Peanut Butter Buckeyes are an easy no bake dessert that requires only 7 Ingredients and only a couple minutes of prep! They make a great holiday dessert or Christmas gift and are super easy to make ahead of time!

Peanut Butter Buckeyes on a white plate with a bite taken out of it

You can never go wrong with chocolate and peanut butter together! These peanut butter buckeyes aka buckeye cookies are perfectly sweet, creamy and coated in a crisp chocolate shell. They are popable and addicting and make the perfect addition to any dessert table! Plus these buckeye peanut butter balls are great to make ahead. Simply store in the fridge for up to 2 weeks or in the freezer for 3 months! They are the perfect bite size dessert when you are craving something sweet.

These buckeyes are one of the easiest candies to make. Only a few ingredients and a couple minutes of prep are all you need to throw these together. Plus you don’t need to worry about turning on the oven, stove or double boiler!

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    What are buckeyes?

    Chocolate peanut butter buckeyes are inspired by the nuts of the Ohio state tree. They are similar to traditional peanut balls but instead of being dipped all the way the top is left un dipped so the peanut butter filling is showing. If you love peanut butter cups you will love these chocolate covered peanut butter balls!

    Ingredients in Buckeyes

    • Butter: You can use either unsalted or salted butter in this peanut butter buckeyes recipe. Just make sure to either omit or add salt depending on which type of butter you are using.
    • Creamy peanut butter: I prefer to use creamy peanut butter in these no bake peanut butter balls. However crunchy can be used for some crunch and texture.
    • Powdered sugar: Gives the peanut butter buckeyes the perfect amount of sweetness.
    • Vanilla: Is added for flavor!
    • Chocolate: I use semi sweet chocolate chips. However dark chocolate would be amazing in this!
    • Coconut oil: Is added to the melted chocolate to create a crunchy shell coating on the outside. If you don’t have coconut oil vegetable shortening can be used. I prefer to use coconut oil as a healthier alternative to shortening.

    How to make Buckeyes

    • Make the peanut butter filling: Start by adding butter and peanut butter to a stand mixer with the paddle attachment. Beat until smooth and creamy, 2-3 minutes. Add vanilla, powdered sugar and salt and mix until combined.
    creaming peanut butter and butter in a stand mixer with the paddle attachment
    • Roll into balls / chill: Roll into balls and place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Place in the freezer for 30 minutes to chill.
    rolled peanut butter balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper
    • Dip in chocolate: Add chocolate and coconut oil to a small bowl and microwave for 30 second intervals until smooth and fully melted. Place a toothpick into the center of the peanut butter ball and dip one at a time in the chocolate making sure to leave some of the peanut butter filling exposed.
    dipping peanut butter balls in melted chocolate
    • Allow any excess chocolate to drip off and place back on the baking sheet. Use your fingers to pinch the center to remove the toothpick hole.
    • Chill: Once more in the fridge or freezer to set then enjoy!
    close up shot of peanut butter buckeyes on white plate with a bite taken out of it

    Can you use natural peanut butter for buckeyes?

    I prefer to make this recipe with creamy Jiff or peter pan peanut butter. It has the perfect creamy consistency which is perfect for these buckeyes. I do not recommend using nut butters as they are drier and will make the peanut butter filling crumbly.

    author holding a Buckeye candies in hand

    Storage and Freezing Instructions

    • Store: Leftover buckeyes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
    • Freeze: Up to 3 months in an airtight container! Eat frozen or let them to come to room temperature before serving.

    Tips for making Peanut Butter Buckeyes

    • If your peanut butter dough seems too wet or sticky add more powdered sugar 1 tablespoon at a time. If the dough seems too stiff add more peanut butter 1 tablespoon at a time until you can easily form a ball.
    • I love making these buckeyes all year round however if making for christmas I love dipping these in melted white chocolate and decorating them with red and green sprinkles.
    • You could also dip these buckeyes in crushed up candies right after they are dipped in the melted chocolate and are still wet. Here are some of my favorite: Reese’s, Reese’s pieces, crushed oreo’s, chocolate jimmies, mini peanut butter chips.
    • For easiest dipping I recommend placing a toothpick in the peanut butter ball then dipping it in the chocolate. Remove the toothpick and smooth over the hole with your finger. This makes it so much easier to coat the peanut butter ball!
    • To help making the dipping easier I like to make sure the peanut butter filling is very cold and the melted chocolate is warm. Don’t let the melted chocolate sit out for too long or it will harden.
    author holding a peanut butter chocolate ball buckeye

    More peanut butter desserts to try:

    Peanut Butter Buckeyes

    5 from 5 votes
    Rate Print
    Peanut Butter Buckeyes are an easy no bake dessert that requires only 7 Ingredients and only a couple minutes of prep! These are a great dessert to make ahead of time and pull out of the fridge or freezer when needed!
    Servings: 30 balls depending on the size
    Prep Time: 15 minutes
    Cook Time: 5 minutes
    Chilling time: 30 minutes
    Total Time: 50 minutes

    Ingredients 

    Instructions 

    • Start by adding butter and peanut butter to a stand mixer with the paddle attachment. Beat until smooth and creamy, 2-3 minutes.
      Add vanilla, powdered sugar and salt and mix until combined.
    • Roll into balls and place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Place in the freezer for 30 minutes to chill.
    • Add chocolate and coconut oil to a small bowl and microwave for 30 second intervals until smooth and fully melted.
    • Place a toothpick into the center of the peanut butter ball and dip one at a time in the chocolate making sure to leave some of the peanut butter filling exposed.
    • Allow any excess chocolate to drip off and place back on the baking sheet. Use your fingers to pinch the center to remove the toothpick hole.
    • Chill until set then serve and enjoy!

    Nutrition Information

    Calories: 121kcalCarbohydrates: 17gProtein: 1gFat: 6gSaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 8mgSodium: 40mgPotassium: 34mgFiber: 1gSugar: 16gVitamin A: 98IUCalcium: 5mgIron: 1mg

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