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Home » Desserts » Homemade Candy Recipes

Buckeye Balls

Published: Dec 16, 2022 · Modified: Jan 16, 2024 by Amira · This post may contain affiliate links which won’t change your price but will share some commission.

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Buckeye balls are a delicious indulgent peanut butter confectionery dipped in velvety melted chocolate. An easy 6-ingredient recipe that is classically made during winter holidays, however are delicious any time of year.

A top view of a plate with buckeyes on it.

Buckeye balls, also called peanut butter balls are bite sized treats that are sure to please everyone. Usually made with creamy peanut butter and semi-sweet chocolate, however you can use your favorite chocolate and nut butters.

Jump to:
  • ❤️ Why You'll Love It
  • 📝 Ingredients
  • 🥄 Instructions
  • 💡 Expert Tips
  • 🧺 Storage
  • 💬 FAQs
  • ⌛ Make Ahead
  • 👩‍🍳 Variations
  • 📣 Related Recipes
  • Easy Candy Recipes
  • Buckeye Balls

❤️ Why You'll Love It

  • No bake recipe.
  • Perfect for holiday cookie or dessert platters.
  • A quintessential candy for holiday giving.
  • Easy to prepare.
  • Two classic flavors that any peanut butter connoisseur will adore.

Buckeye balls are so fun to make! Get the kids to help roll the balls and take turns using a toothpick to dip them in creamy melty chocolate. Make them ahead of time and freeze until needed or make them for your next party or even as an after school snack.

📝 Ingredients

Note: This is an overview of the ingredients. You'll find the full measurements and instructions in the recipe card (printable) at the bottom of the page.

Recipe ingredients on a white surface.

🥄 Instructions

Note: This is an overview of the instructions. The detailed instructions are in the recipe card below.

  1. In a large bowl using a mixer cream together butter, vanilla extract and peanut butter until smooth and creamy. Gradually mix in the powdered sugar until all is well mixed in.
  2. Form the peanut butter mixture into 24 balls, each about 1 tablespoon. Place balls on a lined baking sheet with parchment paper and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
  3. Melt chocolate by placing chocolate on a microwave safe glass bowl with 1 ½ teaspoons of the oil. Heat at medium powder for 20-second intervals, stirring in between. Stop when small lumps are left and continue to stir until completely melted.
  4. Insert a wooden toothpick into one ball and dip into the melted chocolate. Gently wipe the bottom of the ball against the side of the bowl to remove excess chocolate and place back on the baking sheet. Remove the toothpick and smooth the top with the toothpick to remove the toothpick hole left from it.
A stack of buckeyes on a white plate with a bite taken from one to show texture.

💡 Expert Tips

  • Use good quality chocolate.
  • For best results use creamy, unsweetened peanut butter. You can use vegetable oil, canola oil, shortening or coconut oil for thinning chocolate. Bear in mind that coconut oil will add a hint of coconut taste to the chocolate.
  • If you are new to melting chocolate or using a different microwave that you are still not familiar with, I suggest melting ⅔rds of the chocolate then adding the remaining later to the bowl to avoid scorching the chocolate.
  • If after you melted your chocolate you still want to thin it more stir in the remaining oil, no need to microwave again.

🧺 Storage

  • Leftover buckeye balls can be refrigerated and covered for up to 2 weeks.
  • Freeze buckeye balls for up to 3 months.

💬 FAQs

Do buckeye balls need to be refrigerated?

Buckeye balls can be kept out on your counter for a few hours, but when not enjoying them the are best kept wrapped in your refrigerator or freezer.

How do you keep buckeye balls from melting?

Buckeye balls can easily become too soft if kept out of the refrigerator for long periods of time. After rolling into balls, place on parchment paper and cool in your fridge for about 30 minutes. Sometimes it's best to work in batches.

What is the best chocolate for buckeye balls?

Use high quality chocolate for the best result. Semi-sweet goes well with peanut butter, but you can also use candy melts or bars of milk or dark chocolate.

⌛ Make Ahead

Buckeye balls are an easy make ahead dessert or treat. You can mix the peanut butter mixture, dip into chocolate and store in your refrigerator wrapped until ready to serve.

👩‍🍳 Variations

  • Although peanut butter is the normal you can use a different type of nut butter you like.
  • Try with a different type of chocolate.
Buckeye balls on a baking sheet.

📣 Related Recipes

  • Indulge in the rich, sweet flavors of the Middle East with these buttery and flaky baklava rolls. Perfect for special occasions or as a decadent treat any time.
  • Here is a delicious Chocolate Biscuit Cake recipe that everyone loves! It is easy, no bake with no special equipment.
  • Take a slice of sunny goodness with every bite of this moist and flavorful Orange Loaf Cake. This easy-to-make dessert is perfect for a simple dessert or a sweet breakfast.
  • Chocolate Chip Blondies to satisfy your sweet cravings any time of the day. These are so simple to make and are great for lunch boxes as well as a fancy after dinner dessert with a scoop of ice cream.

