Buckeye Candy

Buckeye candy – a peanut butter base dipped in rich chocolate. These bite size buckeye balls are one treat that is great all year round. For serving up for game day snacking or a Christmas treat for the family. A no bake buckeye is calling your name.

No matter when you serve up these bite-size peanut butter buckeyes they are going to be a hit. They never last long in our home. We can’t resist peanut butter and chocolate desserts.

This Buckeye Candy Recipe Is…

• No bake dessert
• 6 Ingredients
• Easy to Make
• Freezer Friendly

Ingredients Needed

Peanut butter – we recommend using creamy peanut butter. Now, you can use crunchy peanut butter if you would like.

Butter – Unsalted butter is what we used. If you use salt omit the salt in the recipe.

Vanilla – This adds a nice amount of sweetness to the peanut butter balls.

Powdered Sugar – For a smooth texture you can put the sugar through a sifter to get any lumps out.

Chocolate and Shortening – Now you can use milk chocolate or even dark chocolate like we did. Then you mix the vegetable shortening in to help harden the chocolate.

Variations To Recipe

• You could use a coconut oil in replace of butter if you would like.
• Swap dark chocolate with even white chocolate for a twist of flavor.
• Add on festive sprinkles to fit whatever theme you want or holiday.

How to Make

Full directions on this buckeye recipe are in the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post. This is a quick walk through on this buckeye dessert.

Step One: In a bowl you are going to add your peanut butter and butter together. Add in the vanilla and salt. Beat on low speed to mix until blended.

Step Two: Next, you will add in the powdered sugar mixing a little at a time, until it is fully combined.

Step Three: Next, use a 1 inch scoop and make balls, and roll into balls. Aim for the same size balls when making your treats.

Step Four: You will then place toothpick in the center and dip in the melted chocolate then place on parchment paper.

Let the chocolate harden, and then serve and enjoy.

Storing Peanut Butter Buckeyes

Refrigerate – we store our buckeyes cookies or balls however you want to name them in the fridge. We find it preserves them the best. You can store them on the counter as well.

Buckeyes can store for 1-2 weeks. They will dry out the longer they sit out.

Freezing – Freeze your old fashioned peanut butter balls in an airtight container for 3-4 months. Place wax paper between layers to prevent sticking.

Thaw the buckeye chocolates on counter or in the fridge and then enjoy.

Practical notes

What is a buckeye candy?

Buckeye candy are a traditional chocolate peanut butter buckeye. It is a peanut butter ball that is then dipped in a chocolate and set to harden up. A bite-size no bake dessert that is popular for the holiday dessert, game day dessert, and more.

Why are they called buckeye balls?

Buckeye balls got their name in reference to looking like the nut to the u003cstrongu003eOhio buckeye treeu003c/strongu003e. Then it got its name and it just stuck over the years. Even those who do not live in Ohio know these popular chocolate candy.

Can you use crunchy peanut butter for buckeyes?

If you want a crunch to your peanut butter balls go right ahead and reach for a crunchy peanut butter. We find that creamy is best for our family but you can use whatever you have on hand.

Can you use almond bark for dipping balls?

You are welcome to melt down almond bark and replace the dark chocolate. This will allow the balls to harden a lot faster than traditional chocolate.

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Ingredients

Makes 40 -45

• 1 ½ cups creamy peanut butter
• 3 ½ cups powdered sugar
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• ⅛ teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon vegetable shortening
• 3 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips

Equipment

• KitchenAid Mixer
• Cookie Scoop Set

Method

1. In a bowl you are going to cream your peanut butter and softened butter together. Once nice and creamy you are going to add in the vanilla and dash of salt.
2. Then in the bowl slowly add in the powdered sugar, scraping down the sides as you go.
3. Scoop the peanut butter mixture up with a 1 inch scoop and roll into balls. Place on parchment paper or wax paper.
4. Freeze your peanut butter balls for 30 minutes to allow them to get a bit hard.
5. Then add your chocolate and vegetable shortening in a bowl and heat for 20-30 second heat cycles. Stir between each heat and then once the chocolate is melted, you will begin dipping.
6. Take a toothpick and stick in the center of the ball and dip in the chocolate. You will leave the top of the ball not fully covered in chocolate.
7. Place the dipped balls on the lined counter, and repeat dipping all the peanut butter balls.
8. Remove the toothpicks, and smooth the hole over with your hand.
9. Once the buckeye candy is set up fully serve and enjoy.

Kitchen notes

Tempering Chocolate

– You can temper your chocolate if you would prefer than adding in the vegetable shortening. Heat chocolate to 90 degrees, and then allow to cool a bit and dip chocolate. Don't go over 90 degrees or it will affect the setting up process. Chocolate – we used a dark chocolate but you can use milk chocolate or even a white chocolate in replace. Double Recipe – You are welcome to double the recipe if you want to make extra balls for serving up guests. Freezing – You can freeze these balls for 3-4 months. Just place in an airtight container once they are fully hardened. Room temperature – You can store at room temperature or refrigerate the balls. We find refrigerating the buckeye balls store best in the fridge.