If you have a sweet tooth and a soft spot for nostalgic treats, this Buckeyes Recipe is an absolute must-try. These delightful little balls combine the rich, creamy goodness of peanut butter with a luscious chocolate coating, capturing the iconic look of Ohio’s beloved buckeye tree nuts. The result is a perfectly balanced bite of decadence that’s both comforting and irresistible, making these treats perfect for sharing with friends or enjoying as a personal indulgence.
Buckeyes Recipe: Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
Believe it or not, this Buckeyes Recipe calls for a handful of simple ingredients that come together beautifully. Each one plays a key role in creating that creamy, sweet filling and the shiny, smooth chocolate shell we all adore.
- Creamy peanut butter: Choose a creamy, not natural-style variety, for the perfect smooth texture in the filling.
- Unsalted butter: Softened butter adds richness and helps the mixture hold together just right.
- Cream cheese: Adds a tangy creaminess that elevates the peanut butter flavor and keeps the filling moist.
- Vanilla extract: A small but essential flavor booster that brightens the whole treat.
- Fine sea salt: Just a pinch enhances the sweetness and balances the flavors beautifully.
- Powdered sugar: Sifted for smoothness, it sweetens and thickens the dough for easy shaping.
- Semisweet or dark chocolate: Finely chopped or chips, for dipping the buckeyes and creating that classic glossy finish.
- Coconut oil: Mixed with the chocolate to ensure a silky texture and ease of dipping.
How to Make Buckeyes Recipe
Step 1: Mix the Creamy Filling
Begin by beating together the creamy peanut butter, softened butter, cream cheese, vanilla extract, and fine sea salt in a large bowl or stand mixer. This step is crucial as it ensures the filling is smooth, creamy, and perfectly blended, setting the foundation for those melt-in-your-mouth Buckeyes.
Step 2: Add Powdered Sugar for Texture
Next, gradually stir in the powdered sugar, about one cup at a time. Keep mixing until the mixture forms a thick yet pliable dough that’s easy to roll. This may take anywhere from 3 ½ to 4 cups of sugar, depending on the humidity and peanut butter brand. You want a consistency that’s firm but not dry.
Step 3: Shape the Peanut Butter Balls
Roll the dough into 1-inch balls—roughly 1½ tablespoons each—and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Chill these little gems in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to let them firm up. This chilling step helps prevent the buckeyes from melting when you dip them in chocolate.
Step 4: Prepare the Chocolate Coating
While the buckeyes chill, melt the chocolate and coconut oil together in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 20-second bursts, stirring well after each interval. This method prevents the chocolate from burning and ensures a smooth, luscious coating for dipping.
Step 5: Dip and Decorate the Buckeyes
Skewer each peanut butter ball with a toothpick and dip it into the melted chocolate, covering about three-quarters of the way up to leave a small circle of peanut butter visible on top, just like a real buckeye. Allow any excess chocolate to drip back into the bowl before placing the treats back onto the parchment.
Step 6: Chill to Set the Chocolate
Return the dipped buckeyes to the refrigerator for about 30 minutes or until the chocolate shell is firm and glossy. If you notice toothpick holes after removing them, gently smooth the surface with a little extra chocolate or a small spatula for a perfect finish.
Step 7: Ready to Enjoy
Once the chocolate is set, your homemade Buckeyes are completely ready to enjoy. You can dive right in or store them for later—either way, they promise pure peanut butter and chocolate bliss with every bite.
How to Serve Buckeyes Recipe
Garnishes
While these buckeyes look amazing on their own, a light sprinkle of crushed peanuts or a tiny dusting of sea salt can add a lovely touch. It’s a subtle way to add texture and amplify the flavors without overpowering the classic profile you love.
Side Dishes
Buckeyes pair beautifully with cold milk for a nostalgic snack, or alongside a warm cup of coffee or tea for a cozy afternoon treat. For a party spread, they complement fresh fruit or a cheese board perfectly, adding a sweet and creamy contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
Try arranging buckeyes on a decorative platter lined with parchment paper, or serve them in small cupcake liners for an elegant touch. You can also experiment with drizzled white chocolate or a sprinkle of colorful festive sprinkles to match any holiday or celebration.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Buckeyes keep wonderfully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. Keeping them chilled ensures the texture stays firm and the chocolate shell remains perfectly glossy without becoming soft or sticky.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy these treats later, you can freeze buckeyes for up to three months. Place them in a freezer-safe container with parchment layers between to prevent sticking. Thaw in the fridge before serving for best results.
