Buckeyes are a delicious treat that combines the rich flavors of peanut butter and chocolate. They’re easy to make, fun to eat, and perfect for sharing at parties, holidays, or just as a sweet snack. The combination of creamy peanut butter and smooth chocolate is always a crowd-pleaser, making it a fantastic addition to your dessert repertoire.
How to make Buckeyes
Ingredients:
- 1.5 cups creamy peanut butter
- 1 cup butter (softened)
- 0.5 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 6 cups powdered sugar
- 4 cups semisweet chocolate chips
Directions:
- In a large bowl, mix the creamy peanut butter, softened butter, vanilla extract, and powdered sugar.
- Roll the mixture into 1-inch balls and place them on a cookie sheet lined with wax paper. If the mixture feels dry, add a tablespoon or two of milk to help bring it together.
- Press a toothpick into the top of each ball and chill them in the freezer for at least 30 minutes, or until firm.
- Just before removing the balls from the freezer, melt the chocolate chips in a small saucepan over low heat. Stir frequently until the chocolate is smooth.
- Using the toothpick, dip each frozen peanut butter ball in the melted chocolate, leaving a small portion of the peanut butter showing at the top.
- Place the dipped balls back on the cookie sheet and remove the toothpick, smoothing over the hole with your fingertip.
- Refrigerate until ready to serve. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks or freeze them in an airtight plastic bag for several months.
How to serve Buckeyes
Serve Buckeyes chilled or at room temperature. They make a delightful treat on a dessert platter, or you can pack them in lunchboxes for a sweet surprise. They also pair well with milk or coffee for an afternoon snack.
How to store Buckeyes
To keep your Buckeyes fresh, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. You can also freeze them in a plastic bag for several months, making them a great make-ahead treat.
Tips to make Buckeyes
- Make sure your butter is softened for easier mixing.
- If the mixture is too sticky, you can add a little more powdered sugar.
- Use high-quality chocolate chips for better flavor.
- Feel free to adjust the peanut butter to suit your taste.
Variation
You can add a pinch of salt to the peanut butter mixture for a salty-sweet flavor. Additionally, you can sprinkle crushed nuts or sea salt on top of the chocolate before it hardens for extra texture.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?
Yes, you can use crunchy peanut butter for added texture. Just keep in mind that the Buckeyes will have a different consistency.
How can I make these dairy-free?
To make dairy-free Buckeyes, substitute the butter with a dairy-free alternative, like coconut oil or plant-based butter.
Can I use white chocolate instead of semisweet chocolate?
Yes, you can use white chocolate chips if you prefer a sweeter flavor. Just melt them in the same way as the semisweet chocolate and dip the peanut butter balls.
Buckeyes
Ingredients
For the Buckeyes
- 1.5 cups creamy peanut butter
- 1 cup butter (softened) Make sure your butter is softened for easier mixing.
- 0.5 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 6 cups powdered sugar If the mixture is too sticky, you can add a little more powdered sugar.
For the Chocolate Coating
- 4 cups semisweet chocolate chips Use high-quality chocolate chips for better flavor.
Instructions
Preparation
- In a large bowl, mix together the creamy peanut butter, softened butter, vanilla extract, and powdered sugar.
- Roll the mixture into 1-inch balls and place them on a cookie sheet lined with wax paper. If the mixture feels dry, add a tablespoon or two of milk to help bring it together.
- Press a toothpick into the top of each ball and chill them in the freezer for at least 30 minutes, or until firm.
Chocolate Coating
- Just before removing the balls from the freezer, melt the chocolate chips in a small saucepan over low heat. Stir frequently until the chocolate is smooth.
- Using the toothpick, dip each frozen peanut butter ball in the melted chocolate, leaving a small portion of the peanut butter showing at the top.
- Place the dipped balls back on the cookie sheet and remove the toothpick, smoothing over the hole with your fingertip.
Storage
- Refrigerate until ready to serve. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks or freeze them in an airtight plastic bag for several months.
