Creamy peanut butter centers, a glossy coat of semi-sweet chocolate, and that little circle of tan peeking through the top, that's a buckeyes recipe done right. I made these for the first time at a holiday cookie swap years ago, and I remember thinking, "Wait, these only have a handful of ingredients?" No oven needed, no fancy techniques, just a bowl, a mixer, and a little patience while they chill.
If you love the combo of peanut butter and chocolate, you'll also want to check out these Peanut Butter M&M Cookies for your next baking day. They've become my go-to for holiday trays, potlucks, and honestly, random Tuesday cravings. The texture is smooth and dense in the best way, almost like fudge, but nuttier. I've paired them alongside Orange Rolls for brunch spreads and next to a slice of Banana Cupcakes for birthday dessert tables. They always disappear first.
Why You'll Love This Buckeyes Recipe
Simple ingredients are all you need to make these chocolatey peanut butter treats. You won't need any fancy equipment or hard-to-find items. The no-bake process means you can make them year-round without turning on your oven, and they come together quickly enough for last-minute gatherings.
The creamy peanut butter center stays soft and smooth, while the chocolate coating adds just the right amount of sweetness. They're incredibly easy to customize with dark chocolate, white chocolate, or even a sprinkle of sea salt on top. Plus, they store beautifully, so you can make them ahead and keep them ready for whenever a craving hits.
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Buckeyes Recipe Ingredients
Here's a look at the ingredients before we start. Simple list, big payoff.
See Recipe Card Below This Post For Ingredient Quantities
- Peanut butter : This is the heart of the filling. Use regular creamy peanut butter, not the natural kind. Natural peanut butter has too much oil and the dough won't hold together the same way.
- Unsalted butter : Adds richness and helps the mixture cream up light and smooth. Room temperature is important here, cold butter won't blend as well.
- Salt : Balances the sweetness and brings out the peanut butter flavor.
- Vanilla extract : Rounds out the flavor and adds a little warmth to the filling.
- Powdered sugar : Gives the filling its structure and that soft, fudgy texture. Add it gradually so it incorporates without lumps.
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips : The coating. Semi-sweet hits that sweet-salty balance that makes these so good. Milk chocolate works too, but semi-sweet is the classic.
- Vegetable shortening or coconut oil: Melted into the chocolate to thin it slightly, making dipping much smoother and giving the coating that glossy finish.
How to Make Buckeyes Recipe
Here's everything you need, step by step. It's easier than it looks.
Mix the peanut butter and butter: Add the peanut butter and room-temperature butter to a large mixer bowl. Beat together on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 2 to 3 minutes. The mixture should look creamy and pale.
Add flavorings: Pour in the vanilla extract and salt. Mix until fully combined, about 30 seconds.
Add the powdered sugar: Gradually add the powdered sugar a little at a time, mixing between additions. Keep going until everything is fully incorporated and there are no lumps. The dough will be thick and slightly stiff.
Roll the balls: Scoop out tablespoon-sized pieces (about 20g each) and roll them between your palms into smooth balls. The mixture is soft but firm enough to shape. If it feels too sticky or soft, pop the bowl in the fridge for an hour and try again.
Chill until firm: Place the rolled balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Slide it into the freezer and chill for 20 to 30 minutes, until the balls are firm to the touch. This step makes dipping much easier.
Melt the chocolate: Combine the chocolate chips and shortening (or coconut oil) in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in 15 to 20 second intervals, stirring between each, until fully melted and smooth. Pour the melted chocolate into a deep bowl or cup for easier dipping.
Dip the buckeyes: Push a toothpick into the top of each chilled peanut butter ball. Dip it into the melted chocolate, leaving a small circle of peanut butter showing at the top. That's the classic buckeye look.
Set and finish: Place each dipped buckeye back on the parchment paper. Once all are dipped, smooth over any toothpick holes with your fingertip or a small offset spatula. Refrigerate briefly to set the chocolate faster if needed.
Serve and store: Once the chocolate is set, they're ready to eat. Store at room temperature for 2 to 3 days, in the fridge for up to 2 weeks, or freeze for up to 3 months.
Swaps and Substitutions
Peanut butter: Stick with regular creamy peanut butter. Crunchy can work but the texture of the filling changes. Natural peanut butter is not recommended.
Butter: Salted butter works in a pinch, just skip the added salt in the recipe.
