Chocolate Dipped Buckeyes Recipe
Classic Buckeyes are a beloved no-bake treat featuring a creamy peanut butter center partially dipped in rich chocolate, resembling the nut of the Ohio Buckeye tree. These sweet, peanut buttery balls coated in chocolate are perfect for holiday gatherings, parties, or anytime you crave a deliciously indulgent snack.
- Author: Sana
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes (including chilling time)
- Yield: Approximately 36 buckeyes 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Peanut Butter Mixture
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups creamy peanut butter (not natural)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 4 cups confectioners’ sugar (powdered sugar)
- 1/4 teaspoon sea salt or kosher salt
Chocolate Coating
- 12 oz semisweet chocolate chips (Ghirardelli recommended)
- 11.5 oz milk chocolate chips (Ghirardelli recommended)
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil or vegetable shortening
- Prepare the Baking Sheet: Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and set aside for later use.
- Cream the Butter and Peanut Butter: In a mixing bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer with paddle attachment to beat the softened butter and creamy peanut butter together until the mixture lightens in color and becomes silky smooth.
- Add Vanilla and Salt: Mix in the vanilla extract and salt until fully combined, enhancing the flavor of the peanut butter mixture.
- Incorporate Powdered Sugar: Gradually add the confectioners’ sugar in 1/3 cup increments, mixing well after each addition. The dough should become thick enough to roll into balls; if it’s still too soft, continue adding a little more powdered sugar as needed.
- Form the Buckeye Balls: Scoop tablespoon-sized portions and roll them into smooth balls with clean hands. Place the balls evenly spaced on the prepared parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Insert Toothpicks and Chill: Insert a toothpick into the center of each ball. Refrigerate the tray for 15 minutes to an hour to firm up the peanut butter centers for easier dipping.
- Melt the Chocolate: Combine both types of chocolate chips and the coconut oil in a double boiler or microwave-safe bowl. Heat gently, stirring frequently to avoid burning, until smooth and fully melted.
- Dip the Buckeyes: Remove the chilled peanut butter balls from the refrigerator. Holding each by the toothpick, dip them into the melted chocolate, covering about 80% of each ball to mimic the iconic Buckeye look. Allow excess chocolate to drip off before placing them back on the parchment-lined sheet.
- Set the Chocolate: Let the dipped buckeyes sit at room temperature or in the refrigerator until the chocolate coating is completely firm.
- Remove Toothpicks: When the peanut butter centers come back to room temperature, gently twist to remove the toothpicks, creating a small hole in each buckeye.
- Seal the Holes: Use your finger to gently smooth and cover the holes with a bit of leftover peanut butter mixture or by smoothing the edges, ensuring a seamless finish.
- Serve and Store: Serve immediately for the best texture, or store the buckeyes in an airtight container. They keep well refrigerated or at room temperature if you prefer a softer peanut butter center.
Notes
- Use creamy peanut butter—not natural—to ensure the right texture and sweetness.
- Adding powdered sugar gradually helps achieve the perfect dough consistency for rolling.
- If the dough is too sticky, add a little more powdered sugar to help firm it up.
- Be careful not to fully cover the buckeyes in chocolate; leaving a ring of exposed peanut butter is key to their classic look.
- Using a double boiler is recommended for melting chocolate to avoid burning.
- Store buckeyes in an airtight container to keep them fresh up to a week.
Keywords: buckeyes, peanut butter balls, chocolate dipped treats, no bake dessert, holiday treats, peanut butter recipe