Peanut Butter Buckeyes are a classic dessert that brings together the creamy richness of peanut butter and the smooth sweetness of chocolate. These bite-sized treats are perfect for parties, holidays, or whenever you're in the mood for something indulgent. The process is simple: blend peanut butter, butter, and powdered sugar into a smooth dough, form it into balls, and dip them in melted chocolate. The key to their iconic look is leaving a small portion of peanut butter visible at the top of each ball, resembling the nut of a buckeye tree. Freezing the peanut butter balls before dipping them in chocolate ensures that the coating sets perfectly, and the result is a smooth, delicious treat that everyone will love.
Peanut Butter Buckeyes are a perfect marriage of peanut butter and chocolate in a classic dessert that’s as simple to make as it is delightful to eat. These treats are a staple during the holiday season, but their sweet, indulgent flavor makes them ideal for any time of the year. With a creamy peanut butter center and a smooth chocolate coating, buckeyes are sure to satisfy even the strongest sweet tooth.
INGREDIENTS
- Unsalted butter: ½ cup, softened, to add richness and creaminess to the peanut butter dough.
- Creamy peanut butter: 1 cup, for the smooth, nutty flavor that forms the base of these treats.
- Vanilla extract: ¼ tsp, to enhance the flavor.
- Powdered sugar: 3 cups, for sweetness and structure in the peanut butter mixture.
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips: 3 cups, melted for the smooth, rich coating.
- Coconut oil (or vegetable shortening): 4 tsp, to help the chocolate melt smoothly and give it a glossy finish.
INSTRUCTIONS
- Step 1:
- In a large bowl, blend together the softened butter, creamy peanut butter, and vanilla extract. Gradually add the powdered sugar and mix until the dough becomes dense and smooth.
- Step 2:
- Shape the dough into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter, and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Insert a toothpick into each ball and freeze for 30 minutes to firm up.
- Step 3:
- In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the chocolate chips with the coconut oil in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until the mixture is smooth and glossy.
- Step 4:
- Dip each peanut butter ball into the melted chocolate, leaving a small circle of peanut butter exposed at the top. Let the excess chocolate drip off, then place the buckeyes back on the parchment-lined sheet.
- Step 5:
- Freeze the buckeyes for 15 minutes to set the chocolate. Remove the toothpicks and smooth over any holes if desired. Serve and enjoy!
Serving and Storage Tips
- Serve these treats chilled for the best texture and flavor.
- Store buckeyes in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week, or freeze them for longer storage.
Helpful Notes
- If you prefer, you can use dark chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet for a richer flavor.
- Be sure to freeze the peanut butter balls before dipping to prevent them from falling apart in the melted chocolate.
Tips from Well-Known Chefs
- Chef Hannah recommends adding a pinch of sea salt to the peanut butter mixture for a sweet-salty contrast that elevates the flavor.
Classic Buckeye Bliss
Peanut Butter Buckeyes are a timeless treat that everyone loves. With their combination of creamy peanut butter and smooth chocolate, they deliver a rich, indulgent bite every time. Their simple yet satisfying flavors make them a hit at any gathering, and their easy preparation means they’re perfect for when you want to whip up something special without too much effort.
Perfect for Gifting or Sharing
Buckeyes are a great treat for holiday gift boxes, party trays, or simply enjoying with family and friends. Their bite-sized shape and classic flavor make them ideal for sharing, and you can easily double the recipe to make a large batch. Freeze them for later or keep them in the fridge for a sweet snack whenever the craving hits.
FAQs
Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?
Yes, but using creamy peanut butter gives the buckeyes a smoother texture. Crunchy peanut butter will add some extra texture to the filling.
How do I prevent the chocolate from cracking?
Make sure the peanut butter balls are cold before dipping them in the melted chocolate, but not frozen solid. This helps the chocolate coat smoothly without cracking.
Can I make buckeyes ahead of time?
Yes, buckeyes can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to a week, or frozen for up to 3 months.
What if I don’t have coconut oil?
You can substitute coconut oil with vegetable shortening or butter to help melt the chocolate and give it a glossy finish.
Summary
Peanut Butter Buckeyes are a delightful and indulgent treat that combines creamy peanut butter with rich chocolate. Named after the nut from the buckeye tree, these sweets are a holiday favorite and perfect for any occasion. The process begins by blending butter, peanut butter, and powdered sugar into a smooth dough, then rolling it into small balls and freezing them to firm up. Afterward, the balls are dipped in melted chocolate, leaving a small circle of peanut butter exposed on top for that iconic buckeye look. These treats are easy to make and sure to be a hit with both kids and adults. Freeze them to enjoy at any time!