly blended.
  2. Add Powdered Sugar: Gradually add the powdered sugar to the creamed mixture, mixing on low speed until fully incorporated. Scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure everything is evenly combined.
  3. Shape the Peanut Butter Balls: Pinch off tablespoon-sized portions (about 20g each if weighing) of the peanut butter mixture and roll them into smooth balls. Place the balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or wax paper.
  4. Chill the Peanut Butter Balls: Transfer the baking sheet to the refrigerator and chill the peanut butter balls until firm, which takes at least 20 minutes.
  5. Melt the Chocolate Coating: In a medium heatproof bowl, combine the semisweet chocolate and coconut oil (if using). Microwave on 50% power in short intervals, stirring between each until melted and smooth. Allow the chocolate to cool to room temperature to avoid melting the peanut butter balls when dipped.
  6. Dip the Peanut Butter Balls: Using a skewer or toothpick, dip each peanut butter ball partially into the melted chocolate, leaving a small area of peanut butter exposed to achieve the classic buckeye look. Place the dipped balls back onto the baking sheet.
  7. Chill to Set Chocolate: Refrigerate the dipped buckeyes until the chocolate hardens. To remove any holes left by the toothpicks or skewers, gently run a small knife or spatula over the top to smooth out the surface.

Notes

  • Use smooth peanut butter for the creamiest texture; chunky peanut butter can alter the consistency.
  • Coconut oil is optional but helps thin the chocolate and makes dipping easier.
  • Ensure the peanut butter balls are well chilled before dipping to prevent melting the chocolate coating.
  • Store buckeyes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
  • If desired, the chocolate dip can be done using a double boiler instead of a microwave to avoid overheating.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: No-Cook
  • Cuisine: American

Keywords: buckeyes, peanut butter candy, no-bake dessert, chocolate peanut butter balls, holiday treats

Similar Posts

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe rating