My buckeyes recipe is quick and easy to make for peanut butter lovers. I make it with creamy peanut butter and rich chocolate flavor so it’s the star on my Christmas cookie tray.
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My Easy Buckeye Recipe
I have a huge sweet tooth, so when it comes to Christmas time, I go all out with my dessert tray. One of the traditional recipes that has been on my cookie tray the last 4 years? That would be my favorite buckeyes recipe.
My family has a huge love for peanut butter desserts, so my husband and mom have been asking me to create a recipe for buckeyes for ages.
I surprised them on Christmas day by placing them in the center of my cookie tray and I’ve never seen their eyes light up so much around a dessert. It was like I told them they won the lottery or something. But, I guess if I can’t win the lottery, I will take a lifetime supply of chocolate and peanut butter myself!
I won’t turn the chance to make them because it’s a no-bake recipe and one that my kids can help with when dipping them into the chocolate. And yes, they lick their fingers AFTER they are done helping me.
If you love a good peanut butter recipe, try my recipes for peanut butter balls, peanut butter frosting, peanut butter kiss cookies, peanut butter dip, peanut butter balls with rice krispies, and peanut butter cup cookies.
What Are Buckeyes?
Buckeyes are delightful peanut butter and chocolate treats that resemble the nut from the Ohio Buckeye tree.
I fell in love the very first time I tried one. Buckeyes have a smooth, creamy peanut butter center partially dipped in dark, luscious chocolate. The flavor combination is similar to Reese’s, but I like Buckeyes even better!
Buckeye Ingredients
- Peanut butter — I use creamy peanut butter for a smooth texture
- Butter — I use unsalted, but salted is okay in this recipe too and won’t make it too salty
- Vanilla extract
- Powdered sugar
- Dark chocolate — I’ve also used milk chocolate and semi-sweet chocolate and it’s delicious
- Coconut oil — I’ve also used shortening here, but prefer coconut oil
How to Make Buckeyes
A full printable version of this recipe with ingredient measurements is available at the bottom of this post.
STEP ONE: Blend together the creamy peanut butter, softened butter, and a dash of vanilla extract in the bowl of a stand mixer.
STEP TWO: With the mixer on low speed, slowly add powdered sugar to the mix. Watch as it gradually transforms into a cohesive ball around the paddle.
STEP THREE: Scoop out bite-sized portions, about a tablespoon each, and roll them into smooth balls. Lay them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or wax paper and chill in the freezer for 30 minutes.
STEP FOUR: Melt the dark chocolate and coconut oil together in a microwave-safe bowl inside the microwave using 30-second intervals. Stir the mixture after each interval, microwaving for a total of 1 to 2 minutes until smooth.
STEP FIVE: Poke each peanut butter ball with a toothpick and dip it into the melted chocolate, but make sure that a small peek of peanut butter is exposed at the top. Place them on parchment paper to set, and then repeat this process with the rest.
STEP SIX: Place the buckeye candy into the fridge for approximately 15 minutes until fully set.
Tips for the Best Buckeye Candy Recipe
- Use softened butter. I find bringing the butter to room temperature before blending it creates a super smooth texture. Cold butter tends to blend into chunks.
- Choose a no-stir peanut butter. It infuses that smooth, classic nutty flavor and provides a fudge-like consistency. I don’t recommend using natural peanut butter for this buckeyes recipe.
- Don’t get impatient when melting the chocolate. Higher heat will only cause the chocolate to burn or clump, which prevents it from coating the peanut butter balls properly.
- Use coconut oil to create a smoother chocolate to work with. I won’t melt chocolate without it anymore because it makes the whole experience so much easier.
Easy Buckeye Recipe Variations and substitutions
- Try different types of chocolate! I’ve used white chocolate, milk chocolate, and traditional chocolate chips, though dark chocolate is still my favorite in buckeyes and on its own!
- Add a coating of crushed pretzels to the freshly dipped buckeye balls. I’ve found this turns them into a nice sweet and salty dessert.
- Make the dessert dairy-free by using an oil-based butter and a dairy-free dark chocolate.
- Add sprinkles on top of the chocolate for a sweet crunch! I love doing this when I’m putting them on my Christmas tray to bring some color to them. I’ve also used crushed peanuts as a topping.
Buckeyes Recipe FAQs
What’s the Best Peanut Butter to Use for Buckeyes?
I’ve found that creamy peanut butter works best because it mixes smoothly and holds up well when shaped into balls. My personal favorite is a classic brand like Jif or Skippy because they offer that rich, consistent flavor and texture that doesn’t overpower the chocolate.
I stay away from natural peanut butters because of their oilier consistency, which can affect how well my buckeyes hold up.
Why is Coconut Oil Added to Chocolate for Dipping?
I find coconut oil helps thin the chocolate to create a smooth texture for dipping. It also helps create a glossy finish.
What’s the Best Way to Store This Buckeyes Recipe?
I store my peanut butter buckeyes in an airtight container in the refrigerator or a cold garage in the winter for up to 2 weeks. They also freeze nicely for up to 3 months.
They do store on the counter, but I find that if it gets too warm in the house, the chocolate can melt off the buckeyes.
How Do I Prevent the Chocolate from Cracking While Dipping Peanut Butter Buckeyes?
I wrote this recipe to make sure the chocolate doesn’t crack and the coconut oil plays a big part in that. It’s also important that the peanut butter balls are cold from being chilled in the freezer and the chocolate is just melted and not too hot.
When coating them, I slowly dip them, allowing the excess chocolate to drip off before setting them down.
More Easy Dessert Recipes
- 3 Ingredient no bake cheesecake
- Jello salad
- Saltine cracker toffee
- White trash recipe
- Butterscotch cookies
- Iced thumbprint cookies
- Hershey kiss cookies
- Crockpot Christmas crack
- Soft cut out sugar cookies
- Easy Christmas recipes with simple ingredients
Easy Buckeyes Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 ¼ cups creamy peanut butter
- 4 tablespoons salted butter softened
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 2 ½ cups powdered sugar
- 8 ounces dark chocolate finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon coconut oil
Instructions
- In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, combine the creamy peanut butter, softened butter, and vanilla extract.Â
- With the mixer on low speed, slowly add the powdered sugar. Continue mixing on low speed until the mixture comes together in a ball around the paddle.Â
- Scoop out 1 tablespoon-sized portions and roll them into smooth balls. Place the peanut butter balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet and transfer them to the freezer to chill for 30 minutes.
- Add the dark chocolate and coconut oil to a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring well after each interval, until the chocolate is melted and smooth– about 1-2 minutes total.Â
- Working one at a time, stick a toothpick into the top of a peanut butter ball and then dip it into the melted chocolate, leaving a little bit of peanut butter exposed at the top. Then place the buckeye back on the baking sheet and repeat with the remaining buckeyes.Â
- Once all of the buckeyes have been dipped in chocolate, return the pan to the fridge until the chocolate has set– about 15 minutes.
Notes
- I recommend a classic (not all-natural) peanut butter for this recipe. Â
- Store the buckeyes in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks and in the freezer for up to 3 months. I store them in my cold garage around the holidays.
Nutrition
This nutrition information is based on the exact products I used in this recipe. Brands and sizes of products could alter exact nutrition and should always be calculated independently.