Easy Candy Recipes

  • Cake Popsicles are fun and delicious treats made with cake crumbs and frosting and coated with candy melts or chocolates. Easy to make and decorate for different occasions.
  • Cake pops are a fun and easy treat to make for any occasion. These Strawberry Cake Pops are made with your favorite strawberry cake mixed with cream cheese frosting then coated with melted candy, decorate with various sprinkles for unique treat every time.
  • Chocolate covered strawberries are a delicious and elegant treat that are great for any occasion.The perfect balance of sweet and tart, and the chocolate adds a rich, decadent flavor.
  • Tanghulu Recipe, also known as bingtanghulu, is a traditional Chinese snack that originated in the northern region of China. Fresh fruits dipped in thick syrup and quickly cooled for a delicious sweet treat.

I hope you'll like this recipe and please if you make this recipe, snap a pic and hashtag it #amiraspantry — I love to see your creations on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter!
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If you like this recipe do not forget to give it a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ star rating and attach a photo of your finished dish. It is always a pleasure of mine to see your photos and check your own take of the recipe. Thank you.

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Buckeyes stacked on a white dessert plate.

Buckeye Balls

An old fashioned confection, these peanut butter balls are always a favorite and you will be surprised at how simple it is to make. Buckeye balls are really a good snack, dessert or appetizer.
5 from 2 votes
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Course: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American
Diet: Halal
Prep Time: 15 minutes minutes
Chill time: 1 hour hour 30 minutes minutes
Total Time: 1 hour hour 45 minutes minutes
Servings: 24 servings
Calories: 132kcal
Author: Amira

Ingredients

  • 1 cup creamy peanut butter 250g
  • 2 cups sifted powdered sugar 260g
  • 6 Tablespoons unsalted butter room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For Chocolate dipping:

  • 6 oz semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • 1 Tablespoon vegetable oil divided

Instructions

  • Line a baking sheet or tray with parchment paper and set aside.
  • In a large bowl using a mixer cream together butter, vanilla extract and peanut butter until smooth and creamy.
  • Gradually mix in the powdered sugar until all is well mixed in.
  • Form the peanut butter mixture into 24 balls, each about 1 tablespoon.
  • Place balls on the baking sheet or tray and refrigerate for 30 minutes.

Melt the chocolate:

  • Place chocolate on a microwave safe glass bowl with 1 ½ teaspoon of the oil.
  • Heat at medium power (50%) for 20-second intervals, stirring in between.
  • Stop when small lumps are left and continue to stir until completely melted.
  • Insert a wooden toothpick into one ball and dip into the melted chocolate.
  • Gently wipe the bottom of the ball against the side of the bowl to remove excess chocolate and place back on the baking sheet.
  • Remove the toothpick and smooth the top with the toothpick to remove the hole left from it.
  • Continue with the remaining balls until done and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to firm up.

Notes

  • Use good quality chocolate.
  • For best results use creamy, unsweetened peanut butter. 
  • You can also use vegetable oil, canola oil, shortening or coconut oil for thinning chocolate. Bear in mind that coconut oil will add a hint of coconut taste to the chocolate.
  • If you are new to melting chocolate or using a different microwave that you are still not familiar with, I suggest melting ⅔rds of the chocolate and then adding the remaining later to the bowl to avoid scorching the chocolate.
  • If after you melted your chocolate you still want to thin it more stir in the remaining oil, no need to microwave again.
Variations:
  • Although peanut butter is the normal you can use a different type of nut butter you like.
  • Try with a different type of chocolate.
Storage:
  • Refrigerate leftover buckeye balls covered for up to 2 weeks.
Please check the nutrition disclaimer policy.

Nutrition

Calories: 132kcal | Carbohydrates: 6g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 11g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4g | Trans Fat: 0.1g | Cholesterol: 8mg | Sodium: 48mg | Potassium: 103mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 91IU | Calcium: 11mg | Iron: 1mg
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I’m overjoyed that you have stopped by! My hope is to introduce you to new flavors, creative ways and fresh takes on favorites. To help you create food with style that will bring everyone around your kitchen table. From weeknight dinners for crazy busy days to desserts with the “wow” factor, and classic comforts from the Mediterranean. One thing in common, they are all recipes that have been tried and tested by family and friends.

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Hey Y'all, I'm Amira.
I’m overjoyed that you have stopped by!
I send warm greetings from sunny Colorado. This blog combines weeknight dinners for crazy busy days to desserts with the “wow” factor, and classic comforts from the Mediterranean.
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