Dive into the world of irresistible homemade treats with our ultimate Buckeye recipe! These delectable chocolate and peanut butter candies are a beloved classic, especially popular during the holiday season, but truly a year-round delight. Perfect for any gathering, party platter, or simply satisfying a sweet craving, Buckeyes offer a blissful marriage of creamy peanut butter and rich chocolate in every bite. Best of all? They’re incredibly easy to make, requiring no baking and minimal effort. Get ready to impress your friends and family with these iconic Ohio confections!
If you’re a true enthusiast of the timeless chocolate and peanut butter combination, then you absolutely must try these Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookies or this decadent Reese’s Peanut Butter Cheesecake. These recipes perfectly complement the rich flavors found in our beloved Buckeyes, offering even more ways to enjoy your favorite flavor pairing.
If you appreciate a sweet, rich, and utterly satisfying treat, then this Buckeye recipe is tailor-made for you. Bursting with the beloved flavors of creamy peanut butter and luscious chocolate, these candies are an undeniable favorite and a welcome addition to any cookie plate, candy platter, or holiday spread. Their alluring taste and simple preparation make them a go-to dessert for any occasion.
And the biggest bonus? They are incredibly straightforward to prepare! This truly is a no-bake wonder; the only heat required is a quick melt of the chocolate. This makes Buckeyes easy enough for even a beginner in the kitchen to master, guaranteeing a delicious outcome with minimal stress. Forget complicated baking steps and lengthy cooling times; with Buckeyes, you’re just a few simple steps away from a tray of pure indulgence.
Essential Ingredients for Perfect Buckeyes
Crafting the perfect Buckeye requires just a few pantry staples. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in achieving that signature creamy peanut butter center and perfectly coated chocolate shell. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need and why:
- Peanut Butter: For this specific recipe, the type of peanut butter is paramount. You’ll want to use a smooth, commercial peanut butter such as Skippy or Jif. Natural peanut butter, while delicious, often has a drier, oil-separated consistency that can make your peanut butter mixture crumbly and difficult to roll into smooth, cohesive balls. The creamy, consistent texture of processed peanut butter is key to achieving the ideal filling.
- Butter: I typically opt for unsalted butter to control the overall sodium content of the candy. However, if you’re a fan of the classic salty-sweet contrast, a good quality salted butter would also work beautifully, adding a subtle depth of flavor to your Buckeyes. Ensure your butter is softened to room temperature for seamless blending.
- Vanilla Extract: A touch of pure vanilla extract is essential. It enhances the overall flavor profile, adding a warm, aromatic note that beautifully complements both the rich peanut butter and the sweet chocolate. Don’t underestimate the power of good vanilla!
- Powdered Sugar: Also known as confectioners’ sugar, this ingredient is what gives the peanut butter filling its wonderfully smooth, melt-in-your-mouth texture. To guarantee a silky consistency free of any gritty clumps, I highly recommend sifting the powdered sugar before incorporating it into the mixture. Always measure your powdered sugar *before* sifting.
- Chocolate Chips: My go-to for dipping Buckeyes is semi-sweet chocolate chips. The sweetness of the peanut butter filling is quite pronounced, so the slight bitterness and deeper flavor of semi-sweet chocolate provide a perfect balance, preventing the candies from becoming overly saccharine. For an even smoother, more professional finish, you could also use a high-quality chopped chocolate bar instead of chips.
- Shortening: This is a secret weapon for achieving a beautifully smooth and glossy chocolate coating. Adding a small amount of shortening helps to thin the melted chocolate slightly, making it much easier to dip the peanut butter balls evenly. It also helps the chocolate set with a lovely, unblemished finish, preventing it from seizing or becoming too thick to work with.
How to Make This Effortless Buckeye Recipe
Creating these delightful chocolate and peanut butter Buckeyes is a fun and straightforward process. Follow these simple steps for a perfect batch every time:
- Prepare the Peanut Butter Base: In a large mixing bowl, combine the room-temperature commercial peanut butter and softened butter. Using an electric mixer (a stand mixer works best due to the eventual thickness of the mixture), beat these two ingredients together until they are thoroughly combined, wonderfully smooth, and light in color. This initial creaming ensures a consistent and creamy base. Next, beat in the vanilla extract until it’s fully incorporated and fragrant.
- Incorporate Powdered Sugar: Gradually add the sifted powdered sugar to the peanut butter mixture. If using a stand mixer, begin on a low speed to prevent a cloud of sugar from forming. The mixture will quickly thicken and become quite stiff, resembling a firm dough. If using a hand mixer, you might find it too challenging; at this point, switching to a sturdy spatula or even using your hands to thoroughly combine everything will be more effective. The goal is to create a firm, pliable dough that holds its shape. If the mixture seems too soft, add a little more sifted powdered sugar, one tablespoon at a time, until it reaches the desired firmness.
