If you’ve ever had the pleasure of tasting the irresistible combination of peanut butter and chocolate, Buckeyes need no introduction! These adorable treats, inspired by the nut of the Ohio buckeye tree, are a Midwest tradition and a peanut butter lover’s dream come true. Buckeyes feature a creamy, melt-in-your-mouth peanut butter fondant that gets lovingly dipped in glossy chocolate, leaving a signature “eye” at the top. Whether you’re whipping up a batch for a holiday tray or sneaking them into your everyday snack stash, Buckeyes are the nostalgic, totally addictive homemade candies that you’ll want to make over and over again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Buckeyes is how delightfully simple and pantry-friendly their ingredient list is. Each chosen item plays a starring role, balancing flavor, texture, and that beautiful two-tone color. Here’s what you’ll need to whip up a legendary batch:
- Peanut butter: Creamy peanut butter is classic; it creates velvety-smooth centers and gives Buckeyes their deliciously rich flavor.
- Butter (softened): Blending butter into the filling makes it rich and fluffy; be sure it’s softened so the mixture becomes creamy and easy to work with.
- Vanilla extract: This tiny splash lifts the filling, rounding out the sweetness and making the peanut butter flavor pop.
- Confectioners’ sugar (sifted): Sweetens and thickens the filling, giving Buckeyes their signature dense, fondant-like bite; sift for extra smoothness.
- Semisweet chocolate chips: Melted into a satiny dip, semisweet chocolate perfectly balances the sweet, salty filling with deep cocoa flavor.
- Toothpicks: Not something you eat, but a total game-changer for dipping and getting that traditional Buckeyes “eye” effect.
How to Make Buckeyes
Step 1: Get Everything Ready
Start by gathering every ingredient and tool you’ll need. Having everything prepped and at your fingertips makes Buckeye production a breeze—and honestly, a bit more fun! Clear some counter space and line a few cookie sheets with wax paper for an easy, nonstick work surface.
Step 2: Mix Up the Peanut Butter Filling
In a large mixing bowl, beat together the peanut butter, softened butter, and vanilla extract with an electric mixer on medium speed. Keep going until the mixture turns light, fluffy, and almost mousse-like. This is the foundation for your Buckeyes, so don’t rush—creaming really helps the filling turn into that dreamy, soft fudge.
Step 3: Incorporate the Sugar
Gradually add the sifted confectioners’ sugar to your peanut butter mixture. Beat it in a cup at a time on low speed at first (to avoid a sugar shower!), then increase the speed. The dough will transform from airy and sticky to thick, stiff, and slightly dry—almost like play dough. If it seems too sticky, add a little more sifted sugar until it’s rollable and firm.
Step 4: Shape the Buckeyes
Pinch off small pieces of the dough and roll out about sixty 1-inch balls with your hands. Place each ball on the prepared wax-lined cookie sheets. For classic Buckeye presentation, press a toothpick into the top of every ball—this not only looks adorable, but will be key for dipping later!
Step 5: Chill Until Firm
Pop the tray of peanut butter balls into your freezer for about 30 minutes. This quick freezer time will help them set and become sturdy enough to withstand their chocolate bath without falling apart.
Step 6: Melt the Chocolate Chips
While your filling chills, melt the chocolate chips in a double boiler or a heatproof bowl set over a pot of gently simmering water. Stir the chocolate frequently until completely smooth and shiny. Resist the urge to crank up the heat—patience creates smooth, luscious chocolate for dipping.
Step 7: Dip and Create the Buckeye Look
Hold each chilled ball by the toothpick and carefully dip it into the melted chocolate, leaving a small circle of peanut butter visible at the top to mimic the eye of an actual Buckeye nut. Place the dipped candies back onto the wax paper. Once finished, gently twist out the toothpick (you can smooth over the hole with a fingertip if you like).
Step 8: Set and Enjoy
Transfer your trays to the refrigerator and chill until the chocolate is firm and everything is set. Now comes the hardest part: trying not to devour them all at once! Buckeyes are best shared with friends and family—but we won’t blame you for sneaking a few before anyone else notices.
