Buckeye Peanut Butter Balls
Posts may contain affiliate links, meaning that I may earn a commission if you use a link provided.
This easy peanut butter buckeyes recipe is a simple, no-bake treat that pairs a rich chocolate coating with a creamy peanut butter center. A perfect easy homemade candy recipe for any occasion!
Homemade Peanut Butter Buckeyes
When it comes to desserts, the combination of peanut butter and chocolate might just be my favorite flavor combo. That’s why I love chocolate peanut butter no bake cookies, peanut butter cups and this easy buckeye recipe.
And the best part? The sweet peanut butter balls are one of the easiest candies to make with just a handful of simple ingredients.
Why you will love this easy buckeye recipe
- Easy to Make: Simple steps, great for all skill levels.
- Simple Ingredients: No paraffin wax here, just 5 common ingredients.
- Irresistible Flavor: Creamy peanut butter meets rich chocolate.
- No Bake Treats: Quick and convenient, no oven required.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Ideal for the holidays or any time of year.
Ingredients
This section includes ingredient notes and substitution options. Get all measurements, ingredients, and instructions in the printable recipe card at the end of this post.
- Creamy Peanut Butter – The main ingredient for that classic buckeye flavor. If you prefer, crunchy peanut butter can be used for added texture.
- Butter – Adds richness and helps bind the ingredients.
- Confectioners’ Sugar – Also known as powdered sugar, it provides sweetness and helps create the right texture for the peanut butter filling.
- Vanilla Extract – Just a little bit to enhance the overall flavor.
- Chocolate Almond Bark – Gives the buckeyes their signature chocolate coating. You can substitute it with an equal amount of melted chocolate chips mixed with a teaspoon of coconut oil or shortening for a smooth finish. Semi-sweet chocolate or dark chocolate would be good options.
Equipment
You will also need the following supplies:
- Measuring cups & spoons
- Mixing bowl
- Baking sheet lined with parchment paper
- Toothpicks
How to Make Chocolate Peanut Butter Buckeyes
This section shows you how to make the recipe with step-by-step photos and instructions. For the full printable recipe, see the recipe card below.
Make Peanut Butter Dough: Combine peanut butter, butter, confectioners’ sugar, and vanilla in a bowl until well combined. The mixture will be crumbly.
Roll into Balls Scoop the mixture, roll into balls, and place on a lined baking sheet. Refrigerate for 30 minutes.
Melt & Dip: In a microwave-safe bowl, melt almond bark in 30-second increments, stirring each time, until smooth. Dip peanut butter balls in melted chocolate with a toothpick, leaving a small circle undipped around the top. Let excess chocolate drip off and place back on the parchment paper.
Smooth & Set: Smooth over toothpick hole with your finger, if desired. Allow the buckeyes to set fully before serving or storing.
Storage
Store buckeyes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 24 hours or in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. Chocolate buckeyes can also be frozen for up to 3 months. Store in a single layer or with parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
Tips for the Best Peanut Butter Balls
- Avoid Natural Peanut Butter: Opt for regular creamy peanut butter instead of natural varieties, as the latter can be too oily and affect consistency.
- Even Balls: Use a cookie scoop for uniform-sized peanut butter balls.
- Chill Thoroughly: Ensure balls are fully chilled before dipping in chocolate to maintain shape.
- Refrigerate More if Needed: If you find the balls are too soft for dipping, pop them back in the fridge for a bit longer to firm up.
- Patch Holes: After removing the toothpick, smooth out the hole with a dab of peanut butter for a neat finish.
Additions and variations
- Crunchy Peanut Butter: Swap creamy peanut butter with crunchy peanut butter for added texture and nuttiness.
- White Chocolate Coating: Use white chocolate or vanilla almond bark instead for a creamy, contrasting coating.
- Alternative Nut Butters: Replace creamy peanut butter with an equal amount of almond, cashew, or sunflower seed butter for a different nutty flavor profile.
- Nut or Sprinkle Topping: After dipping, sprinkle the wet chocolate coating with chopped nuts or colorful sprinkles for added texture and a festive look.
- Graham Cracker Mix-In: Add a bit of crushed graham crackers to the peanut butter mixture for an extra crunch and a hint of honey flavor.
- Add Rice Krispies: Mix in some crunchy rice cereal to make buckeyes with Rice Krispies.
Buckeye Candies FAQ
They are named after buckeye nuts from the Ohio buckeye tree, as they resemble its shape and color with the chocolate coating and peanut butter center. Ohio is also known as the “Buckeye State.”
Add a little more melted butter or peanut butter to moisten the mixture.
For best results I recommend using regular creamy peanut butter for this homemade buckeye candy recipe.
Melt the chocolate in a double boiler on the stove, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
More Easy Recipes for Peanut Butter Lovers
- Old Fashioned Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies
- 3 Ingredient Peanut Butter Fudge
- Peanut Butter Cornflake Cookies
- Chocolate Frosted Peanut Butter Rice Krispie Treats
- Butterfinger Lush Dessert
- Cake Mix Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookies
- Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars
Peanut Butter Buckeyes
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 6 Tablespoons unsalted butter melted
- 2 ½ cups confectiners sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- ½ pound chocolate almond bark
Instructions
- Line a sheet pan with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, mix peanut butter, butter, confectioners sugar, and vanilla until well combined. The mixture will be crumbly.
- Using a small cookie scoop or Tablespoon, scoop the peanut butter mixture out and use your hands to roll it into balls. Place on the lined cookie sheet and chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.
- In a medium microwave-safe bowl, melt the almond bark in 30 second increments, stirring after each, until melted and smooth.
- Place a toothpick into the top of each ball and use it to dip the peanut butter balls in the chocolate, leaving a small circle undipped. Let the excess chocolate drip off the bottom before setting the chocolate-dipped peanut butter balls back onto the parchment paper. Smooth over the toothpick hole on the top of the ball with your finger, if desired.
- Allow your buckeyes to set fully before serving or storing.
Notes
Nutrition
Did You Make This Recipe?
Share it with me on Instagram @crayonsandcravings and follow on Pinterest @crayonsandcravings for even more!
