Buckeyes
There’s something magical about the first bite of a Buckeyes. Growing up, I remember my grandmother making these delightful treats during the holidays, filling the kitchen with the warm, nutty aroma of peanut butter and chocolate. The creamy sweetness mixed with the rich chocolate coating was irresistible, and we’d gather around the kitchen, eagerly waiting for them to cool enough to dig in. These treats were a family favorite, and every bite transports me back to those joyful moments. Today, I want to share my version of the beloved Buckeyes, so you can create those sweet memories in your home.
Recipe Snapshot
15 mins
15 mins
0 mins
Medium
130 kcal
3 g
Keto, Vegan, Gluten-Free
8 g
Mixing Bowl, Chef’s Knife, Large Pot, Wooden Spoon, Frying Pan, Saucepan
The Beauty of This Buckeyes
Indulgent Flavor
One of the best things about Buckeyes is their combination of flavor. The smooth, creamy peanut butter filling contrasts perfectly with the rich, velvety chocolate coating. It’s like a match made in dessert heaven, where each bite is an explosion of taste that leaves you craving more.
Quick and Easy
I love how simple it is to whip up a batch of Buckeyes. With just a handful of ingredients, you can have these delectable treats ready in no time. This recipe is perfect for those last-minute dessert needs or when you want to impress guests without spending hours in the kitchen.
Family Tradition
Making Buckeyes can easily become a family tradition, just as it was in my household. It’s a delightful activity to involve kids or friends, with everyone taking part in rolling the balls and dipping them in chocolate. These moments create lasting memories and strengthen bonds, making the process as enjoyable as the treat itself.
Fun for Occasions
Buckeyes work wonderfully for a range of occasions, from holiday gatherings to birthday parties. They’re a hit at potlucks and picnics, bringing joy to everyone who tries them. Plus, their unique appearance makes them a fun conversation starter!
Customizable Options
If you’re feeling adventurous, you can customize your Buckeyes. Try adding a dash of sea salt, or experiment with different types of chocolate. You can even roll them in crushed nuts or sprinkles for an extra festive touch. The possibilities are endless!
Perfect for Gifting
Homemade Buckeyes make an excellent gift, beautifully packaged in a box or jar and adorned with a ribbon. They show that you’ve put thought and effort into your gift, making them perfect for friends, family, or neighbors during the holiday season.
Ingredients Overview for Buckeyes
When it comes to crafting the perfect Buckeyes, the ingredients play a crucial role in achieving the right flavor and texture. Each element is carefully chosen to complement the others, creating a delightful balance. The stars of this show are the creamy peanut butter, the sweet powdered sugar, and the rich chocolate that envelops them. Together, they form a sweet treat that is hard to resist!
- 1 cup smooth classic peanut butter – Not all natural; I recommend Skippy for that classic taste.
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter – Softened to achieve a creamy consistency.
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract – Adds depth to the flavor.
- 2 cups powdered sugar – Sifted for a smooth mixture.
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips – Guittard brand recommended for the best melt.
- 8 ounces chocolate bark – Roughly chopped for easy melting.
- Flaky sea salt for garnish – I recommend Malden brand for a touch of elegance.
Recipe Directions for Buckeyes
Making Buckeyes is not just about following steps; it’s about savoring the process and enjoying the delightful chaos of the kitchen. Let’s dive into crafting these sweet bites that will leave everyone asking for more. Follow these simple steps to bring your Buckeyes to life!
- Add the peanut butter and softened butter to the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment. Beat on medium speed until well combined, creating a smooth, creamy mixture that fills your kitchen with a nutty aroma.
- With the mixer on low speed, add in the vanilla extract. Slowly incorporate the powdered sugar, ensuring you don’t add it all at once to avoid a sugary explosion. Mix until everything is fully combined and smooth.
- Once the mixture is well incorporated, scrape down the sides of the bowl, mixing again briefly. You want to ensure every bit of the mixture is evenly blended, creating that rich peanut butter filling.
- Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of the peanut butter mixture and roll them into smooth balls. Place these little treasures on a parchment-lined baking sheet. This is where the fun begins—getting your hands a little messy!
- Once all the balls are formed, pop them in the freezer for about 20 minutes. This step helps them firm up, making it easier to dip them in chocolate later.
- While the peanut butter balls chill, grab a small saucepan and add water to simmer over medium heat. Place a heatproof bowl on top of the pan and add the chocolate chips and chocolate bark. This double boiler method will gently melt your chocolate without burning it.
- Cook, stirring occasionally, until the chocolate is melted and smooth—this should take around five minutes. Remove it from heat, and let’s get dipping!
