Description
Peanut Butter Buckeyes are classic, bite-sized treats featuring a creamy peanut butter center dipped in rich semi-sweet chocolate, leaving a small portion exposed to resemble the nut of a buckeye tree. Perfect for holidays, parties, or anytime you crave a nostalgic, sweet indulgence.
Ingredients
Scale
Peanut Butter Mixture
- 1 1/2 cups creamy peanut butter
- 3 3/4 cups powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Chocolate Coating
- 1 (12 oz.) package semi-sweet chocolate chips (2 cups)
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter or all-vegetable shortening
Instructions
- Prepare Trays: Line 2 trays with parchment or wax paper to prevent buckeyes from sticking later.
- Mix Peanut Butter Filling: In a large bowl, beat powdered sugar, creamy peanut butter, melted butter, vanilla extract, and salt on medium speed until well blended and smooth. Shape the mixture into 1-inch balls and chill them until firm, which usually takes about 30 minutes.
- Melt Chocolate: In a microwave-safe bowl, microwave semi-sweet chocolate chips and the butter or shortening on HIGH for 45 seconds. Stir until smooth. If not fully melted, continue microwaving in 15-second intervals, stirring after each, until the mixture is completely smooth and melted.
- Dip Buckeyes: Insert a toothpick into the top center of each peanut butter ball. Dip about 3/4 of the ball into the melted chocolate, leaving the top exposed to create the buckeye look. Allow excess chocolate to drip back into the bowl. Place each dipped buckeye on the prepared trays. Remove the toothpick carefully and use a clean finger to smooth over the hole left by the toothpick.
- Repeat & Chill: Continue dipping all remaining peanut butter balls. If the chocolate thickens during this process, reheat it in 10-second intervals until smooth again. Once all the buckeyes are dipped, chill them until the chocolate coating is firm, typically about 30 minutes, before serving.
Notes
- For even-sized buckeyes, use a small cookie scoop or melon baller to portion the peanut butter mixture.
- Store buckeyes in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep them firm.
- If you prefer a sweeter or less salty taste, adjust salt and sugar quantities accordingly.
- Use high-quality chocolate chips for a smoother, richer coating.
- These treats freeze well—store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