Chocolate chips: Semi-sweet is classic, but dark chocolate or milk chocolate both work depending on how sweet you want the coating.
Shortening: Coconut oil is a great swap and gives a very slight coconut flavor that most people don't notice. Any neutral oil works in a pinch.
Powdered sugar: No good substitutes here. It's what holds the filling together.
Equipment For Buckeyes Recipe
- Electric mixer or hand mixer
- Microwave-safe bowl
- Parchment paper
- Toothpicks
- Spatula or offset spatula
- Baking sheet
Nothing complicated. If you've made cookies before, you've got everything you need.
How to Store Your Buckeyes
Room temperature: Keep them in an airtight container for up to 2 to 3 days. They're fine on the counter if your kitchen isn't too warm.
Refrigerator: Store in a covered container for up to 2 weeks. This is the most popular option because the chocolate stays firm and the filling stays dense and cold.
Freezer: Layer them between sheets of parchment in a freezer-safe container. They freeze beautifully for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.
Serving Ideas
Arrange them on a holiday cookie tray alongside something warm and doughy like Strawberry Icebox Cake for a beautiful sweet spread. They also look stunning piled into a small candy dish at a party or stacked in a cellophane bag tied with ribbon as a homemade gift. For a dessert table, place them next to a rich Zucchini Cake or a quick Chocolate Mug Cake for contrast. Cold from the fridge, they have an almost truffle-like bite that feels extra special.
Expert Tips
Don't skip the freeze: Chilling the balls before dipping is the biggest key to smooth, mess-free coating. Warm balls will slide off the toothpick or drag through the chocolate.
Use a deep bowl for dipping: A deep, narrow cup or mug makes it much easier to dip and coat the balls evenly without dragging through a thin layer of chocolate.
Work quickly: If your kitchen is warm, the chocolate can start to thicken as it cools. If it gets too thick, microwave it for another 10 to 15 seconds and stir.
Smooth the toothpick holes: Use a fingertip or small spatula to gently close any holes left by the toothpick before the chocolate fully sets.
Batch ahead: These are even better the next day after the flavors settle. Make them the night before a party and refrigerate overnight.
FAQ
What are buckeyes called in England?
In England, they're usually called chocolate peanut butter balls or peanut butter truffles. The name "buckeye" is very American and tied to the Ohio State buckeye tree. British bakers make similar sweets but tend to use different names based on the shape or filling.
What is a buckeye?
A buckeye is the nut of the Ohio buckeye tree. It has a dark brown shell with a lighter tan spot on top. The candy version mimics that look by leaving a circle of peanut butter visible after dipping in chocolate. It's a sweet and salty no-bake treat made from peanut butter, butter, powdered sugar, and chocolate.
Why is Ohio State called buckeyes?
Ohio State's teams are called the Buckeyes because Ohio is known as the Buckeye State, named after the buckeye trees that grow throughout the region. The buckeye nut became a symbol of good luck and state pride, and the university adopted it as their mascot. These candies are especially popular during football season.
Are buckeye balls actually nuts?
No, buckeye candy balls are not made from actual buckeye nuts. Real buckeye nuts are toxic and not edible. The candy is made from peanut butter, butter, powdered sugar, and chocolate, and is simply named after the nut because of its similar appearance. They're completely safe and delicious to eat.
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Buckeyes
Ingredients
Method
- Add the peanut butter and butter to a large mixing bowl. Beat together until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add the salt and vanilla extract to the mixture, then beat until well combined.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing until smooth and lump-free.
- Scoop tablespoon-sized portions (about 20g each) of the mixture and roll them into balls. If desired, chill the mixture for about an hour to make it firmer for easier rolling.
- Place the rolled balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze until firm, around 20-30 minutes.
- In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the chocolate chips and shortening (or coconut oil). Heat in 15-20 second intervals, stirring well between each interval, until smooth and melted.
- Transfer the melted chocolate into a deep bowl or cup for easier dipping.
- Use a toothpick to dip each peanut butter ball into the melted chocolate, leaving a portion of the peanut butter exposed for the classic buckeye appearance.
- Place the dipped buckeyes back onto the parchment paper to set. If you're in a hurry, refrigerate them to speed up the process.
- Cover the small hole left from the toothpick by smoothing it over with your fingers or an offset spatula.
- Serve and enjoy your homemade buckeyes! These can be stored at room temperature for 2-3 days, in the fridge for up to 2 weeks, or frozen for up to 3 months.
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