Estimated reading time: 8 minutes

Buckeyes are a classic, sweet, candy recipe with peanut butter and chocolate flavors. Make this delicious recipe for any holiday, as an edible gift, or just for a sweet snack anytime. (makes about 38 buckeyes)

Buckeyes 

Hi Everyone, peanut butter and chocolate, it's a known match made in heaven and it's the 2 main ingredients in this Buckeyes recipe!

Buckeyes are a delicious, traditional, chocolate, peanut butter fudge candy truffle recipe popular in the Midwest, specifically Ohio.

What do you make Buckeyes for?

I often see this recipe come up around Fall, Christmas or Easter time but you can really make it any time of the year, for any gathering or just when you are having a peanut butter-chocolate flavor craving! Don't forget to share!

What kind of nut butter or peanut butter do you use for Buckeyes?

This recipe is best made with creamy, smooth peanut butter rather than the more natural-style peanut butter. It just seems to come out better, especially for rolling it into balls and keeping that shape together and then for dipping. 

I personally love all-natural style peanut butter but for this recipe, it's best to stick to the smooth, creamy style peanut butter for that reason. 

You could try to use creamy-style almond, cashew, or other nut butter in place of the peanut butter in the same amount.

Why are Buckeyes called "Buckeyes"?

They are called Buckeyes because they resemble the nut from Ohio's state tree (the Buckeye). To me, they also resemble deer eyes as a New Jerseyan, and as an original New Englander, they resemble Chestnuts.

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I shot this Buckeyes recipe back on 12/18/2018 and am finally sharing the recipe on the blog, well, it's about time!

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Kitchen Tools for Making Buckeyes

I use a small (OXO brand) cookie scoop which is 2 teaspoons exactly for scooping the peanut butter balls in this recipe. It really helps in getting them all the same size!

In the recipe card, at the end of the post, I link (Amazon Affiliate links) to my favorite kitchen tools for making this Buckeyes recipe.

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Recipe Attribution

This Buckeyes recipe is inspired by my No-Bake Peanut Butter Bars, Chocolate Peanut Butter Eggs recipes on the blog, and Buckeyes from Food Network.

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If you try this Buckeyes recipe and like it, please give the recipe a rating in the recipe card below and let us know in the comments at the end of the post.

 Thank you for reading and following along!

Continue to Content

Buckeyes

Yield: 38

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 5 minutes

Chilling Time: 50 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour

Buckeyes are a classic, sweet, candy recipe with peanut butter and chocolate flavors. Make this delicious recipe for any holiday, as an edible gift or just for a sweet snack anytime. 

Print

Ingredients

• 2 ½ cups confectioner's sugar, sifted
• 1 cup creamy smooth peanut butter
• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• ¼ teaspoon Kosher salt
• 8 ounces semisweet or bittersweet chocolate
• 1 teaspoon coconut oil (or substitute vegetable shortening)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Baking Sheet: Line a rimmed baking sheet with a silicone baking mat or parchment paper, set aside.
2. Make the Peanut Butter Balls: In a medium mixing bowl and using a handheld electric mixer on medium speed, combine the confectioner's sugar, peanut butter, unsalted butter, vanilla, and Kosher salt. Using a 2-teaspoon cookie scoop, scoop dough balls and arrange them on the prepared baking sheet. Refrigerate for 20 minutes or until firm.
3. To Make the Chocolate Dipping Coating: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the chocolate and coconut oil (or the same amount of shortening). Microwave for 30-second intervals stirring in between (for a total time of about 2 minutes). The mixture should be completely melted and smooth when done.
4. To Make the Buckeyes: Using a toothpick, stick it in the top of the chilled peanut butter balls, one at a time, dip into the melted chocolate, making sure to leave a circle of visible peanut butter balls surface at the top. Allow the excess to drip back into the melted chocolate bowl. Place the dipped peanut butter ball back on the baking sheet. Repeat with all the peanut butter balls. Chill the Buckeyes in the refrigerator until they are firm which is about 30 minutes. You can smooth out the hole left by the toothpick with your finger or an offset spatula by gently tapping or pressing it. You can serve these Buckeyes at room temperature or chilled. Enjoy!

Notes

• These will keep in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Check out our recipe post: How to Make Homemade Vanilla Extract

Recommended Products

As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases. #CommissionsEarned #ad

• 
  Icing Spatula, 7.5" - 10.8" - 12.8" Offset Cake Spatula Set with Wooden Handle by 1Easylife, Professional Stainless Steel Cake Decorating Spatulas (4"-6"-8" Blade)
• 
  1000 Count 100% Natural Bamboo Toothpicks – Kitchen Essential
• 
  OXO Good Grips Small Cookie Scoop
• 
  KitchenAid KHM512ER 5-Speed Ultra Power Hand Mixer, Empire Red
• 
  KitchenAid KSM150PSER Artisan Tilt-Head Stand Mixer with Pouring Shield, 5-Quart, Empire Red
• 
  If You Care FSC Certified Parchment Baking Paper, 70 sq ft (Pack of 2)
• 
  Nordic Ware Natural Aluminum Commercial Baker's Half Sheet (2 Pack), Silver
• 
  Silpat AE420295-07 Premium Non-Stick Silicone Baking Mat, Half Sheet Size, 11-⅝-Inch x 16-½-Inch (2 pack)
• 
  AmazonBasics Silicone Baking Mat Sheet, Set of 2
• 
  Wilton Easy Flex Silicone Spatula Set, Your Go-To Tools for Mixing, Folding, Scraping, Cooking and Serving., Blue, 3-Piece
• 
  Stainless Steel Mixing Bowls by Finedine (Set of 6) Polished Mirror Finish Nesting Bowl, ¾ - 1.5-3 - 4-5 - 8 Quart - Cooking Supplies
• 
  Pyrex Smart Essentials 8-Piece Mixing Bowl Set
• 
  Homestia Gold Measuring Cups and Spoons Set Stainless Steel 8 PIECE for Dry and Liquid Ingredients Engraved Measurement Heavy Duty Baking & Cooking Utensils
• 
  Pyrex Prepware 2-Cup Measuring Cup, Red Graphics, Clear

Nutrition Information:

Yield: 38 Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 124Total Fat: 8gSaturated Fat: 4gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 5mgSodium: 48mgCarbohydrates: 11gFiber: 1gSugar: 8gProtein: 2g

Please note that the Calculated Nutrition is an estimate at best.

