Best Buckeye Recipe: Easy Homemade Treats Like Pioneer Woman Makes

Buckeyes are a classic no-bake candy that perfectly combines creamy peanut butter with rich chocolate. Imagine peanut butter balls, but even better because they’re not completely covered in chocolate, leaving a tempting peanut butter peek-a-boo. This recipe is incredibly easy to follow, perfect for beginner bakers, and allows you to prepare these delightful peanut butter treats ahead of time. Just keep them chilled in the fridge and they’re ready whenever you crave a sweet, satisfying bite.

close up of buckeyes on a white surface

Peanut butter and chocolate is a flavor combination that’s hard to beat. These Buckeye balls are reminiscent of peanut butter cups, but with a stronger peanut butter flavor. They strike a wonderful balance – not overly sweet, incredibly creamy, and utterly satisfying. You’ll find it hard to stop at just one!

What You Need to Make This Buckeye Recipe

Ingredients needed to make buckeyes on a red and white napkin.

Chocolate: Semisweet chocolate chips are a great choice for melting, but using bar chocolate, chopped into smaller pieces, melts even more smoothly. Feel free to use your favorite type of chocolate – bittersweet, dark chocolate, or milk chocolate all work wonderfully.

Coconut oil: This is an optional ingredient, but a tablespoon or two of coconut oil helps to thin the melted chocolate, making the dipping process easier and resulting in a lovely thin chocolate coating. If you don’t have coconut oil, shortening or even a bit of butter can be used as substitutes.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Buckeyes

In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, combine the peanut butter, softened butter, and vanilla extract. Mix on low speed until just combined.
Stop the mixer and scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure all ingredients are incorporated. Continue mixing on low until everything is smooth and creamy.

Powdered sugar added to a peanut butter mixture which is then tolled into balls.

Gradually add the powdered sugar to the peanut butter mixture while mixing on medium-low speed. Make sure to scrape down the bowl again at this stage. This is crucial for a consistent texture throughout the mixture.
Once the powdered sugar is fully incorporated, pinch off about a tablespoon of the peanut butter mixture and roll it between your palms to form a smooth ball. Repeat until all the mixture is used. Place the peanut butter balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and chill in the refrigerator to firm up.
While the balls are chilling, melt the chocolate and coconut oil (if using) in a microwave-safe bowl or a double boiler. Heat in short intervals, stirring in between, until the chocolate is completely melted and smooth. Allow the melted chocolate to cool slightly until it reaches room temperature. This prevents the chocolate from being too runny and ensures a good coating.
Remove the chilled peanut butter balls from the refrigerator. Using a toothpick, pierce each ball about ¾ of the way through and use it to dip the ball into the melted chocolate. Leave a portion of the peanut butter ball undipped at the top to create the signature Buckeye look. Gently tap off any excess chocolate and place the dipped buckeye on a fresh piece of parchment paper.
Repeat the dipping process for all the peanut butter balls. Once dipped, chill the buckeyes again until the chocolate is set and firm. Before serving, you can gently twist and remove the toothpick and smooth over the small hole with a knife or your finger for a flawless finish.

Buckeyes getting smoothed with a small knife.

Expert Tips for Buckeye Perfection

Room Temperature Butter Hack: If you forgot to soften your butter, simply cut the butter sticks into slices and microwave them on 50% power in 5-second bursts. Flip the butter after each burst to soften it evenly without melting.
Make Ahead Magic: Buckeyes are fantastic for making ahead! They will keep beautifully in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. Just ensure they are stored in an airtight container to maintain their freshness.
Scrape the Bowl!: We can’t stress enough how important it is to scrape down the mixing bowl after adding the powdered sugar. Forgetting this step can result in unevenly mixed dough, with the top being too firm and the bottom remaining too soft.
Chocolate Dipping Consistency: Coconut oil (or shortening) is your friend for achieving that perfect chocolate dipping consistency. It thins the chocolate just enough for a smooth, even coat.
Firmer Buckeyes: If you prefer a slightly firmer buckeye ball, you can reduce the amount of butter by a tablespoon.

