Description
Classic Buckeyes are a beloved American no-bake treat that combines creamy peanut butter and butter dough rolled into balls and partially dipped in rich semisweet chocolate to resemble the nut of the buckeye tree. These sweet, chocolate-covered peanut butter balls are perfect for holiday gifting, potlucks, or anytime you crave a nostalgic, bite-sized dessert.
Ingredients
Scale
Peanut Butter Dough
- 1 1/2 cups creamy peanut butter
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 6 cups powdered sugar
Chocolate Coating
- 4 cups semisweet chocolate chips
- 2 tablespoons shortening
Instructions
- Prepare the Peanut Butter Dough: In a large mixing bowl, beat together the creamy peanut butter, softened unsalted butter, salt, and vanilla extract until the mixture becomes smooth and creamy.
- Add Powdered Sugar: Gradually add the powdered sugar to the peanut butter mixture, mixing continuously until fully incorporated and the dough is firm but still workable.
- Shape Into Balls: Roll the peanut butter dough into 1-inch diameter balls and place them evenly spaced on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Chill the Peanut Butter Balls: Refrigerate the peanut butter balls for at least 1 hour, or until they are firm and hold their shape.
- Melt the Chocolate: In a heatproof bowl, melt the semisweet chocolate chips and shortening together over a double boiler or in the microwave, heating in 30-second intervals and stirring in between until the chocolate is smooth and fully melted.
- Dip the Buckeyes: Using a toothpick, dip each chilled peanut butter ball into the melted chocolate, leaving a small portion at the top uncovered to resemble a buckeye nut. Allow excess chocolate to drip off before placing each ball back on the parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Finish and Chill: Optionally smooth over the toothpick hole on the dipped buckeyes. Chill the dipped buckeyes in the refrigerator until the chocolate coating is fully set, about 30 minutes.
Notes
- For a nut-free alternative, substitute almond butter or sunflower seed butter instead of peanut butter.
- Store buckeyes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks to keep them fresh.
- For longer storage, buckeyes can be frozen for several months; thaw before serving.
