Description
This classic Chocolate Dipped Buckeyes recipe combines creamy peanut butter centers with a smooth semisweet and milk chocolate coating, creating a perfect bite-sized confection reminiscent of the Ohio state nut. These treats are easy to make, perfect for holiday parties, gift giving, or anytime you crave a nostalgic peanut butter and chocolate delight.
Ingredients
Scale
Peanut Butter Centers
- 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
Instructions
- 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) for better texture and binding.
- If peanut butter mixture is too soft, add extra powdered sugar little by little until firm enough to roll.
- Refrigerate the peanut butter balls well before dipping for clean coating and less melting.
- Choose high-quality chocolate chips like Ghirardelli for best flavor and smooth melt.
- Seal the toothpick holes carefully to keep the buckeyes looking neat and uniform.
- Store buckeyes in an airtight container either at room temperature or in the fridge depending on preferred texture.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Buckeyes, Peanut Butter Candy, Chocolate Dipped Buckeyes, No-Bake Dessert, Holiday Treats, Peanut Butter and Chocolate