Frequently Asked Buckeye Questions

Why are these candies called Buckeyes?

These delightful no-bake peanut butter treats get their name from their resemblance to buckeye nuts, which come from the Ohio Buckeye tree – the state tree of Ohio. As you might guess, Buckeyes are incredibly popular in Ohio and neighboring states. While you might associate the name with the Ohio State Buckeyes football team, the candy is actually named after the nut!

What’s the best way to dip buckeyes in chocolate?

Start with thoroughly chilled peanut butter balls. Insert a toothpick or wooden skewer into each ball, going about ¾ of the way in.
Dip the chilled ball into your cooled, melted chocolate. Gently wipe off any excess chocolate against the side of the bowl for a neat finish.
Place the chocolate-dipped buckeyes on a parchment-lined baking sheet to set.
Once the chocolate is firm, carefully twist and pull out the toothpick or skewer. Use a small knife or spatula to smooth over the tiny hole left behind.

Which peanut butter works best for buckeye cookies?

For the best texture and flavor, use a smooth, salted peanut butter for your buckeyes. The salt enhances the sweetness and balances the overall flavor profile.
While unsweetened peanut butter is ideal, if you only have sweetened peanut butter on hand, it will still work. You might want to reduce the amount of powdered sugar slightly to adjust for the added sweetness.
If using natural peanut butter without stabilizers, make sure to stir it extremely well after opening the jar. The oil that separates in natural peanut butter can lead to runny buckeyes if not properly mixed in.

If you’re a fan of easy, delicious treats like this Buckeye recipe, you might also love these!

Don’t forget to rate this buckeye recipe and share your experience in the comments below. We love hearing how they turned out for you!

A small gray bowl full of buckeye candy.

4.99 from 939 votes

Buckeye Recipe

These Buckeyes are incredibly easy to make and absolutely DELICIOUS! Creamy, perfectly sweet peanut butter balls dipped in rich chocolate – a treat everyone will love.

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Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Prep Time 15 minutes

Chill Time 20 minutes

Total Time 8 minutes (Note: Total time likely inaccurate and should be adjusted to reflect chill time)

Servings 24 buckeyes

Calories 218kcal

Author John Kanell

Video

Equipment

Mixer
Bowl
Baking Sheet

Ingredients

1 cup smooth peanut butter (240g)
5 tbsp unsalted butter (70g)
2 cups powdered sugar (240g)
1 tsp vanilla extract (5mL)
2 cups semisweet chocolate chips (340g)
2 tbsp coconut oil (30mL, optional)

Instructions

Cream together the peanut butter, butter, and vanilla extract until smooth.
Gradually add powdered sugar and mix on low speed until just combined. Scrape down the bowl and mix again to ensure everything is well incorporated.
Pinch off tablespoon-sized pieces of the mixture and roll them into balls (approximately 20g each if you’re weighing).
Transfer the peanut butter balls to a baking sheet and chill in the refrigerator until firm, about 20 minutes.
In a medium bowl, combine the chocolate and coconut oil. Melt in the microwave at 50% power, stirring at intervals, until smooth. Set aside to cool to room temperature.
Use a skewer or toothpick to dip the chilled peanut butter balls into the melted chocolate, leaving a portion of the peanut butter exposed to achieve the classic buckeye look.
Chill again to allow the chocolate to fully set and firm up. If desired, remove the toothpick holes by gently running a small knife or spatula over the tops of the buckeyes.

Notes
Store buckeyes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
Don’t skip scraping down the bowl after adding powdered sugar for the best texture.
Coconut oil (or shortening) thins the chocolate for easier dipping.
For firmer buckeye balls, reduce butter by one tablespoon.

Nutrition

*Nutrition Disclaimer Tried this Recipe? Tag us! Mention @preppykitchen and tag #preppykitchen!

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