Move over Christmas cookies, buckeye candy is one of my all-time favorite holiday desserts! Buckeyes are no-bake, creamy peanut butter balls dipped in chocolate. We eat these all year, along with these old-fashioned lunch lady brownies. Also? Don’t miss my M&M cookies.
I won’t bore you with a bunch of history about the origin of buckeye candy, but as an Ohioan, this is a special recipe!
Want to get straight to the buckeye candy recipe? Just scroll to the bottom of the page to skip the extras here! ?
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The buckeye tree is the state tree of Ohio. While I’m not a football fan (shh… don’t tell anyone), we’ve also managed to personify this nut by way of Brutus Buckeye, The Ohio State University mascot.
I hope I don’t get hate mail for admitting that I’m oblivious to football! ?
Easy Peanut Butter Buckeye Balls
Here’s what I definitely CAN get behind. These ultra-rich and creamy chocolate-dipped peanut butter balls. Oh, my word… homemade buckeyes are so very good.
You may think that making buckeyes is a chore, but it’s actually pretty simple!
You’ll need to have these ingredients on hand to make these easy buckeyes. you can find the full recipe instructions below in the printable recipe card.
- creamy peanut butter (psst… try my peanut butter fudge)
- butter
- vanilla
- salt
- confectionersโ sugar
- semi-sweet chocolate chips
- vegetable shortening
How to Make Buckeye Candy
Using an electric mixer, beat together peanut butter, butter, vanilla, and salt until light and fluffy.
Next, beat in the confectionersโ sugar a little at a time until well combined. Shape into balls using approximately 2 teaspoons in each ball.
Place on a cookie sheet lined with parchment or waxed paper. Chill for a minimum of 30 minutes before dipping in chocolate.
Meanwhile, in a double boiler over low heat, melt together the chocolate chips and shortening, stirring often, until smooth and creamy. Transfer to a small bowl for dipping.
Insert a toothpick into each ball and dip into the chocolate leaving a little of the peanut butter showing on the top.
Allow excess chocolate to drip off. Place back on the cookie sheet, remove the toothpick and refrigerate until chocolate is set.
Buckeye Candy Tips
I used a small metal bowl set overtop a small saucepan of simmering water to melt the chocolate.
Please use a processed, creamy peanut butter like Skippy or Jif. I don’t recommend trying to natural peanut butter as they are too oily and won’t give you the proper consistency.
How to Store Buckeyes
Keep buckeyes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one month. I actually prefer eating buckeyes very cold! There’s something about the texture of that cold peanut butter I love!
You can also freeze buckeyes in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months.
There are some recipes that I simply must enjoy every Christmas season. These easy buckeyes are one of those desserts that remind me of good times with friends and family throughout the years.
Maybe this is the Christmas season that you can make buckeyes a part of your holiday festivities!
Do you LOVE PEANUT BUTTER? Don’t miss my Peanut Butter Fudge recipe and these Peanut Butter Blossoms.
If you give my easy recipe a try, please be sure to pin it to your favorite boards on Pinterest so others can find it.
I’d also love to hear your results in the comment section below. I read and appreciate every single comment!
Merry Christmas! ?
More Delicious Recipes
- Crock Pot Candied Spiced Nuts
- Andes Mint Bars
- Christmas Gooey Butter Cookies
- Leftover Holiday Ham Casserole
- Potato Corn Chowder
- Easy Peanut Butter Fudge
Buckeye Candy
Ingredients
- 1 ยฝ cups creamy peanut butter
- ยฝ cup butter softened
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- โ teaspoon salt
- 3ยฝ cups confectionersโ sugar
- 3 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 tablespoon vegetable shortening
Instructions
- Using an electric mixer, beat together peanut butter, butter, vanilla and salt until light and fluffy. Beat in the confectionersโ sugar a little at a time until well combined. Shape into balls using approximately 2 teaspoons in each ball. Place on a cookie sheet lined with parchment or waxed paper. Chill for a minimum of 30 minutes before dipping.ย
- Meanwhile, in a double boiler over low heat,ย melt together the chocolate chips and shortening, stirring often, until smooth and creamy. Transfer to a small bowl for dipping.ย ย
- Insert a toothpick into each ball and dip into the chocolate leaving a little of the peanut butter showing on the top. Place back on the cookie sheet, remove the toothpick and refrigerate until chocolate is set.
Notes
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Nutrition
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Where to next?
Easy Peanut Butter Fudge
Andes Mint Bars
Brownie Cookies
Crock Pot Pork Chops
Skillet Chocolate Chip Cookie
Crock Pot Candied Nuts