Few treats capture the spirit of homemade candy quite like Buckeyes. Named after the shiny brown nut from the Ohio buckeye tree, these sweet peanut butter balls dipped in rich chocolate are a beloved classic across America—especially during the holidays. With a smooth, creamy peanut butter center and a crisp chocolate shell, Buckeyes are simple, nostalgic, and downright irresistible. I tried adding a pinch of sea salt on top for contrast, and it made each bite even more addictive. Whether you’re making them for Christmas trays, parties, or to satisfy a peanut butter craving, this no-bake dessert never disappoints.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Buckeyes are everything you want in a treat—sweet, salty, creamy, and chocolatey all at once. They’re incredibly easy to make, requiring no baking and only a few basic pantry ingredients. The peanut butter filling is smooth and soft but firm enough to hold its shape, while the melted chocolate coating adds that perfect snap. They’re ideal for gifting, storing, or enjoying straight from the fridge. Plus, they freeze beautifully, so you can make them ahead of time and always have a little bite of happiness on hand.
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Buckeyes – Classic Chocolate Peanut Butter Perfection
- Total Time: 1 hr 25 mins
- Yield: 40 buckeyes
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Buckeyes are a classic no-bake treat made from creamy peanut butter balls partially dipped in rich chocolate, resembling the nut from the Ohio buckeye tree. They’re sweet, salty, smooth, and irresistible — perfect for holidays, game days, or anytime you crave a quick homemade candy.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups creamy peanut butter
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 3 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 2 tbsp shortening or coconut oil
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, beat together peanut butter, softened butter, vanilla, and salt until smooth and creamy.
- Gradually add powdered sugar, 1 cup at a time, mixing until a thick, slightly crumbly dough forms that can be rolled easily.
- Roll dough into 1-inch balls and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or until firm.
- In a microwave-safe bowl, combine chocolate chips and shortening. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until smooth and melted.
- Using a toothpick, dip each peanut butter ball into the melted chocolate, leaving a small circle of peanut butter exposed at the top (to resemble a buckeye). Let excess chocolate drip off.
- Place dipped buckeyes back onto the lined baking sheet.
- Refrigerate until the chocolate is set, about 30 minutes.
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks or freeze for longer storage.
Notes
- Use high-quality peanut butter like Jif or Skippy for best texture — avoid natural peanut butters that separate.
- If the dough is too sticky to roll, refrigerate it for 10 minutes before shaping.
- For extra shine, add 1 teaspoon of coconut oil to the melted chocolate.
- Prep Time: 25 mins
- Cook Time: 0 mins
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Creamy Peanut Butter: The star of the show—smooth peanut butter gives the filling its rich flavor and silky texture.
Butter: Softened unsalted butter adds creaminess and helps bind the filling.
Powdered Sugar: Sweetens and firms up the peanut butter mixture.
Vanilla Extract: Adds warmth and depth of flavor.
Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the peanut butter taste.
Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips or Melting Chocolate: Used for dipping, providing that glossy, delicious shell.
Shortening or Coconut Oil (optional): Helps thin the chocolate for easier dipping.
Directions
In a large mixing bowl, combine the peanut butter, softened butter, vanilla extract, and salt. Mix until smooth and well combined. Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, until the mixture is thick and forms a dough that you can roll easily.
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Scoop small portions of the peanut butter mixture and roll into 1-inch balls. Place them on the sheet and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or until firm.
In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the chocolate and shortening (if using) in 30-second intervals, stirring after each, until smooth. Using a toothpick, dip each peanut butter ball into the melted chocolate, leaving the top exposed to resemble a buckeye. Let the excess chocolate drip off before placing it back on the parchment-lined tray.
Once all the buckeyes are dipped, refrigerate again for 30 minutes, or until the chocolate is set. Gently remove the toothpicks and smooth over the holes with a small knife or your fingertip.
Serve chilled or at room temperature and enjoy the perfect blend of peanut butter and chocolate in every bite.
Equipment needed :
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
9×13-inch baking dish – Ideal size to fit your rolled cabbage leaves snugly and prevent them from unraveling.
knife – A sharp, durable kitchen knife perfect for slicing, chopping, and dicing with ease.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes about 30–36 buckeyes.
Prep time: 20 minutes
Chill time: 30 minutes
Total time: 50 minutes
Perfect for serving at parties or gifting during holidays.
Storage/reheating
Store buckeyes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. For longer storage, freeze them for up to 2 months and thaw in the fridge before serving. Keep them cold until ready to enjoy to maintain the best texture and flavor.
Variations and Customizations
Crunchy Buckeyes: Use crunchy peanut butter for added texture.
Dark Chocolate Buckeyes: Swap semi-sweet chocolate for dark chocolate for a richer flavor.
White Chocolate Buckeyes: Dip in white chocolate for a sweet and creamy twist.
Nutty Coating: Roll the dipped buckeyes in crushed peanuts for extra crunch.
Espresso Buckeyes: Add a pinch of espresso powder to the chocolate for a coffee-infused variation.
Sea Salt Finish: Sprinkle a touch of flaky sea salt on top before the chocolate sets.
Maple Peanut Butter Buckeyes: Add a drizzle of maple syrup to the filling for a sweet, earthy flavor.
Mini Buckeyes: Make smaller bite-sized pieces for party platters or snacking.
Vegan Buckeyes: Use plant-based butter, vegan chocolate, and natural peanut butter.
Chocolate Drizzle: Once the chocolate has set, drizzle melted white or dark chocolate over the top for a decorative touch.
FAQs
1. Can I use natural peanut butter?
Yes, but make sure it’s well stirred and not too oily—it may make the dough too soft.
2. How do I keep the peanut butter balls firm for dipping?
Chill them thoroughly before dipping, and work in small batches.
3. Can I make these without a mixer?
Yes, you can mix by hand, but ensure the ingredients are well combined and smooth.
4. Can I use almond butter or another nut butter?
Absolutely—almond or cashew butter works beautifully.
5. How do I prevent the chocolate from cracking?
Avoid over-chilling the peanut butter balls before dipping and don’t overheat the chocolate.
6. Can I make these in advance?
Yes, Buckeyes can be made days ahead and stored in the fridge or freezer.
7. Can I use candy melts instead of chocolate chips?
Yes, they melt smoothly and set quickly—perfect for dipping.
8. How do I make the tops look neater after removing the toothpicks?
Gently smooth over the holes with your fingertip or the back of a spoon.
9. Can I double the recipe?
Definitely—this recipe doubles easily for larger batches.
10. Do Buckeyes need to stay refrigerated?
Yes, especially if your kitchen is warm, to keep the chocolate firm.
Conclusion
Buckeyes are the ultimate sweet treat for peanut butter and chocolate lovers alike—simple, nostalgic, and utterly delicious. With their creamy centers and glossy chocolate coating, they’re a timeless homemade candy that always impresses. Whether you make them for the holidays, a special occasion, or just because, these little bites of joy deliver that perfect balance of flavor and texture every time. One taste, and you’ll understand why Buckeyes are a dessert classic that never goes out of style.