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    Home » Recipes » Christmas

    Buckeye Balls

    Published: Nov 15, 2022 by Kristin · This post may contain affiliate links. · 8 Comments

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    Buckeye Balls are the classic recipe of peanut butter balls dipped in melted chocolate. Incredibly simple to make, no-bake, and packed with flavor, this is a great treat during the Holiday season or anytime of year!

    buckeye balls are peanut butter sweet treats rolled in chocolate

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    Jump to:
    • Easy Peanut Butter Balls
    • What are Buckeye Balls?
    • Why are these called Buckeye Balls?
    • Why this recipe is the best?
    • Ingredients Needed for Buckeye Balls
    • How to make Peanut Butter Balls
    • Recipe tricks and tips
    • How to Store Buckeye Balls
    • How to perfectly dip peanut butter balls
    • Variations
    • More Holiday Recipes to try
    • Buckeye Balls Recipe

    Easy Peanut Butter Balls

    Growing up, my mom would make peanut butter balls each Christmas to add to her goodie tray. I remember being OBSESSED with eating them, as in totally addicted. She would make them a few weeks ahead of time and stick them in the freezer. Little did she know I would sneak one here and there, let it thaw slightly, and quickly devour it. I did that a few times before realizing the bag was quickly emptying and I had to slow down so she didn’t notice.

    These Buckeye Balls taste like very similar to homemade Reese’s cups, with little to no effort needed to prepare.

    What are Buckeye Balls?

    Buckeyes are made from a peanut butter mixture partially dipped in chocolate to leave a circle of peanut butter visible. Buckeyes are similar to peanut butter balls (or peanut-butter-filled chocolate balls), which are completely covered in chocolate. They can even be decorated with festive sprinkles for a no bake treat that’s perfect for any occasion. They even make a great gift option and are always a welcome addition to any holiday goodie tray.

    Why are these called Buckeye Balls?

    According to Bon Appetit, the buckeye candy originated in Ohio. Apparently, sometime in the 1960s, Ohio resident Gail Tabor invented buckeyes while trying to dip peanut butter balls in chocolate. She noticed that her partially dipped confections looked just like buckeye nuts, which are shed by Ohio’s state tree and resemble chestnuts: dark and shiny dark brown, with a lighter brown top. Tabor brought her buckeyes to Ohio State–Michigan football games for years to great acclaim. The recipe eventually got out and now is a classic treat everyone enjoys!

    Why this recipe is the best?

    With so many variations around, you may be wondering why THESE ones are the best? Well, here are just a few simple reasons!

    • Only 6 ingredients needed- so simple to make, in fact, you may already have most if not all ingredients needed on hand
    • The perfect blend of peanut butter and chocolate- if you have a sweet tooth and love that chocolate peanut butter combination, these gems are for you
    • Can be prepared ahead of time- save time and make these weeks early. They freeze perfectly and you simply thaw when ready to enjoy
    • Decorate them as desired- you can dip them in any flavor chocolate, sprinkles, coconut shavings, and more to make them your own
    • Addictive- these creamy treats are melt-in-your mouth good. Hard to stop at just one

    creamy peanut butter mixture rolled in chocolate

    Ingredients Needed for Buckeye Balls

    Scroll below for printable recipe card that lists all ingredient amounts with step-by-step instructions

    • Peanut Butter- creamy
    • Butter- unsalted is best as you’ll add salt to this recipe
    • Vanilla Extract
    • Salt
    • Powdered Sugar- you may have to add more depending on consistency of peanut butter mixture
    • Chocolate Chips-  semi-sweet chips are the ones I use the most, but you can also use milk chocolate if desired

    How to make Peanut Butter Balls

    All you need for these easy peanut butter balls are a handful of simple ingredients that you may already have at home, like peanut butter, powdered sugar and butter.

