The Best Buckeye Recipe

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This Buckeye recipe is the easiest candy since it does not require a candy thermometer or special equipment. Instead, they are sweet peanut butter balls dipped in dark chocolate for a decadent treat. 

 

Easy Buckeye Recipe 

What could be better than an easy candy recipe? No candy thermometer is necessary for this recipe. 

Since everyone loves chocolate peanut butter cups, these peanut butter and chocolate candies will delight even the most discerning palate. 

Another one of my favorite peanut butter recipes is peanut butter cookies.

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How to Make Buckeye Balls

You probably have most of the ingredients for this recipe in your pantry. 

Buckeye Candy Ingredients

• • 1 1/2 cups creamy peanut butter 
  • 1/2 cup butter (room temperature)
  • One teaspoon of vanilla extract

• 4 cups sifted confectioners’ sugar
• 6 ounces dark chocolate melting wafers
• Two tablespoons of coconut oil

Tools and Equipment

• • Mixing bowls
  • Stand mixer 
  • Measuring cups
  • Measuring spoons 
  • Sifter
  • Spatula
  • Baking sheet
  • Parchment paper
  • Toothpicks
  • Double boiler 
  • Cookie scoop 

Sift Confectioners’ Sugar

After gathering your ingredient and cooking equipment, you are ready to sift the confectioners’ sugar. You do not want to omit this step. I use a simple sifter, place it over a bowl, and measure 4 cups of confectioners’ sugar to be sifted. Once it is sifted, I measure out 4 cups of sifted confectioners’ sugar and set it aside. 

 

Buckeye Peanut Butter Mixture

The easy peasy way to mix the Buckeye recipe is to use a stand mixer. However, it can be mixed with your hands. 

Start by adding 1 1/2 cups of creamy peanut butter to a large bowl (mixer bowl). 

What is the best peanut butter for Buckeye balls?

It is best to use peanut butter that does not need to be stirred. For example, you can use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy.

 

Add softened butter to a large mixer bowl and combine peanut butter and butter at medium speed. 

Note: You can combine it with your hands instead of a mixer.

 

I like to use salted butter since the salt enhances the flavors. However, unsalted butter can be used instead. 

 

The mixture is ready when it pulls away from the bowl’s sides and forms a “clay” type of dough.  

Forming the Buckeye Balls

Line 2 half cookie sheet pans with parchment paper. 

The easiest way to get the same size Buckeye balls is to use a cookie scoop to measure them.

Note: You can cut the ball in half if your scoop is too large.

Using clean hands, roll the peanut butter mixture into a smooth ball. 

 

Please balls onto a lined cookie sheet about 2 inches apart. Once the pan is full, chill it in the refrigerator for 20 minutes to cool.

Note: You might find placing toothpicks in every ball easier before refrigerating. 

Melting the Dipping Chocolate

I like to use a double boiler to ensure the chocolate melts at a low temperature. 

Place a few cups of water in the bottom of the double boiler pan.  Over medium-low heat, bring the water temperature to a simmer. 

Note: I used Ghirardelli Dark Chocolate melting wafers; however, you can use semi-sweet chocolate for a sweeter result. I do not recommend using milk chocolate.

If you use chocolate chips, add 2 tablespoons of paraffin wax and omit the coconut oil. 

 

Place the top of the double boiler over the simmering water and add chocolate wafers.

I like to add coconut oil to thin the chocolate for dipping. I used only 1 tablespoon for this recipe. However, you can use up to 2 tablespoons. 

Some people do want that chocolate rings at the bottom of the candy. Since I am a chocoholic, those are beautiful rings of chocolate deliciousness. 

If you want to avoid the chocolate rings, add 2 tablespoons of coconut oil to your chocolate. 

 

Covering the Peanut Butter Balls 

Carefully pour the melted chocolate into a coffee cup. 

Only remove one pan of peanut butter balls at a time from the refrigerator. 

 

Place a toothpick in each peanut butter ball’s center, then dip the ball into the chocolate. Cover the peanut butter balls with melted chocolate and leave the tops uncovered to achieve Buckeye’s signature look. 

Place the Buckeye balls on the cookie sheet after you dip them in the melted chocolate.

The easiest way to remove the dipping toothpick is to hold another toothpick next to it and pull it straight up. 

 

How do I store Buckeye Balls?

After the chocolate hardens, the candies can be stored in an airtight container. I like to store buckeye balls in the refrigerator.

You Might Also Enjoy These Recipes

Another peanut butter and chocolate treat are classic Peanut Blossom Cookies.

Super easy saltine toffee is another must-have on my Christmas cookie list.

More Peanut Butter Recipes you Might Enjoy:

Peanut butter frosting on triple chocolate cupcakes is the best cupcake ever.

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Thank you for your visit today. I hope you found some sweet inspiration.

Happiest Holidays,

Kippi

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