Reheating
These treats are best enjoyed chilled, so reheating is not typically necessary. If your buckeyes soften too much, just pop them back in the fridge for 10-15 minutes to firm up the chocolate coating and filling.
FAQs
Can I use natural peanut butter in this Buckeyes Recipe?
Natural peanut butter has more oil and less stability, which can make the filling too soft and oily. This recipe works best with creamy, processed peanut butter for that perfect firm yet creamy texture.
Why is cream cheese used in the filling?
Cream cheese adds a slight tang and extra creaminess that keeps the filling from being overly sweet or greasy. It helps balance the peanut butter and improves the overall mouthfeel.
Is it necessary to use coconut oil in the chocolate?
Coconut oil thins the melted chocolate slightly, making it easier to dip and resulting in a shiny finish. Without it, the chocolate might be too thick and clumpy for smooth dipping.
Can these Buckeyes be made gluten-free?
Yes! All the ingredients listed here are naturally gluten-free, making this Buckeyes Recipe safe for anyone avoiding gluten. Just be sure to double-check your chocolate for any additives if you have a sensitivity.
How do I avoid cracks in the chocolate coating?
Make sure your buckeyes are well chilled before dipping, and don’t use chocolate that’s too thick. Using coconut oil to thin the chocolate and allowing the coating to set slowly in the fridge helps keep the shell smooth and crack-free.
Final Thoughts
This Buckeyes Recipe is one of those delightful treasures that never fails to bring smiles and satisfy cravings. Once you make them, you might find these peanut butter and chocolate bites becoming a staple at your gatherings or a comforting homemade treat on regular days. Give it a try and enjoy the joy that only fresh, homemade Buckeyes can bring to your kitchen and your taste buds.
Print
Buckeyes Recipe
- Prep Time: 45 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 48-50 buckeyes
- Category: No-Cook
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Classic homemade Buckeyes feature a creamy peanut butter and cream cheese center dipped partially in rich, melted chocolate to resemble the nut of the Ohio buckeye tree. These bite-sized treats are easy to make and perfect for parties, holidays, or whenever you’re craving a sweet and salty snack.
Ingredients
Peanut Butter Mixture
- 1 1/2 cups creamy peanut butter (not natural-style)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
- 3 1/2 to 4 cups powdered sugar, sifted
Chocolate Coating
- 8 ounces semisweet or dark chocolate, finely chopped (or chocolate chips)
- 2 teaspoons coconut oil
Instructions
- Prepare the Peanut Butter Mixture: In a large mixing bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer, beat together the peanut butter, softened butter, cream cheese, vanilla extract, and fine sea salt on medium speed until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Add Powdered Sugar: Gradually mix in the sifted powdered sugar, adding 1 cup at a time, and continuing to mix until the dough is thick and pliable enough to roll. You may need between 3 1/2 to 4 cups depending on humidity and peanut butter type.
- Form the Buckeye Balls: Roll the dough into 1-inch balls (approximately 1 1/2 tablespoons each) and place them evenly spaced on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes so they become firm enough to dip.
- Melt the Chocolate: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the chopped semisweet or dark chocolate with the coconut oil. Microwave in 20-second intervals, stirring well after each until the chocolate is completely melted and smooth.
- Dip the Buckeyes: Insert a toothpick into each chilled peanut butter ball and dip about 3/4 of the way into the melted chocolate, leaving the top of the peanut butter visible to mimic a buckeye nut. Allow excess chocolate to drip back into the bowl.
- Chill the Dipped Buckeyes: Place the dipped buckeyes back onto the parchment-lined baking sheet. Refrigerate for about 30 minutes, or until the chocolate has completely hardened. If desired, gently smooth over the toothpick holes for a cleaner appearance.
- Store and Serve: Enjoy immediately or store the buckeyes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. For longer storage, freeze for up to 3 months and thaw before serving.
Notes
- Use creamy peanut butter that is not natural-style to ensure the right texture and consistency.
- Adjust powdered sugar quantity based on desired dough firmness.
- If you prefer, you can substitute coconut oil with vegetable oil for melting chocolate.
- Dipping only 3/4 of the ball in chocolate leaves a signature buckeye ‘eye’ exposed.
- Store buckeyes chilled to prevent the chocolate from melting.
- Freezing is a great option for making these in advance and enjoying later.
