If you’re a fan of peanut butter and chocolate, you’re going to love this Homemade Buckeyes recipe. It’s a simple, no-bake treat that combines creamy peanut butter and rich chocolate into poppable candy balls, perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re making them for a party, as a gift, or just to satisfy your sweet tooth, these buckeye candies are the best!
From the first time I tried making homemade buckeyes, I was hooked. The combination of sweet, salty, and chocolatey flavors makes them irresistible. They’re especially perfect for serving during game days, holidays, or any festive season. What I love most about this easy buckeye recipe is its simplicity and the joy it brings to everyone who tries them. Trust me, one batch won’t last long!
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll need all the ingredients shown in the photograph below.
How to Make Homemade Buckeyes
Scroll down for the full recipe card containing a full printable recipe and measurements in both US customary and metric units.
I’ve got a real treat for you today! Here’s how you can whip up these tasty bites right in your own kitchen.
Mixing the Peanut Butter Base
First, in a large bowl or a stand mixer with the paddle attachment, cream the peanut butter and butter together until smooth. This is your base, so you want it nice and creamy. Then, add half of the powdered sugar and mix until it’s well incorporated. Gradually add the remaining powdered sugar until the mixture is thick and moldable without sticking to your hands.
Shaping the Buckeyes
After mixing, use a cookie scoop to scoop out balls of dough and place them on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet. Pop these in the freezer for about 5-10 minutes just to firm up a bit—this makes them easier to handle.
SERIOUSLY GOOD
DESSERTS!
Dessert First is a collection of 61 RECIPES to show you that you can make beautiful, impressive desserts right in your own kitchen, no matter your skill level.
Immediate eBook download. No physical book available.
Includes ad-free recipes like:
∙ Lemon Pound Cake
∙ Starbucks Cake Pops
∙ Boston Cream Pie
∙ Chocolate Mousse
∙ Matcha Tiramisu
...and much more!
Melting the Chocolate
While your peanut butter chills, it’s time to melt the chocolate. You can either use the double boiler method or microwave it like I did. In a microwave-safe dish, melt the semi-sweet chocolate chips.
Start with 45 seconds, stir, and continue heating in 30-second intervals, stirring in between to avoid burning the chocolate. Let the chocolate cool slightly before dipping; you don’t want it too hot.
Dipping the Buckeyes
Once chilled, roll each peanut butter fudge ball into a smooth circle with the palms of your hands. Then, using a toothpick, dip each ball into the chocolate about two-thirds of the way up, leaving a little circle of peanut butter showing at the top—just like a real buckeye nut!
Setting the Chocolate
If needed, shake off the excess chocolate and place the dipped buckeye ball back on the parchment paper. Pop it into the freezer again for about 20-30 minutes. This will help the chocolate set perfectly, ensuring that crisp chocolate shell with a creamy peanut butter center. Once set, let them come to room temperature before serving, and watch them disappear!
Recipe Notes and Tips
I’ve got a few tricks up my sleeve to make your buckeye-making even smoother! Here are some helpful tips:
- Peanut Butter: Use creamy peanut butter for the best texture. Chunky can be fun if you like a bit of crunch, but it doesn’t always provide the smooth consistency we’re aiming for in a classic buckeye.
- Natural Peanut Butter: You can use natural peanut butter, however, it might be a bit oilier, so you may need to adjust the amount of powdered sugar to get the right consistency.
- Nut-Free Alternative: Almond butter can be a delicious substitute for peanut butter if you’re looking for a different flavor or have dietary restrictions.
- Butter: If you’re using unsalted butter, add a pinch or two of salt.
- Chilling Is Key: Don’t skip the chilling steps! Freezing the peanut butter balls before dipping helps them hold their shape when dipped into warm chocolate, and also helps the chocolate set quicker.
- Smooth Finish: If you notice a little hole from the toothpick after dipping, gently pat it down with your finger or the back of a small spoon to keep your buckeyes looking pristine.
- Chocolate Tips: If your melted chocolate is too thick, add a teaspoon of coconut oil or vegetable shortening to thin it out for easier dipping.
- Uniform Size: Use a cookie scoop to ensure all your buckeyes are the same size. This not only makes them look professional but also ensures they chill and set evenly.
How to Store Leftover Homemade Buckeyes
Once your buckeyes have set and you’re ready to store them, place them in an airtight container. You can layer the buckeyes with wax paper or parchment paper to prevent them from sticking together. Store them in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. For longer storage, you can freeze them in a freezer-safe container for up to three months.
