Buckeye Balls Recipe

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This buckeye balls recipe is super easy to make and a perfect no bake treat for the holidays! Made with just 5 ingredients, these buckeye balls are going to become a family favorite! They are made on the stovetop, do not require a candy thermometer, and only about 15 minutes chilling time!

buckeye balls on a white plate


 

I don’t know about you but when it comes to the holidays it can be a bit of a stressful time. The present buying, and gift wrapping, holiday decorating, Christmas card writing and sending, the cookie baking – oh all the Christmas cookies! Now don’t get me wrong I LOVE it all. And look forward to it all every year.

But this year, things got a little bit more stressful. Like my oven broke kind of universe. Yup, my oven broke. So my Christmas cookie baking has come to a screaming halt. That’s ok, though. Once I got over the initial shock of it all, and the sad fact that I may not be getting around to baking my favorite Raspberry Rugelach cookies, or my Grandmaโ€™s Russian Tea Cakes I realized that there are so many amazing no bake Christmas treats to make instead. Like Old Fashioned Peanut Butter Fudge and Oreo Cake Balls and now these amazing buckeye balls.

And hey, who doesn’t need an awesome, easy to make no bake Christmas treats, like this buckeye balls recipe. This easy Buckeye ball recipe are dipped in chocolate and make for an irresistible no bake treat perfect for your Christmas cookie platters and Christmas cookie sharing parties.

These remind me of my Homemade Reeseโ€™s Peanut Butter Eggs. Basically, these buckeyes are like eating Reese’s peanut butter cup.

buckeyes, one has a bite taken out of it, on a white plate

Why are they called Buckeye balls?

Buckeye peanut butter balls are named after buckeyes, a nut that grows on the Ohio state tree. The buckeye ball candies look just like the buckeye nuts!

Although very popular in Ohio, and the midwest, but they are enjoyed everywhere throughout the country.

Ingredients Needed

  • Vanilla
  • Peanut Butter – Use a smooth peanut butter you don’t have to stir
  • Chocolate – You can use baking chocolate that you chop and melt, or candy melts.
  • Powdered Sugar
  • Butter – I recommend and used unsalted butter

How To Make Buckeyes

  1. In a large mixing bowl, with an electric mixer, stir together the butter, sugar, peanut butter and vanilla until smooth and combined. I do this in my stand mixer with the paddle attachment on medium speed for about 2 minutes, but a hand mixer also works. 
  2. Using a tablespoon, scoop the mixture into balls. Roll each ball in your hands until it forms a smooth ball.   Place onto the baking sheet.
  3. Stick a toothpick into the top of each ball. Freeze for 15 minutes (this helps with the dipping process). 
  4. While the peanut butter balls are in the freezer, melt the chocolate. I used melting wafers, but Wilton Candy melts or chocolate chips work. If using chocolate chips, add 2 tablespoons vegetable shortening (this helps with keeping it smooth and shiny). Melt the chocolate in a double boiler, or in your microwave. I melt in my microwave in 30-second increments at 50% power, and stirring in between until smooth. 
  5. Remove the peanut butter balls from the freezer, and carefully dip each ball into the chocolate leaving the top exposed. Set back onto the baking sheet to cool and harden. You may need to re-melt your chocolate if it hardens again as you are dipping the buckeyes. Remove the toothpicks. You can leave the toothpick hole, or dip your finger in water and lightly smooth the tops to cover up the hole. Refrigerate the buckeyes until firm. 
step by step photos of making buckeye balls

Recipe Tips

  • Don’t skip the freezing time. This will make it easier for dipping the peanut butter balls so they stay on the toothpick and don’t fall apart in the chocolate.
  • Use a measuring spoon. You could just pinch off a small amount of the peanut butter mixture, but if you use a spoon then all your buckeyes will be the same size.
  • Line your baking sheet. I line my baking sheet with parchment paper so the buckeye balls don’t stick.
  • Stick a toothpick in each buckeye. You want to stick a toothpick, only about halfway, into each ball after you rolled them into balls. This will make it easy for dipping in the chocolate.
buckeye balls on a white plate

Recipe FAQ’s

How long do buckeyes last?