Did you make this recipe?

Did you make this recipe? If you share it on social media tag us @lifeslittlesweets and hashtag it #lifeslittlesweets - Thank you in advance!

Continue to Content

Buckeyes

Yield: 38

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 5 minutes

Chilling Time: 50 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour

Buckeyes are a classic, sweet, candy recipe with peanut butter and chocolate flavors. Make this delicious recipe for any holiday, as an edible gift or just for a sweet snack anytime. 

Print

Ingredients

• 2 ½ cups confectioner's sugar, sifted
• 1 cup creamy smooth peanut butter
• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• ¼ teaspoon Kosher salt
• 8 ounces semisweet or bittersweet chocolate
• 1 teaspoon coconut oil (or substitute vegetable shortening)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Baking Sheet: Line a rimmed baking sheet with a silicone baking mat or parchment paper, set aside.
2. Make the Peanut Butter Balls: In a medium mixing bowl and using a handheld electric mixer on medium speed, combine the confectioner's sugar, peanut butter, unsalted butter, vanilla, and Kosher salt. Using a 2-teaspoon cookie scoop, scoop dough balls and arrange them on the prepared baking sheet. Refrigerate for 20 minutes or until firm.
3. To Make the Chocolate Dipping Coating: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the chocolate and coconut oil (or the same amount of shortening). Microwave for 30-second intervals stirring in between (for a total time of about 2 minutes). The mixture should be completely melted and smooth when done.
4. To Make the Buckeyes: Using a toothpick, stick it in the top of the chilled peanut butter balls, one at a time, dip into the melted chocolate, making sure to leave a circle of visible peanut butter balls surface at the top. Allow the excess to drip back into the melted chocolate bowl. Place the dipped peanut butter ball back on the baking sheet. Repeat with all the peanut butter balls. Chill the Buckeyes in the refrigerator until they are firm which is about 30 minutes. You can smooth out the hole left by the toothpick with your finger or an offset spatula by gently tapping or pressing it. You can serve these Buckeyes at room temperature or chilled. Enjoy!

Notes

• These will keep in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Check out our recipe post: How to Make Homemade Vanilla Extract

Recommended Products

As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases. #CommissionsEarned #ad

• 
  Icing Spatula, 7.5" - 10.8" - 12.8" Offset Cake Spatula Set with Wooden Handle by 1Easylife, Professional Stainless Steel Cake Decorating Spatulas (4"-6"-8" Blade)
• 
  1000 Count 100% Natural Bamboo Toothpicks – Kitchen Essential
• 
  OXO Good Grips Small Cookie Scoop
• 
  KitchenAid KHM512ER 5-Speed Ultra Power Hand Mixer, Empire Red
• 
  KitchenAid KSM150PSER Artisan Tilt-Head Stand Mixer with Pouring Shield, 5-Quart, Empire Red
• 
  If You Care FSC Certified Parchment Baking Paper, 70 sq ft (Pack of 2)
• 
  Nordic Ware Natural Aluminum Commercial Baker's Half Sheet (2 Pack), Silver
• 
  Silpat AE420295-07 Premium Non-Stick Silicone Baking Mat, Half Sheet Size, 11-⅝-Inch x 16-½-Inch (2 pack)
• 
  AmazonBasics Silicone Baking Mat Sheet, Set of 2
• 
  Wilton Easy Flex Silicone Spatula Set, Your Go-To Tools for Mixing, Folding, Scraping, Cooking and Serving., Blue, 3-Piece
• 
  Stainless Steel Mixing Bowls by Finedine (Set of 6) Polished Mirror Finish Nesting Bowl, ¾ - 1.5-3 - 4-5 - 8 Quart - Cooking Supplies
• 
  Pyrex Smart Essentials 8-Piece Mixing Bowl Set
• 
  Homestia Gold Measuring Cups and Spoons Set Stainless Steel 8 PIECE for Dry and Liquid Ingredients Engraved Measurement Heavy Duty Baking & Cooking Utensils
• 
  Pyrex Prepware 2-Cup Measuring Cup, Red Graphics, Clear

Nutrition Information:

Yield: 38 Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 124Total Fat: 8gSaturated Fat: 4gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 5mgSodium: 48mgCarbohydrates: 11gFiber: 1gSugar: 8gProtein: 2g

Please note that the Calculated Nutrition is an estimate at best.

Did you make this recipe?

Did you make this recipe? If you share it on social media tag us @lifeslittlesweets and hashtag it #lifeslittlesweets - Thank you in advance!

This post was published on 11/7/2021 and updated and republished on 3/19/2022 (new video).

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Sara Maniez

Owner at Life's Little Sweets

Sara is an architectural designer turned work-at-home Mom. She lives in New Jersey by way of New England and New York, with her husband and 3 kids under 8. She loves design, being creative, and spending time with family and friends. She loves checking out local businesses and eats and being apart of the local farm to table community.

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