Buckeyes are an old-fashioned dessert that holds a special place in my holiday memories. These little balls of peanut butter bliss are partially dipped in chocolate for a sweet and salty combination that never goes out of style.
These bite-sized wonders are not only delicious but also incredibly easy to make. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal effort, you can make a batch of buckeyes perfect for sharing with friends and family.
After all, everyone loves the combination of peanut butter and chocolate! Whether you’re rolling the peanut butter dough with the kids or dipping them in melted chocolate, creating buckeyes is a fun way to bring the whole family together.
Making buckeyes is a tradition I shared with my Grandma, a true Ohioan (from the Buckeye State herself, of course!). She taught me how to make them, so naturally, I had to pass this down to my kids.
Not that it is difficult! So skip the complicated holiday desserts and embrace the rustic charm of buckeyes! This post will walk you through the simple steps to creating this festive treat and some tips and tricks to make them picture-perfect (and oh-so-delicious!).
Looking for more homemade candies for the holidays? Try polar bear claws, chocolate honeycomb candy, and homemade peppermint patties.
🥘Ingredient Notes
For exact amounts needed see the recipe card below
- Peanut butter: Make sure you use creamy peanut butter for that smooth, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Unsalted butter
- Vanilla extract
- Powdered sugar
- Chocolate chips: I think semi-sweet chocolate chips strike the perfect balance between sweet and bitter. But if you prefer a darker chocolate, go for it!
- Vegetable shortening or coconut oil
🥣How to Make Buckeyes
- Start by lining your baking sheets with parchment paper to keep the buckeyes from sticking.
- In a large bowl, beat the creamy peanut butter, softened butter, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing until well combined. The mixture should be firm enough to hold its shape. If it’s too sticky, add a bit more powdered sugar.
- Roll the peanut butter mixture into 1-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet. Once you’ve made all the balls, pop the baking sheet into the freezer for about an hour. Freezing helps them firm up and makes dipping easier.
- Combine the semi-sweet chocolate chips and vegetable shortening or coconut oil in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in the microwave for about a minute, then stir. Continue heating in 10-15 second intervals, stirring after each, until the chocolate almost melts. Stir until completely smooth.
- Remove a few peanut butter balls from the freezer at a time. Dip each ball into the melted chocolate using a toothpick, covering about ¾ of the ball. Shake off any excess chocolate and place the dipped buckeyes on the baking sheet. Use your fingertip to smooth over the hole from the toothpick.
- Once all the buckeyes are dipped, let the chocolate harden. You can speed this up by placing them in the refrigerator for a few minutes.
🍴Serving Ideas
Whether you’re planning a casual family get-together or a festive holiday party, these buckeyes will be a hit.
- Buckeyes are a classic holiday treat! Arrange them with other holiday goodies like cookies, fudge, and candy canes on a decorative platter. The contrast between chocolate and creamy peanut butter filling against the festive colors will make your dessert table pop.
- Looking for a homemade gift idea? The Buckeyes are an excellent choice. Place them in a decorative box or tin lined with parchment paper, and tie it with a festive ribbon. These make thoughtful gifts for teachers, neighbors, or anyone who appreciates a homemade treat.
- Buckeyes are also perfect for game day! Serve them alongside other finger foods like sliders, nachos, and wings. They’re a sweet contrast to the savory snacks and will surely be a hit with everyone.
- Do you need a quick and easy snack for the kids? They are perfect for that, too. Serve them with a glass of milk for an after-school treat that’s sure to bring smiles.
💭How to Store
If you plan to eat the buckeyes within a few days, store them at room temperature in an airtight container in a cool, dry place. This way, they’ll stay fresh for up to two days.
For more extended storage, place the buckeyes in the refrigerator. Store them in an airtight container to prevent them from absorbing any odors from other foods. They’ll stay fresh for up to two weeks in the fridge.
They also freeze well, so freezing is an excellent option for making and enjoying a big batch over time. Place the buckeyes on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze until solid.
Then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep for up to three months in the freezer. To thaw, place them in the refrigerator overnight or let them sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes.
⭐Tips
Be sure to check out the step by step instructions
- When adding the powdered sugar, do it gradually. This helps you achieve a smooth consistency without any lumps and prevents the powdered sugar from flying everywhere!
- Don’t skimp on the chilling time before dipping. Freezing the peanut butter balls for at least an hour makes them firm enough to dip in the chocolate without falling apart.
- Use a toothpick to dip each ball into the melted chocolate, covering about ¾ of the ball. Partially dipping the balls gives the Buckeyes their signature look. Shake off any excess chocolate gently to avoid drips.
- When storing your buckeyes, place a piece of parchment paper between layers so they don’t stick together.
📝Reader Questions
You can melt the chocolate chips independently, but the shortening or coconut oil helps achieve a smoother, shinier finish.
Ensure all your utensils and bowls are completely dry before melting the chocolate. Even a tiny bit of water can cause the chocolate to seize.
Use a small cookie scoop to portion out the peanut butter mixture.
Absolutely! For a fun twist, you can experiment with adding a bit of cinnamon, cocoa powder, or even a splash of bourbon. Just be mindful of the consistency and adjust the powdered sugar as needed.
⭐Did You Make This? Leave a Star Rating!
Buckeyes Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups creamy peanut butter
- ½ cup 1 stick unsalted butter softened
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 ½ cups powdered sugar
Coating
- 12 oz semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 2 tablespoons vegetable shortening or coconut oil
Instructions
- Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Beat peanut butter, butter, and vanilla extract in a large bowl until creamy.1 ½ cups creamy peanut butter, ½ cup 1 stick unsalted butter, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Gradually add powdered sugar until well combined.3 ½ cups powdered sugar
- Shape into 1-inch balls and place on the prepared baking sheet.
- Freeze for 1 hour.
- In a microwave-safe bowl, add chocolate chips and shortening. Heat for 1 minute, stir, and continue heating for 10-15 seconds at a time, stirring after each heating and stopping just before all the chocolate is melted. Stir until completely melted.12 oz semi-sweet chocolate chips, 2 tablespoons vegetable shortening or coconut oil
- Remove 3-4 balls at a time from the freezer, leaving the others in the freezer until ready to dip.
- Using a toothpick, dip the balls into melted chocolate, covering about ¾ of the ball. Shake off the excess and place on the prepared baking sheet.
- Use your fingertip to smooth over the hole from the toothpick.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for 2 days, in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks, or freeze for up to 3 months.
Notes
- When adding the powdered sugar, do it gradually. This helps you achieve a smooth consistency without any lumps and prevents the powdered sugar from flying everywhere!
- Don’t skimp on the chilling time before dipping. Freezing the peanut butter balls for at least an hour makes them firm enough to dip in the chocolate without falling apart.
- Use a toothpick to dip each ball into the melted chocolate, covering about ¾ of the ball. Partially dipping the balls gives the Buckeyes their signature look. Shake off any excess chocolate gently to avoid drips.
- When storing your buckeyes, place a piece of parchment paper between layers to prevent them from sticking together.
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Nutrition Information
Nutrition facts are estimates.
Do you think these would work with other nut butters? My grandson has a peanut allergy.
Yes, it should work great with almond butter or cashew butter.