Peanut Butter Buckeyes -

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Buckeyes are a delicious no-bake, SUPER-EASY to make and ultra snack-able peanut butter candies come together in a matter of minutes and are dipped in dark chocolate for a snappy shell around a creamy peanut butter center. SO Easy (Only 5 Ingredients!!) Yet SO Delicious!

What is a Buckeye?

These tasty no bake little treats got their name because they resemble the nut of the Ohio Buckeye Tree, the state tree of Ohio. For this reason, this dessert is especially popular in the state of Ohio.

As a food, a Buckeye is an easy, no-bake dessert! Buckeye candy is made up of rich and creamy peanut butter balls dipped in chocolate. And it doesn’t matter if you prefer creamy or crunchy peanut butter, any variety will do!

WHAT ARE THE INGREDIENTS YOU WILL NEED:

It only takes FIVE ingredients:

Peanut Butter
Butter
Vanilla Extract
Powdered Sugar
Dark Chocolate

HOW TO MAKE BUCKEYES:

Sometimes called ‘peanut butter balls’ or ‘buckeye cookies,’ this recipe is basically just a few no-bake ingredients that are probably already in the pantry.

PB FILLING – Begin by mixing together your peanut butter, softened butter, vanilla and powdered sugar, in a large bowl. Roll into 1″ balls and place on a cookie sheet, lined with wax paper. Press a toothpick into the top of each ball and chill in freezer for a minimum of 30 minutes, or until firm.

CHOCOLATE. Just before removing from freezer, melt chocolate chips in a small sauce pan using double boiler method. Stir frequently until smooth.

DIP – Using your toothpick, dip each frozen peanut butter ball in chocolate, leaving a small portion of peanut butter showing at the top. Place on cookie sheet and remove toothpick. You may smooth over the hole left from the toothpick with your fingertip.

CHILL – Refrigerate until ready to serve, and then be careful not to devour all of these little goodies, because they’re DELISH!

TIPS FOR MAKING THIS BUCKEYE RECIPE:

Do not use natural peanut butter for these, it is much too oily.
If your butter isn’t room temp just cut the sticks into a few slices and microwave on 50% power in 5 second bursts. Flip the butter with every burst
You can use salted butter and omit the salt, if you’d prefer.
The butter can be reduced a tablespoon for a firmer ball if desired.
Scrape the bowl properly will mixing the powdered sugar and peanut butter.
Getting the right texture to the buckeyes is important for easy rolling.If the batter is crumbly, add more peanut butter. If it is too sticky, add powdered sugar.
Dust your hands with a bit of powdered sugar when rolling the peanut butter balls so the mixture doesn’t stick to your hands.
Some buckeyes can be smaller and some can be larger and since there is no baking, there’s no need to worry about them baking evenly.
You can also use the same amount of bar chocolate, finely chopped. Feel free to substitute semi-sweet chocolate or milk chocolate if you’d like.
Adding a bit of butter or coconut oil to the chocolate keeps it from cracking.
Making sure the chocolate is warm and the peanut butter balls are very very cold will give the best results for dipping.
The last step before storing or giving the buckeye candies away are to use your fingertip to smooth over any holes in the top. Allow the candies to set completely before packaging them so they don’t stick together.
These will keep in the fridge for up to two weeks, just make sure they’re covered.

WHATS THE BEST PEANUT BUTTER TO USE FOR THESE COOKIES?

For best results use a smooth peanut butter.
There’s no need to use a sweetened peanut butter but if that’s what you have on hand it will work just fine, you can always decrease the sugar if desired.
If you’re using a natural peanut butter without stabilizers make sure to mix really well after opening the jar. The oil heavy top of that jar will make very runny buckeyes.

What Kind of Chocolate is Best for this Candy?

I find that high-quality dark chocolate is best for dipping. Dark chocolate melts more smoothly and more quickly than milk chocolate because it is closer to its natural state. The milk and sugars added to milk chocolate all have different melting points, which makes melting take a little longer.

What is the Best Way to Melt Chocolate?

Although melting chocolate in the microwave might seem the easiest, a double boiler gives the best results. Using a double boiler helps with even melting, allows the chocolate to stay hot, and helps prevent burning.

Be sure to keep the water in the bottom pot on a low simmer. If the water boils too strongly it could seize up the chocolate. Once the chocolate is mostly melted, take the double boiler off the stove and allow the warmth of the water to keep the chocolate smooth and melted while you are dipping peanut butter balls.

HOW DO YOU DIP BUCKEYES?

Chill the balls and insert a toothpick or wooden skewer about 3/4 the way in.
Dip into the cooled chocolate and gently wipe the bottom on the side of the bowl to remove excess chocolate.
Place on a sheet of parchment paper and chill.
Twist toothpick or skewer to remove from ball and use a finger or a small knife to smooth the hole over.

How to store peanut butter buckeyes?

The buckeyes should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep them nice and fresh. Stored in this way, they will keep for about 1 month.
You can also freeze buckeyes in an airtight container or freezer ziploc bag for up to 3 months.

This buckeye balls recipe will be a holiday go-to for potlucks, parties, school functions or even just for a fun, stay-at-home family night! Buckeyes can made and frozen in advance for a quick, grab and go dessert for everyone who loves peanut butter and chocolate…and who doesn’t?