    1. After the ingredients are initially mixed together, you’ll want to form the peanut butter balls. Scoop mixture into tablespoon balls and rolls using the palm of your hands.
    2. Place on a cookie sheet lined with foil or parchment paper.
    3. Place in freezer for about 30 minutes to firm up.
    4. Melt chocolate chips in a small bowl.
    5. Remove peanut butter balls from the freezer and place a toothpick in the top of them.
    6. Use the toothpick to carefully dip the balls into the melted chocolate, leaving the tops un-coated for the buckeye look.
    7. Return the ball to the cookie sheet and remove the toothpick.
    8. Set pan in fridge to fully set the chocolate before serving/eating!

    Recipe tricks and tips

    • The best peanut butter to use is one of the standard, mainstream brands like Jif, Skippy, or Peter Pan. These have the added oils you need to keep the peanut butter from separating. Go for creamy over crunchy. Avoid natural peanut butters. Peanut butter balls made with natural peanut butter will end up drier and more crumbly, no one wants that.

    • Scoop the first peanut butter ball and check the consistency. If it doesn’t roll easily, sticks to your hand, and makes a mess, add more powdered sugar.

    • Don’t rush the chilling process as you don’t want the peanut butter balls to fall apart as you are dipping them.

    • Make sure you line your cookie sheet with parchment paper or the balls will stick to the sheet.

    • Change up the chocolate for a fun variation. White chocolate, dark chocolate, or even milk chocolate makes great options.

    • Use a measuring spoon to portion out peanut butter “dough” so that all of the balls are the same size.

    creamy, decadent peanut butter dipped in chocolate and enjoyed as a sweet treat

    How to Store Buckeye Balls

    Store buckeye balls in an airtight container or Ziplock bag in the refrigerator. They will keep for several weeks.

    To freeze, place buckeye balls in a freezer safe container for up to 3-4 months. Just note, if you choose to freeze the buckeye balls, when you thaw them, the chocolate may have a little condensation on it. Same great taste though, so nothing to be concerned about.

    Don’t leave your Buckeye Balls at room temperature for longer than 2 hours because the peanut butter and butter in them will soften and they’ll lose their firmness.

    How to perfectly dip peanut butter balls

    After many trial and error, the toothpick trick is the easiest, most consistent way to dip the peanut butter balls. Originally, I used a fork and they would always fall off and make a mess. Simply stick a toothpick into each ball, then lower the ball into a bowl of melted chocolate. Of course, make sure you have placed the peanut butter balls in the freezer to harden too. If you want to hide the tooth pick hole, simply use your finger to move the peanut butter mixture over it.

    Variations

    • Sprinkle the dipped buckeye balls with cookie crumbs, coconut, coarse salt, or drizzled caramel
    • Dip the buckeye balls into sprinkles or small candies for a fun color boost
    • Use almond bark in lieu of chocolate chips to cut down on the sweetness a bit
    • Use crunchy peanut butter for a change to the creamy texture

    creamy peanut butter balls dipped in chocolate

    More Holiday Recipes to try

    Bacardi Rum Cake– popular since the 1970s for its taste and texture, this Bacardi rum cake is soft, fluffy, and supremely moist. 

    Peanut Butter Blossoms– Chocolate and peanut butter belong together, and these easy cookies prove it.

    Peppermint Bark– Using only 3 ingredients, this comes together in no time! Adding a burst of color and flavor to your Holiday goodie tray, be sure to whip up a batch for all to enjoy!

    Christmas M & M Cookie Bars– soft, flavor packed cookie bars with both chocolate chips AND M &M’s throughout!