When you’re ready to enjoy your buckeyes from the fridge or freezer, let them sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving. The peanut butter softens slightly, giving you that perfect melt-in-your-mouth texture. Now, who can resist that?
What to Serve With Homemade Buckeyes
Wondering what goes well with these delightful peanut butter and chocolate treats? Serve them with a cup of hot coffee or tea to balance the sweetness with a bit of bitterness—perfect for a cozy afternoon snack. They also pair well with a cold glass of milk; it’s a classic combo for a reason!
For festive occasions, try setting up a dessert platter. Include other bite-sized treats like mini cupcakes, chocolate-covered pretzels, and various cookies to create a tantalizing sweet spread that guests can pick and choose from. Buckeyes add a homemade, heartfelt touch to any gathering, making your dessert offering just a bit more special.
More Recipes You Will Love
- Pineapple Upside Down Cake
- Chocolate Cherry Cookies
- Banana Chocolate Chip Muffins
- Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Cinnamon Sugar Biscuit Bites
Homemade Buckeyes
Add Preferred SourceIngredients
- 2 cups creamy peanut butter
- 1 cup salted butter room temperature
- 4-4 ½ cups powdered sugar
- 3 cups semi sweet morsels
Instructions
- In a large bowl, cream together the peanut butter and butter until smooth.2 cups creamy peanut butter, 1 cup salted butter
- Next, add in half of the powdered sugar and combined until incorporated. Slowly adding in the remainder of the powdered sugar until you get a consistency that is thick and not sticky.4-4 ½ cups powdered sugar
- On a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, using a cookie scoop, scoop out the dough and place on a baking sheet. Place in the freezer to slightly harden, about 5-10 minutes.
- While the peanut butter mixture is in the freezer, melt the semi sweet morsels in a microwave safe dish. Start out at :45, stir and do any remaining times at :30 to ensure you don’t burn the chocolate. (TIP: Allow the chocolate to cool. You don’t want it hot otherwise it will be hard to work with.)3 cups semi sweet morsels
- Once the peanut butter comes out of the freezer, roll each ball of dough into a smooth circle, using the palms of your hand and working in both directions for an even circle.
- Using a toothpick, dip each peanut butter ball into the chocolate about ⅔ of the way. (*If you want to smooth out the toothpick mark, use your pointer finger to gently press the dough back together.)
- Once all the buckeyes have been coated with chocolate, place back into the freezer for 20-30 minutes to set.
- Allow the buckeyes to come to room temperature before enjoying!
Notes
- Peanut Butter: Use creamy peanut butter for the best texture. Chunky can be fun if you like a bit of crunch, but it doesn’t always provide the smooth consistency we’re aiming for in a classic buckeye.
- Natural Peanut Butter: You can use natural peanut butter, however, it might be a bit oilier, so you may need to adjust the amount of powdered sugar to get the right consistency.
- Nut-Free Alternative: Almond butter can be a delicious substitute for peanut butter if you’re looking for a different flavor or have dietary restrictions.
- Butter: If you’re using unsalted butter, add a pinch or two of salt.
- Chilling Is Key: Don’t skip the chilling steps! Freezing the peanut butter balls before dipping helps them hold their shape when dipped into warm chocolate, and also helps the chocolate set quicker.
- Smooth Finish: If you notice a little hole from the toothpick after dipping, gently pat it down with your finger or the back of a small spoon to keep your buckeyes looking pristine.
- Chocolate Tips: If your melted chocolate is too thick, add a teaspoon of coconut oil or vegetable shortening to thin it out for easier dipping.
- Uniform Size: Use a cookie scoop to ensure all your buckeyes are the same size. This not only makes them look professional but also ensures they chill and set evenly.
Storage Instructions
- Fridge: Once your buckeyes have set and you’re ready to store them, place them in an airtight container. You can layer the buckeyes with wax paper or parchment paper to prevent them from sticking together. Store them in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
- Freeze: For longer storage, you can freeze them in a freezer-safe container for up to three months.
- Enjoy Again: When you’re ready to enjoy your buckeyes from the fridge or freezer, let them sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving. The peanut butter softens slightly, giving you that perfect melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Nutrition
SERIOUSLY GOOD
DESSERTS!
Dessert First is a collection of 61 RECIPES to show you that you can make beautiful, impressive desserts right in your own kitchen, no matter your skill level.
Immediate eBook download. No physical book available.
Includes ad-free recipes like:
∙ Lemon Pound Cake
∙ Starbucks Cake Pops
∙ Boston Cream Pie
∙ Chocolate Mousse
∙ Matcha Tiramisu
...and much more!