How to Serve Buckeyes
Garnishes
While Buckeyes already look adorable on their own, you can jazz them up with a drizzle of extra chocolate, a sprinkle of flaky sea salt, or even a dusting of crushed peanuts. These little extras add an extra pop of flavor and an elegant look for holidays or parties.
Side Dishes
Serve Buckeyes as a sweet finish alongside a spread of cookies, fruit platters, or ice cream for dessert buffets. They also make a fabulous match for coffee, hot cocoa, or an after-dinner cocktail—peanut butter and chocolate are truly the life of any dessert party!
Creative Ways to Present
Display Buckeyes in decorative candy boxes, tiny cupcake wrappers, or festive tins for gifting. Stack them in glass jars for a stunning edible centerpiece, or arrange in concentric circles on a pretty tray. Their eye-catching shape and rich coloring make them perfect for any dessert table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Buckeyes keep best in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh for up to two weeks—if they last that long! The cool temp keeps the chocolate from melting and the filling just the right texture.
Freezing
Buckeyes freeze beautifully! Arrange them in layers with waxed paper in between in a freezer-safe container. When you’re ready to enjoy, let them thaw in the fridge overnight for best texture and taste. Perfect for making a big batch ahead of the holidays.
Reheating
No need to reheat Buckeyes, since they’re best served chilled or at room temperature. If you prefer them a little softer, just let them sit out for 10 to 15 minutes before serving.
FAQs
Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?
Absolutely! Crunchy peanut butter will add little bits of peanuts throughout your Buckeyes, creating extra texture and a bit more nutty crunch. Either style tastes great, so go with your favorite.
What’s the best way to melt chocolate chips for dipping?
Using a double boiler is the best way to gently melt chocolate, keeping it silky and smooth without burning. If you don’t have one, set a heatproof bowl over a simmering pot of water, making sure the bottom of the bowl doesn’t touch the water. Microwave works in a pinch, too—just go slow and stir often.
Can I make Buckeyes ahead of time?
Yes, Buckeyes are actually perfect for making ahead! They hold up well in the refrigerator or freezer, so you can easily make them days (or even weeks) before serving.
Why do my Buckeyes feel too soft or sticky?
If your dough is too soft or sticky, try adding a bit more confectioners’ sugar, a few tablespoons at a time, until the mixture is firm and rollable. Chilling the dough before shaping also prevents stickiness and helps the candies keep their shape.
How do I remove the toothpick hole in each Buckeye?
Once the chocolate has set, you can gently press or smooth over the little hole with your fingertip or the back of a clean spoon. Or, you can leave it for a classic, rustic touch—no one will mind!
Final Thoughts
If you’ve never made Buckeyes before, now’s the perfect time. Their simple process, classic look, and unbeatable peanut butter-chocolate combo make them a sweet treat you’ll come back to again and again. Share them, gift them, or keep them all to yourself—you deserve it!
Print
Buckeyes Recipe
- Total Time: 50 mins
- Yield: 60 buckeyes
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Buckeyes are delicious peanut butter fudge candy balls dipped in rich chocolate, a perfect sweet treat!
Ingredients
Peanut Butter Mixture:
- 1 ½ cups peanut butter
- 1 cup butter, softened
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 4 cups sifted confectioners’ sugar, plus more as needed
Chocolate Coating:
- 4 cups semisweet chocolate chips
- Toothpicks
Instructions
- Gather all ingredients.
- Beat in 4 cups sifted confectioners’ sugar until dough is stiff, firm, and dry with no lumps; adding more sifted sugar as needed.
- Roll dough into about sixty 1-inch balls and place on wax-lined cookie sheets. Press a toothpick into the top of each ball and chill in the freezer until firm, about 30 minutes.
- Place chocolate chips in a double boiler or in a bowl set over a pan of barely simmering water. Stir frequently until melted and smooth.
- Hold the toothpicks and dip frozen peanut butter balls into the melted chocolate, leaving a small portion of peanut butter showing at the top.
- Return to the cookie sheet, remove and discard the toothpicks, and refrigerate until ready to serve. Enjoy!
Beat peanut butter, butter, and vanilla together in a large bowl with an electric mixer until light and fluffy.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 5 mins
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Mixing, Chilling, Dipping
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 buckeye
- Calories: 151
- Sodium: 53mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Carbohydrates: 17g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 8mg
