Buckeyes

I’m not sure what it is about the word “buckeye” that just makes me so happy, but I am in love with this recipe. Maybe it’s because they remind me of my hometown, or maybe it’s because they are just so darn delicious, but I can’t get enough of these little guys.

Whoever came up with the recipe is a genius! If you’ve never tried them before, you are in for a real treat.

Trust me, you won’t be disappointed!

Scroll to bottom for printable recipe card.

Why do I love Buckeyes?

• The Buckeyes recipe is simple yet delicious, and it is an easy dessert to make.
• The combination of the chocolate and peanut butter flavors is irresistible and will make your taste buds sing!
• The recipe is a great way to spend time with your kids as you make and enjoy this delicious treat together.
• The Buckeyes recipe is also a great way to use up leftover Halloween candy that you may have lying around.
• The recipe can be easily adjusted to fit any dietary restrictions you may have, such as vegan or gluten-free.
• The recipe is a fun and creative way to get your kids involved in the kitchen, and it is sure to be a hit with everyone.

Why Are They Called Buckeyes?

Oddly enough, buckeyes look very similar to the nut that comes from the Ohio buckeye tree. So, they have the same name, even though the nuts are poisonous!

Ingredients:

• Creamy peanut butter
• Butter, softened
• Vanilla extract
• Confectioners’ sugar, sifted
• Semi-sweet chocolate
• Shortening

How to make Buckeyes:

Step 1. Line a baking sheet with waxed paper; set aside.

Step 2. In a medium bowl, mix peanut butter, butter, vanilla, and confectioners’ sugar with your hands to form a smooth stiff dough.

Step 3. Shape into balls using 2 teaspoons of dough for each ball and insert a wooden toothpick into the ball. Place on prepared pan, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.

Step 4. Melt shortening and chocolate together in a metal bowl over a pan of lightly simmering water. Stir occasionally until smooth, and remove from heat.

Step 5. Remove peanut butter balls from the refrigerator. Dip into melted chocolate leaving a small uncovered area so the balls resemble buckeyes. Return to wax paper, the chocolate side down, and remove the toothpick.

Repeat with the remaining balls.

Step 6. Refrigerate for 30 minutes to set. Use fingers to blend in toothpick holes.

THANKS FOR PINING!

Buckeyes Tips

For the perfect buckeyes, here are a few tips:

• Be sure to use creamy peanut butter. Chunky peanut butter will make it harder to roll into balls and can change the texture of your buckeyes.
• If you prefer your buckeyes to be more on the crunchy side, add in chopped nuts or graham cracker crumbs before rolling them into balls.
• If you find that the buckeye mixture is too sticky when rolling, add in additional powdered sugar until it reaches a better consistency.
• Don’t forget to let your buckeyes cool completely before eating them! Otherwise, they won’t set up properly and could be a bit messy.
• If you’re feeling adventurous, add in other flavors like marshmallow or a bit of espresso powder to the buckeye mixture.
• To make things easier, use toothpicks to dip your buckeyes into the chocolate and then set them on wax paper for easy removal once cooled.

Trust me; if you follow these tips, you’ll end up with some delicious buckeyes that will have your friends and family asking for seconds! So get baking and enjoy those buckeyes!

Buckeyes Variations

Buckeyes are versatile treats that can be customized to your own personal tastes. Here are some ideas for creating variations of buckeyes:

1. For an added crunch, dip the buckeyes in chopped nuts before coating them with chocolate.
2. You can even use white or milk chocolate instead of dark or semi-sweet if you prefer.
3. Add a bit of peppermint extract to the buckeye mixture for a minty twist.
4. If you want something extra special, try adding dried fruit like cherries or cranberries into the buckeye mixture.
5. To make buckeyes even more indulgent, drizzle melted peanut butter over them after they have been dipped in chocolate.
6. To make buckeyes even more festive, sprinkle them with colored sugar right after you dip them in the chocolate.

How Do You Dip Them?

You should stick a toothpick into the buckeye and dip it in the chocolate. Then, after you shake off any excess, place it on a piece of waxed paper or parchment paper. Allow it to set up before serving.

What Is The Best Peanut Butter To Use For These Cookies?

You should always use creamy peanut butter to get the perfect texture and flavor combination. While it is okay to add a few nuts, chunky peanut butter is just too thick and chunky, so it won’t work.

What Kind Of Chocolate Is Best For Homemade Candy?

It’s best to use high-quality chocolate for the best flavor and texture. It’s fine to make buckeyes with white chocolate, milk chocolate, or semi-sweet chocolate. Or a combination of any chocolate you like. It’s best to use melting wafers if you can. They set up great!

Freezing:

Place the dipped buckeyes on a baking sheet. Be sure they aren’t touching, then freeze them for 30 minutes to an hour. You place them in a freezer bag once they’ve frozen. They will last 1–2 months in the freezer. Grab whatever you need and thaw, then enjoy!

Rolling The Peanut Butter Balls

It’s critical to roll the peanut butter balls correctly so that the buckeyes turn out perfectly! In order to do that, you need to touch the dough with your fingers. If it is too sticky, you may need to add a little extra powdered sugar. Or if it’s too crumbly, you will need to add a little more peanut butter.

After the texture is right, use a small cookie scoop to get some batter and roll it between your hands until it’s smooth and there aren’t any lumps.

What Is The Best Way To Melt Chocolate?

The best way to melt chocolate is by placing a bowl over the top of a pan that is simmering with water. It will warm it enough to melt the chocolate, but it’s slow, so it doesn’t seize up. You’ll need to stir it frequently, so it doesn’t burn.

You can also heat it in the microwave for 30 seconds, stir it, and do this again and again until it melts.

More Easy Candy Recipes

Payday Candy Bars – Filled with peanuts and sweet goodness!

Homemade Turtle Candy – Better than your typical candy bar. So good!

Chocolate Cheesecake Candy Cane Bars – Lots of chocolate and mint…yum!

Old Fashioned Butter Crunch Candy – Just like you used to eat growing up.