- Roll and Chill the Peanut Butter Balls: Using a cookie scoop (approximately 1 tablespoon in size) is an excellent way to ensure your Buckeyes are uniform in size. Roll the peanut butter mixture into smooth, round balls. If the mixture feels a bit sticky, lightly dust your hands with powdered sugar. Arrange these perfectly rolled balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. This lining prevents sticking and makes for easy transfer. Here’s a crucial tip for successful dipping: gently insert a toothpick into the top of each peanut butter ball. Freezing the toothpick within the ball helps secure it, preventing it from slipping out when you dip into the warm chocolate. Transfer the baking sheet to the freezer for at least 30 minutes. This chilling period is vital as it firms up the peanut butter balls, making them easier to handle and preventing them from melting when they meet the warm chocolate.
- Melt the Chocolate Coating: While your peanut butter balls are firming up in the freezer, prepare your chocolate coating. Combine the semi-sweet chocolate chips and the shortening in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat the mixture in the microwave at 50% power in 30-second intervals. After each interval, stir the chocolate thoroughly. Continue this process until the chocolate is about 75% melted. Then, remove it from the microwave and stir continuously until the residual heat completely melts the remaining chocolate, resulting in a perfectly smooth, glossy, and lump-free coating. For a more controlled melt, you can also use a double boiler over simmering water.
- Dip the Peanut Butter Balls: Retrieve the thoroughly frozen peanut butter balls from the freezer. Holding each ball by its toothpick, carefully dip it into the melted chocolate. The key to the classic Buckeye look is to leave a small, distinctive circle of peanut butter exposed at the very top, resembling the “eye” of the buckeye nut. Allow any excess chocolate to drip back into the bowl before returning the dipped candy to the parchment-lined baking sheet. The cold peanut butter will help the chocolate set quickly.
- Finish and Set: Once the Buckeye has been dipped and returned to the parchment paper, gently remove the toothpick. If desired, you can use the back of a small spoon or the tip of a butter knife to smooth over the tiny hole left by the toothpick, creating a pristine finish. Let the dipped Buckeyes sit at room temperature until the chocolate has fully hardened. For a quicker set, especially if you’re eager to enjoy them, you can transfer the baking sheet back to the refrigerator for about 10-15 minutes. Once completely set, these delightful candies are ready to be savored!
What Exactly is a Buckeye? Exploring the Name and Origin
The name “Buckeye” might sound peculiar for a candy, but it carries a significant cultural meaning, particularly in Ohio. These delectable chocolate and peanut butter candies are named after the buckeye nut, which grows on the buckeye tree – proudly designated as the state tree of Ohio. The nuts themselves have a unique appearance: a rich, dark brown color with a distinct, lighter tan patch, resembling an “eye.” This natural look is perfectly mirrored in the candy, where a small circle of peanut butter is left exposed on top of the chocolate coating, creating that iconic “buckeye” visual.
While I didn’t encounter these delightful confections until later in my life, their charm and deliciousness were instant. They are truly a beloved, native Ohio treat, a staple at holiday gatherings, family celebrations, and local events throughout the state. Discovering Buckeyes means discovering a piece of American culinary tradition, a simple yet profoundly satisfying candy that brings joy to countless people.
Pro Tips and Tricks for Buckeye Perfection
Achieving perfectly formed and beautifully coated Buckeyes is easy with a few insider tips. These pointers will help you avoid common pitfalls and ensure your homemade candies are a resounding success:
- The Toothpick Method: Some recipes suggest inserting the toothpick just before dipping the peanut butter ball into the chocolate. However, I find it much more effective to stick a toothpick into each ball *before* placing them in the freezer. This allows the toothpick to freeze firmly within the peanut butter, creating a sturdy handle. A secure toothpick makes dipping significantly easier and reduces the chance of the ball breaking apart or slipping off into the chocolate. If at any point during dipping the toothpick feels loose, simply return the balls to the freezer for another 10-15 minutes to firm them up again.
- Controlling the Yield: This recipe, as written, typically yields about 18 generously sized Buckeyes. These are substantial and satisfying. If you prefer smaller, more bite-sized treats, or if you’re making them for a large gathering and want to stretch the batch, you can adjust the size. Use approximately 2 teaspoons of the peanut butter mixture per ball instead of a full tablespoon. This will give you around 27 smaller Buckeyes, perfect for a diverse treat platter or as a lighter indulgence.
