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–+ servings
close up of buckeye candies in a white bowl.

Buckeye Candy Recipe

Course: candy, chocolate, Dessert
Cuisine: American
Prep Time: 2 hours
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Chill: 2 hours
Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes
Servings: 48 buckeyes
Calories: 253kcal
Author: Becky Hardin
Rich peanut butter balls dipped in glossy chocolate, these classic no bake buckeyes are a holiday favorite. Simple to make and always the first treat to disappear!
Print Recipe
US Customary - Metric

Equipment

  • Kitchen Scale (optional)
  • Hand Mixer or Stand Mixer
  • 2-Tablespoon Cookie Portion Scoop (optional)
  • Baking Sheet

Ingredients

For the Peanut Butter Centers

  • 4½ cups powdered sugar
  • 2 cups creamy peanut butter *
  • 1⅔ cups unsalted butter room temperature (3 sticks + 3 tablespoons)
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt

For the Chocolate Coating

  • 4½ cups chocolate chips **
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1½ teaspoons espresso powder optional

Instructions

  • Add all of the ingredients for the peanut butter centers to the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment. Beat together on high speed for 3 minutes.
    4½ cups powdered sugar, 2 cups creamy peanut butter, 1⅔ cups unsalted butter, 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract, ½ teaspoon kosher salt
    beating peanut butter buckeye candy mixture in a glass bowl with a hand mixer.
  • At this point, you can either go ahead and roll the peanut butter into 2-tablespoon-sized balls and dip, or you can roll the peanut butter balls and place them into the freezer to freeze for ease of dipping.
    rolling a peanut butter ball between two hands.
  • To make the chocolate coating, place the chocolate chips and butter into a large heat proof bowl. Heat them in the microwave in 30 second increments, stirring between, until melted. This will take about 2 minutes.
    4½ cups chocolate chips, 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
    chocolate chips and butter in a glass bowl.
  • Once completely melted and smooth, stir in the espresso powder.
    1½ teaspoons espresso powder
    adding espresso powder to melted chocolate in a glass bowl.
  • To dip, if you have chosen to dip the peanut butter balls at room temp, use a fork to lower the ball into the chocolate just until only the top of the ball is visible. If you have chosen to freeze the balls before dipping, press a toothpick halfway into the top of each ball and do the same.
    dipping a peanut butter ball into chocolate with a toothpick.
  • Pull the ball out and let any excess chocolate drip off before placing onto a parchment lined baking sheet. Let set until hardened. You can place them into the fridge to chill.
    placing a dipped buckeye candy on a baking sheet to set.
  • To remove the toothpicks, simply twist the toothpick between your thumb and index finger and it will pull right out. Use a warm finger to smooth the hole out on top.
    closing the holes on dipped buckeye candies on a baking sheet.

Video

Notes

*I recommend a creamy, no-stir peanut butter for the best texture. Natural peanut butter will be harder to work with and may lead to an oily result. If you have a peanut allergy, any nut or seed butter (or cookie butter) will also work.
**I like semisweet chocolate best to balance the sweetness of the peanut butter, but you can use milk, dark, or white chocolate if you prefer.
Tips:
  • Use a handheld or stand mixer to combine the peanut butter ball ingredients. You want to make sure the mixture is smooth.
  • I like to use a cookie scoop to portion the peanut butter mixture evenly. 
  • Grease your hands before rolling the peanut butter mixture into balls.
  • I find 2 tablespoons to be the perfect size for snacking, but you can make them larger or smaller if you prefer.
  • You can keep the peanut butter balls in the freezer for 15-30 minutes to allow them to get cold, making it easier for the chocolate to stick to them.
  • Stir a teaspoon of coconut oil or shortening into the chocolate for extra smoothness and shine. It also helps the chocolate set faster without cracking.
  • Be sure to use a fork or toothpick when dipping your peanut butter balls in the chocolate so that you can leave room for the top to remain open!
  • Let excess chocolate drip off the fork over the bowl for a clean finish, and tap the fork gently on the side of the bowl to prevent pools at the base.
  • You can lightly warm a butter knife or fingertip to smooth the hole left from the toothpick for a polished look.
  • Serve chilled or at room temperature. Buckeyes are less likely to sweat if served straight from the fridge.
Make-Ahead: You can prep the peanut butter balls ahead and store them in the fridge for up to 3 days or in the freezer for up to 1 month before dipping. If dipping from frozen, allow the balls to thaw for 1-2 minutes so chocolate adheres better.
Storage: Store buckeye candies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks or in the freezer for up to 2 months.

Nutrition

Serving: 1buckeye | Calories: 253kcal | Carbohydrates: 25g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 17g | Saturated Fat: 8g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Trans Fat: 0.3g | Cholesterol: 18mg | Sodium: 72mg | Potassium: 112mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 22g | Vitamin A: 212IU | Calcium: 20mg | Iron: 0.2mg