Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple Ingredients: Requires only seven common pantry staples, making it convenient and budget-friendly.
- No-Bake Preparation: No need for an oven; perfect for quick and easy candy-making.
- Crowd-Pleaser: The irresistible combination of chocolate and peanut butter appeals to both kids and adults alike.
Ingredients
- 8 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature
- 1½ cups creamy peanut butter (avoid natural varieties)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ⅛ teaspoon kosher salt
- 3½ cups powdered sugar
- 10 ounces milk chocolate melting wafers
- ½ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Prepare Baking Sheet: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
- Mix Base Ingredients: In a large bowl, cream together the room-temperature butter and peanut butter until smooth, about 2 minutes.
- Add Flavorings: Incorporate the vanilla extract and kosher salt into the mixture.
- Incorporate Powdered Sugar: Gradually add the powdered sugar in three parts: start with 1½ cups, mixing on low speed until mostly combined, then increase to high speed for one minute. Repeat this process with 1 cup of powdered sugar each time until the mixture is smooth and slightly crumbly, ensuring it doesn’t stick to your fingers.
- Form Balls: Scoop and roll the mixture into 1-inch balls, placing them on the prepared baking sheet.
- Chill: Freeze the peanut butter balls for 30 minutes or refrigerate for 2 hours until firm.
- Melt Chocolate: Combine the milk chocolate melting wafers and semi-sweet chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl. Melt in 30-second intervals at 50% power, stirring between each, until smooth. Avoid overheating.
- Dip Balls: Using small skewers or toothpicks, dip each peanut butter ball into the melted chocolate, leaving a small portion of the top exposed to resemble a buckeye nut. Allow excess chocolate to drip off before placing the candy back on the parchment-lined sheet.
- Smooth Over Holes: Gently twist and remove the skewer or toothpick. Smooth over the hole with a slightly damp finger or additional peanut butter mixture, or leave as is for a traditional look.
- Set Chocolate: Let the buckeyes sit at room temperature until the chocolate is fully set.
- Store: Refrigerate the buckeyes in an airtight container until ready to serve.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: Approximately 36 buckeyes
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Chill Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
Variations
- Crunchy Texture: Incorporate crushed graham crackers or rice cereal into the peanut butter mixture for added crunch.
- Dark Chocolate Coating: Substitute dark chocolate melting wafers for a richer, less sweet flavor.
- Flavored Extracts: Replace vanilla extract with almond or coconut extract to introduce a different flavor profile.
- Decorative Toppings: Sprinkle sea salt or drizzle white chocolate over the finished buckeyes for an elegant touch.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store buckeyes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
- Freezing: Layer buckeyes between sheets of wax or parchment paper in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
- Room Temperature: Buckeyes can be left at room temperature for a few hours when serving but should be refrigerated afterward to maintain firmness.
FAQs
What are buckeyes?
Buckeyes are a confection made from a peanut butter fudge partially dipped in chocolate, leaving a circle of peanut butter visible. They resemble the nut of the Ohio buckeye tree and are particularly popular in Ohio and neighboring states.
Can I use natural peanut butter for this recipe?
It’s recommended to avoid natural peanut butter, as the oil separation can affect the texture and consistency of the buckeyes.
How do I prevent the chocolate from seizing when melting?
Ensure all utensils and the bowl are completely dry, as even a small amount of water can cause chocolate to seize.
Can I use almond butter instead of peanut butter?
Yes, almond butter can be used as a substitute; however, it may alter the flavor and texture slightly.
Why is my peanut butter mixture too sticky to roll?
If the mixture is too sticky, gradually add more powdered sugar until it reaches a manageable consistency.
How can I make the dipping process easier?
Chilling the peanut butter balls thoroughly and using small skewers or toothpicks can facilitate easier dipping.
What if I don’t have melting wafers?
You can use chocolate chips; however, adding a small amount of shortening can help achieve a smoother coating.
How do I fix cracks in the chocolate coating?
Ensure the peanut butter balls are not too cold when dipping, as extreme temperature differences can cause cracking.
Can I add decorations to the buckeyes
Buckeyes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 36 buckeyes
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Discover the perfect recipe for Buckeyes, the classic no-bake treat with a creamy peanut butter center and rich chocolate coating. Simple to make and irresistible, this dessert is a holiday favorite and a delight for peanut butter and chocolate lovers alike.
Ingredients
- 8 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature
- 1½ cups creamy peanut butter (avoid natural varieties)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ⅛ teaspoon kosher salt
- 3½ cups powdered sugar
- 10 ounces milk chocolate melting wafers
- ½ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
Instructions
- Prepare Baking Sheet: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Mix Base Ingredients: Cream together butter and peanut butter until smooth (about 2 minutes).
- Add Flavorings: Mix in vanilla extract and kosher salt.
- Incorporate Powdered Sugar: Add powdered sugar in three parts, mixing until smooth and slightly crumbly.
- Form Balls: Roll the mixture into 1-inch balls; place on the prepared baking sheet.
- Chill: Freeze for 30 minutes or refrigerate for 2 hours until firm.
- Melt Chocolate: Melt chocolate wafers and chips in 30-second microwave intervals, stirring until smooth.
- Dip Balls: Dip each peanut butter ball into melted chocolate, leaving a portion exposed to mimic a buckeye.
- Set Chocolate: Let sit at room temperature until chocolate is set.
- Store: Refrigerate in an airtight container until serving.
Notes
- Avoid using natural peanut butter to maintain the right texture.
- To prevent chocolate seizing, ensure all tools and bowls are dry.
- Smooth over skewer holes with a damp finger or peanut butter mixture for a polished look.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
