Homemade Buckeyes
Homemade buckeyes are the perfect no bake treat for peanut butter and chocolate lovers.
Buckeyes are fast, easy and delicious, making them a great choice for the holidays when you need a tasty treat that doesn’t take too much time or energy. Another no bake treat (for adults) that is always on hand during the holidays are these easy rum balls.
The very basics of a buckeye candy are peanut butter, chocolate and powdered sugar. As easy as a buckeye recipe is, not all buckeyes are created equal. This recipe has a secret ingredient to make these homemade buckeyes the creamiest and most delicious peanut butter buckeyes ever!
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Homemade Buckeyes Recipe
To make homemade buckeyes, you’ll need peanut butter, powdered (confectioners or icing) sugar, butter, vanilla, a pinch of salt and good quality chocolate… and the secret ingredient that makes all the difference.
Making the mixture only takes a few minutes. Letting the peanut butter balls chill in the refrigerator, then set up after dipping is the bulk of the time in the recipe.
Because I live in a warm climate, this is a necessary step. But, if it is very cold where you live, you may not need to leave them in the fridge quite as long.
Depending on the weather, I may have to chill them after dipping to get the chocolate to set. Leaving them at room temperature is preferable, but again, if you live where it is warm year-round, this may not be an option.
Making Homemade Buckeyes
Making buckeyes is something that I grew up doing. I am from the Buckeye State, after all. We usually only make these in the fall, or around Christmas, because working with chocolate is much easier when the temperatures are cooler.
A mug of hot chocolate and a buckeye or two was always a special treat around the holidays.
If you are making these for a party, or even if you are just making them for your family, they disappear very quickly. I’ve never had leftovers. Not even once. I usually make more than I need and it’s still not enough.
That being said this recipe will make 4 dozen if you use a tablespoon sized scoop.
What you’ll need to make buckeyes:
• small scoop
• measuring cups
• hand mixer
• parchment paper
• sheet pan
How to make homemade buckeyes
Measure out the ingredients before you start. Use your favorite brand of peanut butter, I used Skippy. I haven’t made these with natural peanut butter, which is generally a little thinner than commercial peanut butter.
If you prefer to use a natural peanut butter (depending on the brand), you may have to adjust the powdered sugar and butter to get the right consistency.
Using a scoop ensures that all of your buckeyes will be the same size.
Carefully lower them into the melted chocolate, about 3/4 the way up the ball of peanut butter.
Let your buckeye army set. If it is warm, a quick blast in the refrigerator will speed up the process. If it is on the cool side in your house, leave them out on the counter to set.
Peanut Butter Buckeyes
If you prefer to smooth the top of the buckeyes, carefully press the hole together. Then, lightly tap around the top of the buckeye to smooth it out. I used a gloved hand to do this so I didn’t leave fingerprints in my homemade buckeyes.
I will say this on the topic of smoothing the top – most people do not bother, including me, especially if they are just for the family. If I’m taking them to a party, I’ll smooth the top of the buckeyes. It’s your call. Whether you do it or not, they will be delicious.
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Homemade Buckeyes
Quick and easy, homemade buckeye recipe.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 c. smooth peanut butter
- 3 c. confectioners sugar
- 1 stick unsalted butter, room temp
- 1/4 tsp fine sea salt
- 1/4 c. cream cheese, softened (2 oz)
- 1 tsp. vanilla
- 6 oz dark chocolate, I used 70% Lindt chocolate bars
Instructions
- Cream peanut butter, cream cheese and butter together until completely smooth and free of any lumps.
- Add vanilla, salt and sugar to mixture, beat until combined.
- Using a 1 ounce scoop or tablespoon, scoop balls of peanut butter mixture and place on parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Roll (in your hands) to smooth out and round. Set in the refrigerator to chill for at least 2 hours.
- Break chocolate bars into small pieces, place in a microwave safe bowl. Put in microwave for 30 seconds, stir, put back in for another 10 seconds. Repeat in 10 second increments until chocolate is mostly melted (a few pieces the size of peas are ok). Stir and set aside. The residual heat will melt any tiny pieces of chocolate. Let it cool until the bowl no longer feels warm.
- Using a skewer or toothpick, pierce peanut butter ball and dip into the chocolate about 3/4 up the sides. Place on parchment-lined baking sheet. Chill for an hour or until chocolate has set up.
Notes
Tip: If you want a thinner coating, dip when the chocolate is warmer. If you want a thicker coating of chocolate, let the chocolate cool more.
The chocolate will become thicker as it cools, giving you a thicker layer.
If you have an 8 oz glass canning jar, this makes the BEST vessel for holding your chocolate to dip the buckeyes. It's the perfect size, depth, etc.
I used a small cookie scoop (about 1 tbsp) to make these buckeyes. You may end up with more or less depending on the scoop you use.
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Nutrition Information:
Yield:
48Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 121Total Fat: 8gSaturated Fat: 3gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 7mgSodium: 56mgCarbohydrates: 12gFiber: 1gSugar: 10gProtein: 2g
Nutrition information calculated by a third-party company as a courtesy. It is intended as a guideline only.