- Optimal Storage Solutions: Buckeyes are wonderfully versatile when it comes to storage, and their texture can vary slightly depending on how they’re stored.
- Room Temperature: You can store Buckeyes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2-3 days. They will be softer and have a more delicate texture.
- Refrigerator: For extended freshness and a firmer, colder texture (my personal favorite way to eat them!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. The chilled peanut butter filling is incredibly satisfying.
- Freezer: Buckeyes also freeze exceptionally well, making them perfect for make-ahead treats. Store them in an airtight, freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. To prevent sticking, you can place parchment paper between layers. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw them in the refrigerator or at room temperature for about 15-30 minutes.
- Achieving a Flawless Chocolate Coating: The addition of shortening is key to a smooth, dippable chocolate. If your chocolate still feels too thick after melting, add an extra 1/2 teaspoon of shortening and stir until fully incorporated. Ensure your peanut butter balls are very cold; the temperature contrast helps the chocolate set quickly and evenly, preventing streaks or a messy finish. Avoid introducing any water to your melting chocolate, as this will cause it to seize and become unusable.
- Customizing Your Buckeyes: Don’t be afraid to experiment! A sprinkle of flaky sea salt on the wet chocolate coating adds a sophisticated salty-sweet crunch. You can also drizzle melted white chocolate over the set Buckeyes for an elegant decorative touch. For an extra layer of flavor and texture, try folding finely chopped nuts (like pecans or walnuts) into the peanut butter mixture before rolling.
Explore More Homemade Candy Recipes
If you’ve fallen in love with making your own sweet treats, don’t stop at Buckeyes! Here are some other fantastic homemade candy recipes you might enjoy:
- Microwave Caramels – Incredibly easy and delightfully chewy.
- Homemade 100 Grand Candy Bar – Recreate a classic candy bar in your own kitchen.
- Oreo Fudge – A simple, crowd-pleasing fudge with everyone’s favorite cookie.
- Shaggy Dog Candy Recipe – A unique and fun treat perfect for any occasion.
- Cherry Nut Chocolates – A fruity and nutty twist on classic chocolates.
LOOKING FOR MORE DELICIOUS, FREE RECIPES?
Subscribe to my free recipe newsletter to get new, family-friendly recipes delivered straight to your inbox each week! Join our community and find more family-friendly inspiration on Pinterest, Facebook, and Instagram. Don’t miss out on fresh ideas and tempting dishes!
Buckeye Recipe
Pin
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup peanut butter
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter at room temperature
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 6 oz semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 teaspoon shortening
Instructions
- In a large bowl, beat the peanut butter and the butter together until smooth. Beat in the vanilla extract.
- Sift the powdered sugar into the mixture and stir to combine. The mixture should be quite stiff. If needed, add more powdered sugar.
- Roll the dough into 18 tablespoon sized balls. Place on a parchment lined baking sheet. Put a toothpick into each ball and place the baking sheet in the freezer for at least 30 minutes.
- Combine the chocolate chips and the shortening in a bowl. Microwave on 50% power in 30 second intervals until the chocolate is melted. (I like to melt it until the chocolate is about 75% melted and then stir until the chocolate is melted and smooth.)
- Remove the peanut butter balls from the freezer and dip into the melted chocolate, leaving a portion of the peanut butter showing on the top. Let any excess chocolate drip off. Return the ball to the parchment lined baking sheet.
- Once the buckeye has been dipped in chocolate, remove the toothpick. If desired, you can smooth over the hole with the back of a spoon or the tip of a butter knife.
- Let the balls sit until the chocolate has hardened, or transfer to the refrigerator for them to harden faster.
Recipe Notes:
You can also melt the chocolate in a double boiler instead of using the microwave for a more controlled melting process.
The toothpicks will start to come out of the balls as they begin to thaw. If this happens and you find them difficult to dip, simply place the balls back into the freezer for another 10-15 minutes to firm them up again.
Nutrition information provided here is an estimate only. Various brands and products can alter the nutritional counts. Any nutritional information should be used as a general guide.
Nutrition Information
,
Calories: 177kcal (9%)
,
Carbohydrates: 19g (6%)
,
Protein: 2g (4%)
,
Fat: 11g (17%)
,
Saturated Fat: 4g (25%)
,
Polyunsaturated Fat: 5g
,
Trans Fat: 0g
,
Cholesterol: 7mg (2%)
,
Sodium: 46mg (2%)
,
Fiber: 1g (4%)
,
Sugar: 17g (19%)