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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
