Description
This easy Buckeye recipe features creamy peanut butter and butter blended with powdered sugar to create a smooth, fudge-like mixture. The peanut butter balls are chilled, then dipped in melted chocolate to create a classic, sweet treat resembling Ohio buckeye nuts. Perfect for holidays or anytime you crave a rich peanut butter and chocolate confection.
Ingredients
Scale
Peanut Butter Mixture
- 1â…“ cups creamy peanut butter
- ½ cup salted butter, softened
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 cups powdered sugar (plus up to an additional ½ cup if needed)
Chocolate Coating
- 3 cups chocolate melting wafers
Instructions
- Cream the Base: Add the peanut butter, softened butter, and vanilla extract to a large bowl or stand mixer. Cream together for about 30 seconds until combined and smooth.
- Add Powdered Sugar: Sift 3 cups of powdered sugar into the bowl and beat the mixture until smooth. If the mixture feels too soft and sticky, gradually add an additional ½ cup powdered sugar. The final texture should be firm enough to hold shape but slightly fudge-like, not sticky.
- Chill the Mixture: Cover and refrigerate the peanut butter mixture for 30 minutes to firm up, which makes it easier to shape.
- Form the Buckeye Balls: Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper. Using a medium cookie scoop, portion out the chilled mixture and roll it into smooth balls by hand. Place the balls on the parchment-lined sheet and then chill them in the freezer for 20 to 30 minutes to solidify further.
- Melt the Chocolate: Just before removing the peanut butter balls from the freezer, melt the chocolate melting wafers. Use a wide glass or heatproof bowl and microwave the wafers in 30-second intervals, stirring well between each interval until fully melted and smooth.
- Dip the Balls: Spear each chilled peanut butter ball with a toothpick and carefully dip it into the melted chocolate, ensuring most of the ball is coated but leaving a small circle exposed on top to mimic a buckeye nut. Use a fork to gently lift the ball out of the chocolate and transfer it back onto the parchment paper.
- Seal the Toothpick Hole: Use your finger or a paring knife to lightly smooth over and cover the hole left by the toothpick for a polished look.
- Set the Chocolate: Allow the dipped buckeye candies to sit at room temperature until the chocolate hardens completely before serving or storing.
Notes
- If the peanut butter mixture feels too soft or sticky, gradually add more powdered sugar until a fudge-like but firm consistency is achieved.
- Chilling both before and after dipping helps maintain shape and prevents melting.
- Use smooth creamy peanut butter for the best texture and flavor.
- Chocolate melting wafers are recommended for ease of melting and smooth dipping; alternatively, use high-quality chocolate chips or baking chocolate.
- Store Buckeyes in an airtight container, refrigerated, for up to a week or freeze for longer storage.
