No-Bake Peanut Butter Buckeyes
Buckeyes are peanut butter balls partially dipped in chocolate, leaving a circle of peanut butter exposed to resemble the nut of an Ohio buckeye tree.
They require no baking and come together with just five basic ingredients.
Why You’ll Love It
No oven required – just mixing, chilling, and dipping.
The peanut butter filling is smooth, sweet, and slightly crumbly in the best way.
Makes about 50 buckeyes – perfect for holiday cookie trays.
Uses simple pantry ingredients you probably already have.
The chocolate-to-peanut-butter ratio is perfectly balanced in every bite.
A classic candy that impresses without requiring candy-making skills.
Ingredients
1 1/2 cups creamy peanut butter – not natural style, which is too oily
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3 cups powdered sugar
2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
2 tablespoons coconut oil or vegetable shortening
Steps
1. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats.
2. In a large bowl, beat together the peanut butter and softened butter with a hand mixer until smooth and combined.
3. Add the vanilla extract and mix briefly.
4. Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, mixing on low speed until fully incorporated.
5. The mixture should be thick, slightly crumbly, but hold together when pressed – add more powdered sugar if too sticky.
6. Roll the mixture into 1-inch balls using your hands and place them on the prepared baking sheets.
7. Insert a toothpick into the top of each ball – this is your handle for dipping.
8. Freeze the peanut butter balls for at least 30 minutes until firm.
9. When ready to dip, combine the chocolate chips and coconut oil in a microwave-safe glass bowl.
10. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until completely smooth.
11. Remove a few peanut butter balls from the freezer at a time to keep them cold.
12. Holding the toothpick, dip each ball into the chocolate about three-quarters of the way, leaving a circle of peanut butter visible at the top.
13. Let the excess chocolate drip off, then place back on the parchment-lined sheet.
14. Remove the toothpick by twisting gently, then use your fingertip or a clean toothpick to smooth over the hole.
15. Let the chocolate set completely at room temperature or refrigerate for 15 minutes to speed up the process.
Helpful Tips & Substitutions
Do not use natural peanut butter – the oil separates and the filling won’t hold together properly.
If the peanut butter mixture is too dry, add a tablespoon of softened butter.
Keep the balls very cold before dipping – warm balls cause the chocolate to slide off.
Work in small batches when dipping, keeping the rest of the balls in the freezer.
Almond butter or sunflower seed butter can substitute for peanut butter for allergy-friendly versions.
Use candy melts instead of chocolate chips for a smoother finish that sets with a nice sheen.
For a decorative touch, drizzle the finished buckeyes with contrasting white chocolate.
Serving Ideas
Arrange on a platter as part of a holiday dessert spread or cookie exchange.
Package in small gift boxes for homemade holiday presents.
Serve chilled for a firmer texture or at room temperature for a softer bite.
Stack in a glass jar with a ribbon for a simple but impressive hostess gift.
Chop leftover buckeyes and fold into vanilla ice cream or brownies.
Make-Ahead & Storage
Finished buckeyes keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks.
For room temperature storage, they’ll last about 1 week in a cool, dry place.
Freeze buckeyes in a single layer until solid, then transfer to a freezer container for up to 3 months.
Thaw frozen buckeyes in the refrigerator or at room temperature for 30 minutes before serving.
The undipped peanut butter balls can be frozen for up to 3 months – dip in fresh chocolate when ready to serve.
A Holiday Tradition
Buckeyes have a way of becoming a required item on holiday dessert tables once people try them.
The sweet peanut butter filling against the semi-sweet chocolate hits that perfect flavor balance.
Make a big batch because these disappear faster than almost any other holiday treat.
