Ingredients
Filling:
- 1 1/2 cups creamy peanut butter (not natural-style)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
- 3 1/2 to 4 cups powdered sugar, sifted
Coating:
- 8 ounces semisweet or dark chocolate, finely chopped (or chocolate chips)
- 2 teaspoons coconut oil
Instructions
- Mix the filling: In a large mixing bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer, beat together the creamy peanut butter, softened unsalted butter, softened cream cheese, vanilla extract, and fine sea salt on medium speed until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Add the powdered sugar: Gradually add the sifted powdered sugar one cup at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition. Continue until the mixture forms a thick, pliable dough that is easy to roll. You may not need all 4 cups depending on consistency.
- Shape into balls: Roll the peanut butter dough into 1-inch balls (about 1½ tablespoons each) and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Chill the balls in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes or until firm enough to handle for dipping.
- Melt the chocolate: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the chopped semisweet or dark chocolate and coconut oil. Microwave in 20-second intervals, stirring well after each, until the chocolate is completely melted and smooth.
- Dip the buckeyes: Insert a toothpick into each peanut butter ball and dip about three-quarters of the way into the melted chocolate, leaving the top part exposed to resemble a buckeye nut. Allow excess chocolate to drip off before placing back on the parchment paper.
- Chill to set: Place the dipped buckeyes back in the refrigerator and chill for about 30 minutes or until the chocolate shell is firm. Optionally, gently smooth over the toothpick holes with a small spoon or spatula after removing toothpicks.
- Serve or store: Enjoy buckeyes immediately, or store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks, or freeze for up to 3 months for longer preservation.
Notes
- Use creamy peanut butter for the best texture—natural peanut butter can be too oily and affect consistency.
- Chilling the peanut butter balls helps them hold their shape during dipping.
- Microwave the chocolate gently to avoid burning; stirring after each interval is key to smooth chocolate.
- Leaving part of the peanut butter exposed is traditional and gives the treats their classic 'buckeye' look.
- Use parchment paper to prevent sticking and to make cleanup easier.
- Buckeyes keep well in the fridge or freezer, making them excellent make-ahead treats.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American