These Easy Buckeyes are a delightful blend of creamy peanut butter and rich chocolate, perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth. With just 15 minutes of prep and a quick chill, you’ll have a batch of 40 irresistible treats ready to enjoy. The smooth, velvety peanut butter center pairs beautifully with the crisp chocolate shell, creating a texture that’s both indulgent and comforting.
Each bite offers a harmonious balance of sweet and nutty flavors, making them a crowd-pleaser for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a party or simply treating yourself, these buckeyes are a no-fuss, decadent delight.
What makes these buckeyes truly special is their simplicity and versatility. They’re easy to whip up yet feel like a gourmet treat, with a melt-in-your-mouth quality that’s hard to resist. The 30-minute total time means you can enjoy them almost instantly, making them ideal for last-minute cravings or impromptu gatherings.
Plus, their bite-sized nature makes them perfect for sharing (or sneaking a few for yourself). With a satisfying crunch and a creamy interior, these buckeyes are a timeless treat that’s sure to bring smiles all around.
Ingredients for Easy Buckeyes
- 2 cups (475 g) creamy peanut butter (not “natural” peanut butter)
- ½ cup (113 g) unsalted butter, softened
- 2 Tablespoons light brown sugar, firmly packed
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 ¼ cups (405 g) powdered sugar
- 2 cups (340 g) semisweet chocolate chips
- 1 teaspoon coconut oil or vegetable shortening (for smoother chocolate)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Mix peanut butter and butter: In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine the peanut butter and softened butter. Beat until well-combined and smooth.
- Add flavorings: Stir in the brown sugar, vanilla extract, and salt. Mix until fully incorporated.
- Incorporate powdered sugar: Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing until completely combined. The mixture should be thick and moldable.
- Shape the balls: Scoop the mixture into Tablespoon-sized portions and roll them into smooth, round balls using your palms. Place them on a wax-paper-lined cookie sheet.
- Chill: Freeze the peanut butter balls for 15-20 minutes to firm them up.
- Melt the chocolate: While the balls are chilling, combine the chocolate chips and coconut oil (or vegetable shortening) in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 25-second intervals, stirring well between each, until the chocolate is smooth and fully melted. Pour the melted chocolate into a deep dish or wide cup for easy dipping.
- Dip the buckeyes: Remove the peanut butter balls from the freezer. Spear each ball with a toothpick and dip it into the melted chocolate, leaving a small circle of peanut butter exposed at the top (to resemble a buckeye). Return the dipped balls to the cookie sheet.
- Smooth and set: Remove the toothpicks and use your fingers to smooth over the holes. Let the chocolate harden at room temperature or speed up the process by placing them in the refrigerator.
- Enjoy: Once the chocolate is set, your buckeyes are ready to eat! Store in an airtight container.
Perfect Pairings: Serving Suggestions
These Easy Buckeyes are a crowd-pleaser on their own, but they pair wonderfully with a glass of cold milk or a cup of hot coffee. For a festive touch, serve them on a platter with other holiday treats like fudge or sugar cookies. They also make a great addition to dessert charcuterie boards!
Storage Secrets: Keeping Your Buckeyes Fresh
Store your buckeyes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. If you’d like to keep them longer, they freeze beautifully! Place them in a single layer in a freezer-safe container, and they’ll stay fresh for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before enjoying.
Time-Saving Tips for Busy Bakers
To speed up the process, use a small cookie scoop to portion the peanut butter mixture into even balls. If you’re short on time, skip the toothpick method and use a fork to dip the balls into the chocolate. This method is just as effective and saves a few extra minutes!
Recipe Variations: Mix It Up!
For a fun twist, try using dark chocolate chips instead of semisweet for a richer flavor. You can also add a pinch of cinnamon to the peanut butter mixture for a warm, spiced note. If you’re feeling adventurous, roll the finished buckeyes in crushed nuts or sprinkles for added texture and flair.
Equipment Guidance: Tools for Success
A stand mixer or hand mixer makes combining the peanut butter mixture a breeze. For dipping, a deep, narrow cup or bowl works best to ensure the chocolate fully coats each buckeye. Don’t forget a silicone spatula for scraping the bowl and a toothpick or fork for dipping!
Easy Buckeye Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 cups creamy peanut butter (not “natural” peanut butter)
- ½ cup unsalted butter softened
- 2 Tablespoons light brown sugar firmly packed see note
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 ¼ cups powdered sugar
- 2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
- 1 teaspoon coconut oil or vegetable shortening
Instructions
- Combine peanut butter and butter in the bowl of a stand mixer and beat until well-combined.
- Add brown sugar, vanilla extract, and salt. Stir well.
- Gradually add powdered sugar until completely combined. Scoop into Tablespoon-sized balls and roll with the palms of your hand until smooth and round.
- Place on wax-paper lined cookie sheet and freeze for 15-20 minutes.
- While peanut butter balls are chilling, combine chocolate chips and coconut oil (or vegetable shortening) and heat in the microwave in 25-second intervals (stirring well in between) until chocolate is smooth and completely melted. Pour into a deep dish (I use a wide cup).
- Remove peanut butter balls from freezer, spear the top of each peanut butter ball with a toothpick and, holding the toothpick, dip each buckeye ball into the melted chocolate.
- Return to cookie sheet and remove toothpick. Use the pads of your fingers to smooth over the toothpick mark. Allow chocolate to harden before eating and enjoying (placing them in the refrigerator will speed up the process of the chocolate hardening!).