Description
A classic and indulgent peanut butter buckeye recipe featuring creamy peanut butter balls partially dipped in rich, melted semi-sweet chocolate, perfect for satisfying sweet cravings and festive occasions.
Ingredients
Scale
Peanut Butter Mixture
- 1 ½ cups (420g) peanut butter (not an all-natural one)
- ¾ cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 ½ cups (403g) powdered sugar
Chocolate Coating
- 2 cups (338g) semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 tablespoon vegetable shortening (or coconut oil)
Instructions
- Mix Peanut Butter and Butter: Add peanut butter and unsalted butter to a large mixer bowl and beat together until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. Then add salt and vanilla extract and mix until fully combined.
- Incorporate Powdered Sugar: Gradually add the powdered sugar to the peanut butter mixture, mixing thoroughly until fully combined with no lumps remaining.
- Form Peanut Butter Balls: Scoop tablespoon-sized portions (about 20g each) and roll into balls. The mixture should be soft but firm enough to roll; alternatively, chill the mixture for an hour to firm it up. Place balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet and chill in the freezer for 20-30 minutes until firm.
- Melt Chocolate: Combine chocolate chips and vegetable shortening (or coconut oil) in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 15-20 second intervals, stirring well between each, until the chocolate is fully melted and smooth. Transfer the melted chocolate to a deep bowl or cup for dipping.
- Dip Peanut Butter Balls: Using a toothpick, dip each peanut butter ball into the melted chocolate, covering most of the ball but leaving a bit of peanut butter visible on top for the classic buckeye look.
- Set the Buckeyes: Place the dipped buckeyes back onto the parchment paper to dry. Refrigerate to speed up setting if desired. Use fingers or an offset spatula to smooth over any holes left by the toothpick.
- Serve and Store: Enjoy immediately or store at room temperature for 2-3 days, in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks, or frozen for up to 3 months.
Notes
- Chilling the peanut butter mixture before rolling helps make the balls easier to handle.
- Leaving a small circle of peanut butter exposed at the top is traditional for buckeyes.
- Use vegetable shortening or coconut oil in the chocolate to improve its texture and make it easier to dip.
- Store buckeyes in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
- Adjust sweetness by varying the amount of powdered sugar if preferred.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: No-Cook
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: buckeyes, peanut butter balls, chocolate dipped peanut butter, no-bake desserts, holiday treats
