If you love the classic combination of chocolate and peanut butter, then you’re in for a treat! Buckeyes peanut butter balls are a beloved no-bake candy that look just like the nut from the buckeye tree, the state tree of Ohio. These little bites of heaven are creamy, sweet, and dipped in chocolate, making them perfect for holidays, parties, or anytime you want a sweet snack.
What Are Buckeyes Peanut Butter Balls?
Buckeyes are peanut butter balls partially dipped in chocolate, leaving a small circle of peanut butter visible on top, mimicking the look of the buckeye nut. They’re rich and creamy, similar to peanut butter cups but with a homemade twist. Popular in the Midwest, especially Ohio and Indiana, these candies are easy to make and require just a few simple ingredients.
Ingredients You’ll Need
– Creamy peanut butter (about 1 ½ cups)
– Powdered sugar (3 to 3 ¾ cups)
– Butter (½ cup, melted or softened)
– Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon)
– Salt (½ teaspoon, optional)
– Semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips (about 12 ounces)
– Butter or shortening (1 tablespoon, to smooth the chocolate)
These ingredients come together to create a smooth, sweet peanut butter dough that’s then dipped in melted chocolate for a perfect finish.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Buckeyes Peanut Butter Balls
1. Prepare the Peanut Butter Mixture
In a large bowl, combine the peanut butter, powdered sugar, butter, vanilla extract, and salt. Mix everything together until you get a smooth, stiff dough. You can start with a mixer or just use your hands to knead it well. The dough should be firm enough to roll into balls without sticking too much.
2. Shape the Peanut Butter Balls
Using about 2 teaspoons or a tablespoon of dough, roll the mixture into small balls. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment or wax paper. For best results, keep the balls about 1 inch in diameter. Once shaped, refrigerate the peanut butter balls for at least 30 minutes to firm up.
3. Melt the Chocolate
While the peanut butter balls chill, melt the chocolate chips with butter or shortening in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in short bursts (about 30-45 seconds), stirring in between until smooth and glossy. Adding butter or shortening helps thin the chocolate, making it easier to dip the buckeyes.
4. Dip the Peanut Butter Balls
Insert a toothpick into each chilled peanut butter ball about three-quarters of the way through. Dip the ball into the melted chocolate, covering about ¾ of the ball but leaving a small circle of peanut butter exposed at the top. This is the signature look of buckeyes. Let excess chocolate drip off, then place the dipped buckeye back on the parchment-lined tray.
5. Smooth the Toothpick Hole
After dipping, remove the toothpick carefully. Use your finger or a small knife to smooth over the hole left by the toothpick to keep the buckeye looking neat and polished.
6. Chill and Set
Refrigerate the dipped buckeyes for at least 30 minutes or until the chocolate is firm. Once set, they’re ready to enjoy or package for gifts.
Tips for Perfect Buckeyes Every Time
– Sift your powdered sugar before mixing to avoid clumps in the peanut butter dough.
– Use creamy peanut butter for the smoothest texture. Salted peanut butter works best to balance the sweetness.
– Chill thoroughly after shaping and after dipping to ensure the buckeyes hold their shape and the chocolate sets properly.
– Don’t fully cover the balls in chocolate—leaving a small circle of peanut butter on top is what makes them look like buckeyes.
– If chocolate thickens while dipping, gently reheat in short intervals until smooth again.
– Store buckeyes in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two weeks.
Variations and Serving Ideas
– Roll the peanut butter balls in crushed nuts or sprinkles before chilling for a festive touch.
– Use dark, milk, or white chocolate depending on your preference.
– Add a pinch of cinnamon or a splash of bourbon to the peanut butter mixture for a flavor twist.
– Serve on a decorative platter for holiday parties or package in festive tins as gifts.
Buckeyes peanut butter balls are a simple, crowd-pleasing treat that combines rich peanut butter and silky chocolate in every bite. Once you try making them, they’ll quickly become a favorite in your recipe collection!
Indulge in these sweet, creamy delights and enjoy a taste of Midwest tradition right at home.