This buckeyes recipe creates the perfect no-bake treat that combines creamy peanut butter with rich chocolate coating. These Ohio-inspired candies taste like peanut butter cups with extra peanut butter goodness.
I discovered buckeyes during a family gathering in Ohio. My aunt brought a plate of these chocolate-dipped peanut butter balls, and I couldn’t stop eating them. The combination of smooth peanut butter filling and chocolate coating was irresistible. Now I make them every holiday season.
What Are Buckeyes?
Buckeyes are peanut butter balls partially dipped in chocolate. They get their name from their resemblance to buckeye nuts, which are the state tree of Ohio. The treats leave a small circle of peanut butter exposed at the top, creating that signature buckeye appearance.
These candies are popular throughout Ohio and neighboring states. They’re especially common during football season and holiday gatherings. The best part? You don’t need to bake anything.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This buckeyes recipe is incredibly simple. You need just six ingredients, and the process takes about 35 minutes from start to finish. The treats store well in the refrigerator for up to two weeks, making them perfect for parties or gift-giving.
The texture is what makes these special. The peanut butter filling is creamy and rich, while the chocolate coating adds the perfect sweet balance. They’re not overly sweet, which means you can enjoy several without feeling overwhelmed.
Essential Ingredients
For the Peanut Butter Filling:
- 1 cup smooth peanut butter
- 5 tablespoons unsalted butter (room temperature)
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Chocolate Coating:
- 2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
- 2 tablespoons coconut oil (optional)
Choose smooth, salted peanut butter for the best results. Avoid natural peanut butters with oil separation, as they can make the filling too runny. Room temperature butter mixes easier, but you can soften cold butter in the microwave using 5-second bursts at 50% power.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Make the peanut butter base. Cream the peanut butter, butter, and vanilla extract together using a stand mixer with a paddle attachment. Mix on low speed for about 30 seconds, then stop and scrape down the bowl.
- Add powdered sugar. Slowly add the powdered sugar while mixing on medium-low speed. Stop frequently to scrape down the bowl sides. I learned this lesson the hard way when my first batch had firm tops but soft bottoms because I skipped the scraping.
- Form the balls. Once the mixture is smooth and well-combined, pinch off tablespoon-sized portions. Roll each piece between your palms to create smooth balls. Aim for about 20 grams each if you’re using a scale.
- Chill the balls. Place the balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Chill them in the refrigerator for at least 20 minutes until they’re firm. This step prevents the balls from falling apart during dipping.
- Prepare the chocolate. Melt the chocolate chips and coconut oil in a microwave-safe bowl. Use 50% power and stir every 30 seconds to prevent burning. The coconut oil helps thin the chocolate for easier dipping. You can substitute shortening or butter if needed.
- Cool the chocolate. Let the melted chocolate cool to room temperature before dipping. Hot chocolate will melt the peanut butter balls.
- Dip the buckeyes. Insert a toothpick or wooden skewer about three-quarters of the way into each chilled ball. Dip each ball into the cooled chocolate, leaving about a quarter of the peanut butter exposed at the top.
- Remove excess chocolate. Gently tap the toothpick against the bowl’s edge to remove excess chocolate. Place the dipped buckeyes on parchment paper and chill until the chocolate sets.
- Finish the buckeyes. Remove the toothpicks by twisting gently. Use a small knife to smooth over any holes left behind.
Pro Tips for Perfect Buckeyes
- Room temperature ingredients mix better. If your butter is too cold, cut it into slices and microwave in 5-second bursts at 50% power.
- Scraping the bowl is essential when adding powdered sugar. This ensures even mixing and prevents texture issues.
- For firmer balls, reduce the butter by one tablespoon. For softer filling, stick with the original amount.
- Chill the balls thoroughly before dipping. Warm peanut butter balls will fall apart in the chocolate.
Storage and Serving
Store finished buckeyes in the refrigerator in an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh for up to two weeks. You can also freeze them for up to three months.
Let refrigerated buckeyes sit at room temperature for 5-10 minutes before serving for the best texture and flavor.
Variations to Try
Experiment with different chocolate types. Dark chocolate creates a more sophisticated flavor, while milk chocolate makes them sweeter. You can also roll the balls in chopped nuts before dipping for added texture.
For holiday versions, add food coloring to the peanut butter mixture or use colored chocolate melts for seasonal themes.
Final Thoughts
This buckeyes recipe delivers restaurant-quality results with minimal effort. The combination of creamy peanut butter and smooth chocolate creates an irresistible treat that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re making them for a party or keeping them on hand for sweet cravings, these no-bake candies never disappoint.
The recipe is foolproof once you master the basic technique. Take your time with each step, especially the chilling and dipping process, and you’ll create professional-looking treats that taste amazing.
Easy No-Bake Buckeyes
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Make the peanut butter base: Cream the peanut butter, butter, and vanilla extract together using a stand mixer with a paddle attachment. Mix on low speed for about 30 seconds, then stop and scrape down the bowl.
- Add powdered sugar: Slowly add the powdered sugar while mixing on medium-low speed. Stop frequently to scrape down the bowl sides to ensure even mixing.
- Form the balls: Once the mixture is smooth and well-combined, pinch off tablespoon-sized portions. Roll each piece between your palms to create smooth balls. Aim for about 20 grams each if you’re using a scale.
- Chill the balls: Place the balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Chill them in the refrigerator for at least 20 minutes until they’re firm. This step prevents the balls from falling apart during dipping.
- Prepare the chocolate: Melt the chocolate chips and coconut oil in a microwave-safe bowl. Use 50% power and stir every 30 seconds to prevent burning. The coconut oil helps thin the chocolate for easier dipping.
- Cool the chocolate: Let the melted chocolate cool to room temperature before dipping. Hot chocolate will melt the peanut butter balls.
- Dip the buckeyes: Insert a toothpick or wooden skewer about three-quarters of the way into each chilled ball. Dip each ball into the cooled chocolate, leaving about a quarter of the peanut butter exposed at the top.
- Remove excess chocolate: Gently tap the toothpick against the bowl’s edge to remove excess chocolate. Place the dipped buckeyes on parchment paper and chill until the chocolate sets.
- Finish the buckeyes: Remove the toothpicks by twisting gently. Use a small knife to smooth over any holes left behind.
Notes
• Room temperature ingredients mix better. If your butter is too cold, cut it into slices and microwave in 5-second bursts at 50% power.
• Scraping the bowl is essential when adding powdered sugar to ensure even mixing.
• For firmer balls, reduce the butter by one tablespoon.
• Chill the balls thoroughly before dipping to prevent them from falling apart.
• You can substitute shortening or butter for coconut oil if needed.