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!
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
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.
- 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.
- 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 un-coated for the buckeye look.
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Return the ball to the cookie sheet and remove the toothpick.
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Set pan in fridge to fully set the chocolate before serving/eating!
Recipe tricks and tips
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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.
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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.
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Don’t rush the chilling process as you don’t want the peanut butter balls to fall apart as you are dipping them.
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Make sure you line your cookie sheet with parchment paper or the balls will stick to the sheet.
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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.
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
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!
Buckeye Balls Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups creamy peanut butter
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 1/2 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
