Homemade Buckeyes are the ultimate treat, blending creamy peanut butter and rich chocolate in every bite. These no-bake delights are surprisingly simple to make, requiring just 30 minutes of prep and an hour to chill. The smooth, velvety peanut butter center contrasts perfectly with the glossy chocolate coating, creating a texture that’s both indulgent and satisfying. Whether you’re from Ohio or just love a classic combo, these bite-sized treats are sure to impress.
Perfect for parties, gifts, or a sweet afternoon pick-me-up, Buckeyes are as fun to make as they are to eat. The nutty aroma of peanut butter mingles with the decadent scent of melted chocolate, making your kitchen smell heavenly. With their irresistible balance of sweet and salty flavors, these little gems are guaranteed to disappear fast. Whip up a batch and savor the joy of homemade goodness!
What You’ll Need for Homemade Buckeyes
- 1 cup (8oz/225g) creamy peanut butter (salted but unsweetened)
- 6 tablespoons (3oz/85g) butter (softened)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups (8oz/230g) powdered sugar (sifted)
- 2 cups (12oz/340g) bittersweet chocolate (finely chopped)
- 2 tablespoons coconut oil
How to Make Homemade Buckeyes
- In a mixer or medium bowl, beat together the peanut butter, softened butter, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Gradually add the sifted powdered sugar and mix until evenly combined. Scrape down the sides of the bowl if using a mixer.
- Press the mixture together to form a dough, then divide it into 24 equally sized pieces.
- Roll each piece into a ball and place them on a plate. Refrigerate for about 1 hour, or until firm.
- In a small saucepan, gently heat the chopped bittersweet chocolate and coconut oil on low heat until melted. Let the chocolate cool to room temperature.
- Using a skewer, hold a peanut butter ball and dip it into the melted chocolate, leaving the top exposed to resemble a buckeye.
- Place the dipped buckeye on a plate lined with parchment paper. Repeat with the remaining balls.
- Refrigerate the buckeyes again to firm up the chocolate. Once set, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
Perfect Pairings: Serving Suggestions for Buckeyes
Serve your Homemade Buckeyes as a delightful dessert or snack alongside a glass of cold milk, a cup of coffee, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream. For a festive touch, arrange them on a platter with other holiday treats like cookies or fudge. They’re also a great addition to dessert tables at parties or as a sweet gift in a decorative tin.
Storage Secrets: Keeping Your Buckeyes Fresh
Store your Buckeyes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. If you’d like to keep them longer, they can be frozen for up to 3 months. Just place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. Thaw in the fridge before serving for the best texture.
Time-Saving Tips for Busy Bakers
To speed up the process, use a small cookie scoop to portion the peanut butter dough evenly. If you’re short on time, skip the skewer and use a fork to dip the balls in chocolate—it’s just as effective! You can also melt the chocolate in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, for quicker results.
Recipe Variations: Mix It Up!
For a twist, try using crunchy peanut butter for added texture or swap the bittersweet chocolate for milk or white chocolate. You can also roll the peanut butter balls in crushed nuts, sprinkles, or shredded coconut before dipping in chocolate for a fun, decorative touch. Experiment with different extracts like almond or maple for unique flavor profiles.
Equipment Guidance: Tools for Success
A stand mixer or hand mixer makes combining the peanut butter and powdered sugar a breeze. Use a small saucepan or double boiler for melting the chocolate gently. A skewer or fork is essential for dipping, and parchment paper ensures the Buckeyes don’t stick to the plate. A sifter for the powdered sugar helps avoid lumps in the dough.
Homemade Buckeyes (Ohio Chocolate Peanut Butter Balls)
Ingredients
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter (salted but unsweetened)
- 6 tablespoons butter (softened)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups powdered sugar (sifted)
- 2 cups bittersweet chocolate (finely chopped)
- 2 tablespoons coconut oil
Instructions
- In a mixer or medium bowl, beat the peanut butter, butter, and vanilla extract together.
- Add the powdered sugar and mix until evenly combined. If using a mixer, make sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl once or twice.
- Press together to form a dough and then divide the dough into 24 equally sized pieces.
- Roll each piece of dough into a ball and place it on a plate. Refrigerate the balls until firm, about an hour.
- After the peanut butter balls have chilled, place the chocolate and coconut oil in a small saucepan and gently heat on low until melted. Let the chocolate cool to room temperature.
- Using a skewer to hold a peanut butter ball, dip in the melted chocolate, leaving the top of the ball exposed.
- Place the dipped buckeye on a plate lined with a piece of parchment.
- Repeat with the remaining peanut butter balls and then refrigerate to firm up the chocolate.
- Once set, store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