This buckeye ball recipe will last about a week in your refrigerator in a container. Or you can freeze them for up 2 months, just make sure to thaw them before enjoying. They may form a little condensation if you freeze them, but they’ll still be very tasty!!

What kind of chocolate is best for dipping buckeyes in?

I used melting wafers (Ghiradelli makes them), or Wilton candy melts for this buckeye balls recipe. I love the melting wafers for easy melting and dipping. Or you can use chocolate chips but I recommend stirring in 2 tablespoons of vegetable shortening to keep it smooth.

How do you cover up the toothpick hole?

If you wet your finger with water and then rub your finger over the hole, it will cover it up. Or you can leave it!

buckeye on a white plate

More Recipes To Try

If you love this buckeye ball recipe, then give one of these recipes a try! Try my chocolate covered Oreos or chocolate covered strawberries for more easy chocolate treats to enjoy!

Buckeye Balls Recipe

This buckeye balls recipe is super easy to make and a perfect no bake treat for the holidays! Made with just 5 ingredients, these buckeye balls are going to become a family favorite! They are made on the stovetop, do not require a candy thermometer, and only about 15 minutes chilling time!
4.96 from 22 votes
Print Pin Rate
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Chilling Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 36 balls
Calories: 167kcal

Ingredients

  • ยฝ cup (1 stick, 113 g) unsalted butter melted
  • 3 cups (339 g) confectioners sugar
  • 2 cups (540 g) peanut butter
  • 1 ยฝ teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 12 ounces candy melts melting wafers, or chocolate chips, *see note

Instructions

  • Line a baking sheet with parchment or wax paper. Set aside.
  • In a large mixing bowl, with an electric mixer, stir together the butter, sugar, peanut butter and vanilla until smooth and combined. I do this in my stand mixer with the paddle attachment on medium speed, but a hand mixer also works.
  • Using a tablespoon, scoop the mixture into balls. Roll each ball in your hands until it forms a smooth ball. Place onto the baking sheet. Stick a toothpick into the top of each ball.
  • Freeze for 15 minutes (this helps with the dipping process).
  • While the peanut butter balls are in the freezer, melt the chocolate. I used melting wafers, but Wilton Candy melts or chocolate chips work. If using chocolate chips, add 2 tablespoons vegetable shortening (this helps with keeping it smooth and shiny). Melt the chocolate in a double boiler, or in your microwave. I melt in my microwave in 15-second increments, and stirring in between until smooth.
  • Remove the peanut butter balls from the freezer, and carefully dip each ball into the chocolate leaving the top exposed. Set back onto the baking sheet to cool and harden. You may need to re-melt your chocolate if it hardens again as you are dipping the buckeyes. Remove the toothpicks. You can leave the toothpick hole, or dip your finger in water and lightly smooth the tops to cover up the hole. Refrigerate the buckeyes until firm.

Video

Notes

  • Storage: Buckeye balls will last about a week in your refrigerator in a container. Or you can freeze them for up 2 months, just make sure to thaw them before enjoying. They may form a little condensation if you freeze them, but they’ll still be very tasty!!
  • Chocolate: I used melting wafers (Ghiradelli makes them), or Wilton candy melts. I love the melting wafers for easy melting and dipping. Or you can use chocolate chips but I recommend stirring in 2 tablespoons of vegetable shortening to keep it smooth.ย 
  • Toothpick hole: If you wet your finger with water and then rub your finger over the hole, it will cover it up. Or you can leave it!

Nutrition

Calories: 167kcal | Carbohydrates: 15g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 11g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 7mg | Sodium: 71mg | Potassium: 94mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 14g | Vitamin A: 79IU | Calcium: 7mg | Iron: 1mg
Tried this Recipe? Pin it for Later!Mention @BostonGirlBakes or tag #BostonGirlBakes!


 

46 Comments

  1. J T Miller says:

    If I freeze these can you freeze them for a month before you apply the chocolate coating ?

