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4.95 from 17 votes

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!
Prep Time30 minutes
Cook Time0 minutes
Chilling Time15 minutes
Total Time45 minutes
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Servings: 36 balls
Calories: 167kcal

Ingredients

  • ½ cup (1 stick, 113 g) unsalted butter melted
  • 3 cups (339 g) confectioners sugar
  • 2 cups (540 g) peanut butter
  • 1 ½ 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. 
  • 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