     

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    Buckeye Balls Recipe

    Recipe by: Kristin
    Chocolate Peanut Butter Buckeye Balls are so delicious. Each bite of creamy peanut butter surrounded in melted chocolate is so rich and decadent, making these a must try!
    4.54 from 13 votes
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    Prep Time 15 minutes mins
    Chill Time 30 minutes mins
    Course Dessert, Snack
    Servings 36
    Calories 176 kcal

    Equipment

    • Mixing Bowls
    • Electric Hand Mixer
    • Cookie Sheet

    Ingredients
      

    • 1 ½ cups creamy peanut butter
    • ½ cup butter, softened
    • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
    • ¼ teaspoon salt
    • 2 ½ cups powdered sugar
    • 2 cups chocolate chips (I use semi sweet but any type works)

    Instructions
     

    • Combine peanut butter and butter in a large bowl, beating until smooth.
    • Add in the vanilla and salt.
    • Gradually add in the powdered sugar until its combined and a dough like consistency is reached.
    • Scoop mixture into tablespoon balls and rolls using the palm of your hands.
    • Place on a cookie sheet lined with foil or parchment paper.
    • Place in freezer for about 30 minutes to firm up.
    • Melt chocolate chips in a small bowl.
    • Remove peanut butter balls from the freezer and place a toothpick in the top of them.
    • Use the toothpick to carefully dip the balls into the melted chocolate, leaving the tops uncoated for the buckeye look.
    • Return the ball to the cookie sheet and remove the toothpick.
    • Set pan in fridge to fully set the chocolate before serving/eating!

    Nutrition

    Calories: 176kcalCarbohydrates: 16gProtein: 3gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 7mgSodium: 89mgPotassium: 126mgFiber: 1gSugar: 13gVitamin A: 84IUCalcium: 12mgIron: 1mg
    Tried this recipe?Mention @TheCookinChicks or tag #TheCookinChicks!

     

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    • a creamy cocktail made with only a few ingredients.
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    Comments

    1. Danielle says

      December 17, 2024 at 1:10 pm

      5 stars
      this recipe is the one, thank you for sharing. While coating with chocolate my husband walks past and takes one, “Oh these are good” he says. I ask if these were going to last until Christmas? He responds with a mischievous giggle as he walks away.

      Reply
      • Kristin says

        December 18, 2024 at 10:45 am

        Haha, love that! These are definitely a favorite in my house too! Glad you guys are enjoying them!!

        Reply
    2. Verna Buchanan says

      June 02, 2020 at 5:51 pm

      5 stars
      I remember making these as a girl, about 150 years ago, lol! I had to add wax to the chocolate so it would firm up… yuck!! So I anxiously and cautiously peeled at your recipe…
      Hurray! You solved the chocolate-firming dilemma with chips!! No wax!! Heaven!! I’m going to have my 7 yr old granddaughter help me make these as a schooling/cooking/bonding time. Thanks a million for the memories, both old and yet to come.

      Reply
      • Kristin says

        June 03, 2020 at 11:59 am

        Yay!! I hope you enjoy these and have lots of new memories making them with your granddaughter!

        Reply
    3. Christine Aspinall says

      January 06, 2020 at 2:57 pm

      Rave reviews from everyone who tried these Buckeye Peanut/Chocolate balls! – Only difficulty I had was keeping the balls on the toothpicks while dipping them in the chocolate. Some slid off with the heaviness of the chocolate and a few just fell apart, even though I had kept them in the freezer for about an hour. Might try pouring the chocolate over them next time. You could actually make this recipe into squares. Just as yummy! 🙂

      Reply
      • Kristin says

        January 07, 2020 at 12:02 pm

        Yea! Love hearing rave reviews! Yes, sometimes the toothpicks can definitely be tricky! I have also used a fork and it seems to hold a bit better! Great idea on squares!

        Reply
    4. Thomas moore says

      December 23, 2019 at 9:04 pm

      5 stars
      Very easy to make and delicious

      Reply
      • Kristin says

        December 24, 2019 at 6:44 am

        Yea!! Glad you enjoyed!

        Reply
    4.54 from 13 votes (10 ratings without comment)

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    Welcome to The Cookin' Chicks…I am so glad you've stopped by! I am Kristin, a busy mom of 3, a wife, and a family chef! There are three things that motivate me each day - Family, Faith, and FOOD! I, along with the occasional help of friends and family, want to share my food creations with you! So, I invite you to join me around my dinner table through the recipes that I will share with you here. I hope you will enjoy the journey as much as I do!

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