Buckeye Candy has a chocolate coating and a creamy peanut butter center. These fudgy treats take less than an hour to make, and will definitely be a family favorite.
If you would like even more candy recipes, try my red velvet muddy buddies recipe or the white trash chex mix.
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Why this Buckeyes Candy Recipe is a Keeper
This buckeye candy recipe is like Reese’s peanut butter cups but have their own special texture. These chocolate peanut butter balls are shaped like the nut of the buckeye tree and have a rich texture; buckeyes taste like peanut butter fudge. This great recipe uses regular peanut butter and chocolate melts and is super easy to make. Here are a few reasons why you’ll want to make this easy buckeye recipe:
- Easy Ingredients: All of the ingredients for buckeye chocolate peanut butter candy can be found in your kitchen or local grocery store.
- Only 4 Ingredients: To make buckeyes, all you need is chocolate melts, butter, peanut butter, and powdered sugar.
- Family Favorite: This nostalgic classic dessert is sure to both bring back memories and make new ones for the whole family.
Why do they call them buckeyes?
Buckeye cookies are named due to their resemblance to buckeye nuts. These chocolate-dipped peanut butter cookies are popular in the state of Ohio, also known as the Buckeye State, as the buckeye tree is Ohio’s state tree.
Ingredient for Buckeyes Ball
- Creamy Peanut Butter: Creamy peanut butter will make the filling.
- Chocolate Morsels: Melt chocolate morsels in the microwave to easily make the coating.
See the recipe card below for a complete list of the ingredients with measurements.
Prep Ahead Suggestions for No Bake Peanut Butter Buckeye Candies
- Filling: You can mix the peanut butter filling ahead of time, then make the buckeyes when you’re ready. Keep in the fridge in an airtight container.
- Freeze: Make the candies in advance and freeze them, then thaw them before you’re ready to serve the buckeye candy.
Special Equipment Needed for this Easy Buckeye Recipe
- Cookie Scoop: Use a cookie scoop to make your buckeyes evenly sized.
Pro Tip to Make Buckeye Candy
Work in batches. Plan to take just about a dozen peanut butter balls from the fridge at a time, which will keep the rest of the batch nice and firm until ready to dip in the chocolate.
How to Make Chocolate-Dipped Peanut Butter Balls
These are the basic steps to make peanut butter balls dipped in chocolate. Refer to the full, printable recipe card below for detailed instructions.
1. Make the Filling
In a large bowl, combine together the butter and peanut butter until smooth. Then, gradually add in half the powdered sugar. Prepare a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and scoop the dough mixture onto the sheet, then freeze for 5-10 minutes.
2. Melt the Chocolate
Melt the semi sweet chocolate morsels in the microwave and allow the chocolate to cool. Then, remove peanut butter balls from the freezer and roll the chilled peanut butter mixture into smooth circles. Use a toothpick to dip the buckeyes in chocolate, leaving 1/3 of the peanut butter exposed. Repeat with the remaining peanut butter balls. Let excess chocolate drip off, then place back in the freezer to set. Serve the buckeye balls at room temperature.
How to Store Buckeyes and Freeze Leftover Buckeye Balls
- Storing: For optimal freshness, store buckeyes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.
- Freezing: Place the buckeyes in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag with wax paper between layers. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
Variations and Substitutions to Make Buckeyes
- Chocolate Chips: Use chocolate chips instead of chocolate melts.
- Chocolate Varieties: Use your favorite flavor of chocolate, such as dark chocolate, milk chocolate, or white chocolate.
- Nut Butters: If you don’t like peanut butter, you can use other kinds of nut butters, like cashew butter. Natural peanut butter can be used as well for a healthier option for the peanut butter buckeyes.
Buckeye Candy Recipe FAQs
Serve buckeyes with Chex Peanut Butter Truffles or Hershey Fudge.
Melt the chocolate in the microwave for 30-second intervals to make sure you don’t overcook it.
You may have overmixed it, or not added enough butter. Make sure to mix the butter and peanut butter together until smooth. If it’s still too crumbly, add a little more butter.
Expert Tips to Make Peanut Butter Buckeye Chocolates
- Toppings: Roll the balls in crushed nuts or sprinkles to decorate the outside.
- Coconut Oil: Add a little coconut oil to the chocolate chips when melting for smoother chocolate.
- Crunchy Peanut Butter: Use crunchy peanut butter for a different texture.
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Buckeye Candy
Equipment
- Small Microwave-Safe Bowl
- Toothpicks
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Ingredients
- 2 cups Creamy peanut butter
- 1 cup Salted butter, softened
- 4 cups Powdered sugar
- 3 cups Semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 teaspoon Coconut oil, optional
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the peanut butter and softened butter together until smooth and creamy.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating after each addition until a thick dough forms that is no longer sticky.
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Using a cookie scoop, portion the peanut butter mixture into evenly sized balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
- Freeze for 5 to 10 minutes, or until the peanut butter balls are firm enough to handle.
- Roll each portion between your palms to form smooth balls. Return them to the baking sheet if needed while you prepare the chocolate.
- Place the chocolate chips in a small microwave-safe bowl. If desired, add the coconut oil. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring after each interval, until the chocolate is melted and smooth.
- Insert a toothpick into each peanut butter ball and dip it into the melted chocolate, leaving a small circle of peanut butter exposed at the top to create the classic buckeye appearance.
- Return the dipped candies to the parchment-lined baking sheet. Freeze for 20 to 30 minutes, or until the chocolate is firm.
- Let the buckeyes sit at room temperature for 10 to 15 minutes before serving.
Christina’s Notes
If the peanut butter mixture becomes too soft while rolling, return it to the freezer for a few minutes before continuing.
Adding a teaspoon of coconut oil to the melted chocolate creates a smoother coating and makes dipping easier.
Crunchy peanut butter can be substituted for creamy peanut butter if you prefer extra texture.
Decorate the finished buckeyes with sprinkles or finely chopped peanuts before the chocolate sets for a festive touch.
Store buckeye candy in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator or let stand at room temperature for 15 to 20 minutes before serving.
- Scale the recipe: Simply adjust the serving size in the recipe card and the ingredients will update automatically.
- Make your own All Purpose Seasoning: When a recipe calls for All Purpose Seasoning, you can use my homemade All Purpose Seasoning recipe or substitute salt and pepper to taste.
- Meat doneness: I always use a meat thermometer to test for doneness when cooking meat.
- Use unsalted butter: I use unsalted butter so I can control the salt level in the recipe.
- Preheat the oven: Unless otherwise noted, always preheat your oven before baking.
For more helpful information about this recipe, such as variations, substitutions and other pro-tips, check out the blog post.