Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Buckeye peanut butter balls are rich, decadent, and incredibly simple to make. With just a handful of ingredients and no baking required, you can whip up a batch quickly for parties, gifts, or sweet cravings. The contrast between the smooth peanut butter filling and crisp chocolate shell makes them irresistible, and they store beautifully for later enjoyment.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Creamy peanut butter
- Unsalted butter (softened)
- Powdered sugar
- Vanilla extract
- Salt (optional)
- Semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips
- Coconut oil or shortening (for smooth chocolate coating)
Directions
- In a large bowl, beat together the peanut butter, softened butter, vanilla extract, and salt (if using) until smooth and creamy.
- Gradually mix in powdered sugar until the mixture is thick and holds its shape.
- Roll the mixture into 1-inch balls and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Chill the peanut butter balls in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, or freeze for 30 minutes, until firm.
- Melt chocolate chips with a bit of coconut oil or shortening in the microwave or using a double boiler, stirring until smooth.
- Using a toothpick, dip each peanut butter ball about ¾ of the way into the melted chocolate, leaving the top exposed to resemble a buckeye.
- Let the excess chocolate drip off, then place the dipped ball back on the baking sheet.
- Chill until the chocolate is set, about 15–20 minutes. Remove the toothpicks and smooth over the holes if desired.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes about 30–36 buckeyes.
Prep time: 30 minutes
Chill time: 1 hour
Total time: about 1 hour 30 minutes
Variations
- Crunchy peanut butter: Use crunchy peanut butter for added texture.
- Chocolate drizzle: Instead of dipping, drizzle the chocolate over the peanut butter balls for a different look.
- Add rice cereal: Mix in crushed crispy rice cereal for a crunchier filling.
- Dip completely: Fully dip the balls in chocolate for a truffle-style version.
- White chocolate version: Use white chocolate instead of dark for a sweet twist.
Storage/Reheating
Store buckeye balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
To freeze, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet until frozen, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months.
Thaw in the refrigerator before serving. No reheating required.
FAQs
Can I use natural peanut butter?
It’s not recommended, as natural peanut butter is often too oily and may prevent the filling from setting properly.
Why is the filling too soft?
Add more powdered sugar if needed, or chill the mixture longer before shaping.
Can I dip them completely in chocolate?
Yes, you can fully coat the peanut butter balls for a truffle-style treat.
What type of chocolate is best?
Semi-sweet or dark chocolate balances the sweetness of the filling best, but you can use milk chocolate if preferred.
How do I keep the chocolate coating smooth?
Add a small amount of coconut oil or shortening when melting the chocolate to create a silky texture.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, they store very well in both the fridge and freezer, making them perfect for prepping ahead.
Can I freeze them?
Absolutely. Freeze in layers separated by parchment paper and thaw in the fridge before serving.
How do I remove the toothpick mark?
After dipping, use your finger or a small spatula to gently smooth over the hole.
Are buckeyes gluten-free?
Yes, as long as all your ingredients are gluten-free, especially the chocolate.
Can I use a different nut butter?
Yes, almond butter or sunflower seed butter can be used, but the texture and taste will vary.
Conclusion
Buckeye peanut butter balls are a classic, no-bake candy that delivers the perfect combination of peanut butter and chocolate in one bite-sized treat. Whether you’re making them for the holidays, gifting to friends, or enjoying them all to yourself, these irresistible confections are easy to make and even easier to love. Keep a batch on hand for a quick, satisfying indulgence any time.
PrintBuckeye Peanut Butter Balls
Buckeye peanut butter balls are no-bake treats featuring a creamy peanut butter center partially dipped in chocolate, resembling the nut of an Ohio buckeye tree. They’re rich, easy to make, and perfect for holidays or gifting.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 30–36 buckeyes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups creamy peanut butter
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp salt (optional)
- 3 1/2 to 4 cups powdered sugar
- 2 cups semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips
- 1 tbsp coconut oil or shortening
Instructions
- In a large bowl, beat peanut butter, softened butter, vanilla, and salt until smooth.
- Gradually add powdered sugar and mix until a thick, moldable dough forms.
- Roll into 1-inch balls and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Chill in the refrigerator for 1 hour or freeze for 30 minutes until firm.
- Melt chocolate chips with coconut oil in the microwave or double boiler until smooth.
- Using a toothpick, dip each peanut butter ball ¾ of the way into the chocolate, leaving the top exposed.
- Let excess chocolate drip off and place back on the baking sheet.
- Chill until chocolate is set, about 15–20 minutes.
- Remove toothpicks and gently smooth over holes if desired. Serve or store as directed.
Notes
- Use processed peanut butter for best structure—natural versions can be too oily.
- Adjust powdered sugar to achieve a dough that holds shape but isn’t dry.
- Add coconut oil to melted chocolate for a smoother coating.
- Can be fully dipped for a truffle-style treat.
- Great for make-ahead and freezer-friendly desserts.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ball
- Calories: 140
- Sugar: 13g
- Sodium: 60mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
