Classic Buckeye Balls

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These peanut butter balls are dipped in chocolate to resemble buckeye nuts, leaving a signature circle of peanut butter visible on top.

The combination of creamy peanut butter filling and chocolate shell makes them irresistible during the holidays or any time of year.

Why You’ll Love It

  • No-bake recipe ready in under an hour
  • Only 6 ingredients
  • The classic peanut butter and chocolate combination
  • Perfect for holiday cookie trays and gift-giving
  • Freezer-friendly for make-ahead convenience
  • Easy enough for kids to help

Ingredients

For the Peanut Butter Filling

  • 1 1/2 cups (384g) creamy peanut butter (not natural style)
  • 1/2 cup (1 stick / 113g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 3 cups (360g) powdered sugar, sifted

For the Chocolate Coating

  • 2 cups (340g) semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • 2 tablespoons coconut oil or vegetable shortening

Steps

  1. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or wax paper.
  2. In a large bowl, beat the peanut butter and softened butter together with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy.
  3. Add the vanilla extract and salt, mixing to combine.
  4. Gradually add the powdered sugar one cup at a time, mixing on low speed after each addition.
  5. The mixture will become thick and dough-like.
  6. If the dough feels too sticky, add more powdered sugar 2 tablespoons at a time.
  7. Roll the dough into 1-inch balls using your hands.
  8. Place the balls on the prepared baking sheets.
  9. Insert a toothpick into the top of each ball, pushing about halfway down.
  10. Freeze the balls for at least 30 minutes until firm.
  11. When ready to dip, combine the chocolate chips and coconut oil in a microwave-safe bowl.
  12. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until completely melted and smooth.
  13. Remove a few peanut butter balls from the freezer at a time, keeping the rest cold.
  14. Hold each ball by the toothpick and dip into the chocolate, leaving the top quarter exposed.
  15. Let excess chocolate drip off, then return to the parchment-lined sheet.
  16. Remove the toothpick by twisting gently.
  17. Use your finger or a clean toothpick to smooth over the hole left by the toothpick.
  18. Repeat with remaining balls, reheating chocolate in 15-second bursts if it thickens.
  19. Refrigerate the dipped buckeyes for at least 30 minutes until the chocolate is set.

Helpful Tips and Substitutions

Use regular commercial peanut butter like Jif or Skippy for the best texture.

Natural peanut butter with oil separation will make the filling too soft and greasy.

Softened butter is important because cold butter will not blend smoothly.

Sift the powdered sugar to prevent lumps in the filling.

The coconut oil helps thin the chocolate and creates a smooth, shiny coating.

Vegetable shortening works the same way if you prefer to avoid coconut flavor.

If your chocolate is too thick for dipping, add more coconut oil 1/2 teaspoon at a time.

Work in small batches when dipping since the balls soften quickly at room temperature.

For a twist, use dark chocolate, milk chocolate, or white chocolate for the coating.

A small cookie scoop helps portion uniform balls quickly.

Serving Ideas

Arrange buckeyes in paper candy cups on a platter for an elegant presentation.

Package in gift boxes with tissue paper for holiday giving.

Stack in a mason jar with a ribbon for a simple homemade gift.

Include on a cookie tray alongside fudge, toffee, and decorated cookies.

Chop buckeyes and fold into vanilla ice cream for a peanut butter cup sundae.

Make-Ahead and Storage

Buckeyes are ideal for making ahead since they store and freeze beautifully.

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks.

Layer with wax paper or parchment between rows to prevent sticking.

Bring to room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving for the best texture.

Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.

Thaw frozen buckeyes in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

The undipped peanut butter balls can be frozen for up to 3 months and dipped later.

A Holiday Staple

Buckeyes have been a holiday tradition in the Midwest for generations, and for good reason.

The ratio of peanut butter to chocolate is perfect, and the homemade version beats anything store-bought.

Make a double batch because these go fast on any cookie tray.

Keep plenty of toothpicks on hand for easy dipping.

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