- Take a chilled peanut butter ball and stick a toothpick into the center. Dip it into the melted chocolate, ensuring to leave a circle of the peanut butter visible at the top. Repeat this with each ball, creating a deliciously decadent treat.
- If desired, smooth out the toothpick hole with the back of a spoon for a polished look. If you want a little extra flair, sprinkle on some flaky sea salt now for that perfect touch of saltiness.
- Place the finished Buckeyes back into the fridge to chill for about 10 minutes or until the chocolate is set. This final step allows the chocolate to harden for that perfect bite. Enjoy your homemade Buckeyes!
Things Worth Knowing
- Using Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter is softened and your peanut butter is smooth. This ensures they blend well and create a creamy filling.
- Freezing Tips: If you want to make Buckeyes ahead of time, feel free to freeze the rolled peanut butter balls before dipping them in chocolate.
- Melt with Care: When melting chocolate, use gentle heat to avoid burning. Stir frequently for a smooth consistency.
- Presentation: For a beautiful presentation, consider using decorative cupcake liners when serving your Buckeyes.
Substitutions and Tips
Creating the perfect Buckeyes can be an adventure! Here are some tips to help you on your journey:
- Storage: Store leftover Buckeyes in a covered container in the fridge for up to one week to maintain freshness.
- Freezing: You can freeze Buckeyes in a freezer-safe container for up to three months. Just be sure to separate layers with parchment paper to avoid sticking.
- Variations: Feel free to get creative! You can add ingredients like crushed nuts or swap out chocolate for white chocolate for a different flavor profile.
- Serving: These treats are perfect for parties or holiday gatherings and can be served on a festive platter for an impressive display.
- Portion Control: If you prefer smaller bites, you can make mini Buckeyes by using a teaspoon instead of a tablespoon for portioning.
What to Pair With Buckeyes
Pairing your Buckeyes with the right accompaniments can elevate your dessert experience. Here are some wonderful ideas:
- Milk: Serve your Buckeyes with a cold glass of milk to perfectly balance the sweetness.
- Coffee: Enjoying a Buckeye with a cup of coffee enhances the flavors, making for a delightful afternoon treat.
- Fruit: Fresh fruits, like strawberries or raspberries, provide a refreshing contrast to the rich chocolate and peanut butter.
- Ice Cream: Pair your Buckeyes with a scoop of vanilla or chocolate ice cream for a decadent dessert.
- Picnics: These treats are a must-have for outdoor gatherings and picnics; they transport easily and are loved by many.
FAQ
Conclusion
Buckeyes are truly a delightful treat that brings joy to any gathering or occasion. Their combination of creamy peanut butter and rich chocolate makes them irresistible and a crowd favorite. I encourage you to give this recipe a try and bring a little piece of nostalgia into your kitchen. You won’t regret it!
Buckeyes
Equipment
- Mixing Bowl
- Chef's Knife
- Large Pot
- Wooden Spoon
- Frying Pan
- Saucepan
Ingredients
- 1 cup peanut butter Not all natural – we use Skippy
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter Softened
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract Pure
- 2 cups powdered sugar Sifted
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips I recommend Guittard brand
- 8 ounces chocolate bark Roughly chopped
- 1 pinch flaky sea salt For garnish – I recommend Malden brand
Instructions
- Add the peanut butter and softened butter to the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment. Beat on medium speed until well combined.
- With the mixer on low speed, add the vanilla extract. Then slowly add the powdered sugar. If you add it all at once, you’ll end up with a mess!
- Once all of the powdered sugar has been added, scrape down the sides of the bowl and mix again, just until everything is evenly incorporated.
- Scoop out 1-tablespoon sized portions of peanut butter mixture and roll them into smooth balls. Place them on a parchment lined baking sheet and freeze for 20 minutes.
- When the buckeyes are chilled, heat a small saucepan of water to a simmer over medium heat. Place a heatproof bowl on top of the pan and add the chocolate chips and chocolate bark to the bowl. (or use a double boiler, if you have one)
- Cook, stirring occasionally, until the chocolate has melted completely, about 5 minutes. Remove the chocolate from the heat.
- Stick a toothpick into the center of one peanut butter ball and dip it into the melted chocolate, making sure to leave a circle of peanut butter visible at the top. Repeat with the remaining buckeyes. Smooth out the toothpick hole with the back of a spoon, if desired.
- If you want to add a sprinkle of flaky sea salt, do that now. Then place the finished buckeyes back into the fridge to chill for 10 minutes, or just until the chocolate is set.