    1. I’ve frozen with the chocolate coating and had no issues. But I would imagine freezing before would be fine, just make sure they are thawed before coating in chocolate.

  2. I have a question regarding the quantity of Peanut Butter; does the recipe require two cups or 270g?
    Thank you!

    1. Hi Caren, my apologies – it’s 2 cups (or 540 g) – I’ll be sure to update! Thanks!

  3. Hello! The recipe states two cups of peanut butter however the gram measurement is for one cup? Please let me know if the quantity is one or two cups of peanut butter. Thank you!

  4. What kind of peanut butter do you recommend? Would love to try this

    1. I like to stick with a peanut butter you donโ€™t have to stir like an all natural. They tend to be very oily. I like a typical Jif or Skippy.

  5. Next time you try this recipe add six cups of rice krispies to it. After mixing all the ingredients in the recipe hand mix the rice krispies in, then spread out the mixture on a large cookie sheet that is covered with a piece of wax paper. Put it in the freezer for 15 minutes. Melt your chocolate. Take out your peanut butter mixture from the freezer and pour the chocolate over the top, it will set up rather quickly. Then cut into squares of any size you want. Saves a lot of time not rolling into balls. But if you want to you can.

    1. That sounds delicious with adding rice krispies to them! I’m going to have to try!

  6. 5 stars
    Enjoyed these for an afternoon treat and they do not disappoint! I love the combination of peanut butter and chocolate; exactly what I needed to cure my sweet tooth!

    1. Taylor Smith says:

      Peanut butter and chocolate — a classic combo for a reason!

  7. 5 stars
    I’ve never heard of these before but they look so good. I love peanut butter.

    1. Taylor Smith says:

      They are so good. Buckeyes are one of my favorites. It’s a must try recipe!

  8. 5 stars
    These are super easy to make and delicious, especially for peanut butter lovers like me.

  9. 5 stars
    My husband loves anything peanut butter! I’m so glad these don’t require the time and tools that some candy recipes do ๐Ÿ™‚ Thanks for sharing!

  10. 5 stars
    Only 20 minutes and these can be in your belly too! Not sure they will last 20 minutes in my home!

    1. Taylor Smith says:

      Hahaha, you could always make a double batch next time! ๐Ÿ˜‰

  11. 5 stars
    I love how simple this recipe is! Just a few ingredients to make a tasty sweet treat.

  12. 5 stars
    Such a great idea to make holiday treats like these buckeye balls that you dont have to bake. Saves me time and effort during the holidays.

  13. Carrie Robinson says:

    5 stars
    I LOVE the chocolate and peanut butter combo! I need to try this recipe asap. ๐Ÿ™‚

    1. Taylor Smith says:

      Me too. Chocolate and peanut is always a winning combination!

  14. 5 stars
    my boyfriend has been bugging me to make these and i live in ohio – this recipe was super easy and delicious!

  15. 5 stars
    What a great recipe! I love that these Buckeyes only have 5 ingredients and don’t need to be baked. Perfect for a busy holiday season! Thanks for another winner from Boston Girl Bakes.

  16. 5 stars
    These buckeye balls look so good! My son has a peanut allergy so I may try these with almond butter. Have you done that substitution before? Thank you!

    1. thank you – i haven’t tried that yet – let me know how it turns out for you if you do

  17. Jyoti Behrani says:

    5 stars
    These look amazing !!! I’m going to make these for Christmas. Thanks for sharing!

  18. 5 stars
    These buckeye balls are so delicious and the bonus is that they are a no-bake recipe to make during the busy holidays!

  19. Bunny Peters says:

    We have peanut allergies in my family (& extended family). Could this recipe be made using cashew butter or almond butter?

    Which nut butter would give โ€œbetterโ€ results?

    I would LOVE your advice.

    Thank you very much, Bunny

    1. Hi Bunny! I would use Sunbutter as I think that would be the closest in texture to peanut butter and not be too oily. Let me know if you try it!

4.96 from 22 votes (2 ratings without comment)

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