Irresistible Peanut Butter Chocolate Balls: The Ultimate Buckeye Candy Recipe

There are some flavor combinations that are simply iconic, and for many, nothing beats the timeless pairing of rich chocolate and creamy peanut butter. This delightful duo takes center stage in one of the most beloved no-bake treats, especially cherished during the holiday season: Peanut Butter Chocolate Balls, affectionately known as Buckeye candy. If you’re a fan of classic confections like Peanut Blossoms, then these irresistible chocolate-covered peanut butter delights are an absolute must-make for your festive gatherings.

My kitchen during the holidays simply wouldn’t be complete without a batch (or two!) of these incredible treats. They have become a cherished tradition, a sweet symbol of the season, eagerly anticipated by family and friends alike. And if your love for peanut butter runs deep, you absolutely have to explore other peanut butter-chocolate masterpieces, like my Reese’s Fudge. It’s often the most requested recipe whenever I share it, a testament to its unparalleled deliciousness.

The name “Buckeye candy” originates from Ohio, where these treats are said to resemble the nut of the Ohio Buckeye tree, which has a dark brown shell with a lighter tan “eye.” Traditionally, Buckeye candies are only partially dipped in chocolate, leaving a small portion of the peanut butter mixture exposed at the top to mimic this natural look. However, depending on where you grew up, you might simply know them as “peanut butter balls” – which is how I learned to make them. Whether you stick to the classic buckeye appearance or, like me, prefer a fully enrobed peanut butter center for that extra chocolatey goodness, the core recipe for this decadent dessert remains deliciously consistent.

These no-bake wonders are incredibly straightforward to prepare, requiring minimal effort and no oven time, making them perfect for busy holiday schedules or anytime you need a quick sweet fix. Their simple yet profound flavor profile and melt-in-your-mouth texture make them universally appealing. They’re also wonderfully versatile, easily customized to suit various preferences. Let’s dive into creating these delightful spheres of peanut butter and chocolate perfection.

Essential Ingredients for Buckeye Candy

One of the many charms of this recipe is its simplicity, requiring just a handful of common ingredients. You’ll be amazed at how such a short list can yield such an incredible treat!

Creamy Peanut Butter: This is the heart of your Buckeye candy. For the smoothest, creamiest center, it’s crucial to use a processed creamy peanut butter like Jif or Skippy. Natural peanut butters, while delicious, tend to separate oil and have a grittier texture, which can affect the consistency and stability of your peanut butter balls.
Unsalted Butter: Softened butter provides richness and helps bind the peanut butter mixture, contributing to that luxurious, melt-in-your-mouth texture. Using unsalted butter gives you control over the overall saltiness of the candy.
Vanilla Extract: A splash of pure vanilla extract enhances the flavor profile, adding a warm, aromatic depth that complements both the peanut butter and chocolate beautifully. Don’t skimp on quality here!
Powdered Sugar (Confectioners’ Sugar): This fine sugar is essential for achieving the smooth, firm, yet creamy texture of the peanut butter filling. Granulated sugar would result in a grainy texture, so powdered sugar is a must for that desirable smooth consistency.
Melting Chocolate (Chocolate Almond Bark or Melting Wafers): The choice of chocolate for dipping is key to a smooth, shiny, and easy-to-work-with coating. We’ll discuss this in more detail in the tips section, but generally, chocolate almond bark or high-quality chocolate melting disks/wafers are preferred over standard chocolate chips.

That’s it! Just five simple ingredients stand between you and a batch of truly extraordinary homemade candy. While some variations might call for additions like rice krispie cereal for an added crunch, I personally love the purist approach, allowing the super creamy peanut butter center to truly shine.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Peanut Butter Balls

Creating these delightful candies is a fun and relatively quick process. Follow these steps for perfect results every time:

Prepare the Peanut Butter Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the creamy peanut butter, softened butter, vanilla extract, and powdered sugar. You can achieve this using a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment for the easiest and most thorough mixing, or simply use a sturdy spatula and some elbow grease in a large bowl. Mix until all ingredients are thoroughly combined and the mixture is smooth and uniform. The consistency should be firm enough to handle but still soft and pliable.
Roll into Balls and Chill: Once your peanut butter mixture is ready, it’s time to transform it into bite-sized spheres. Roll the mixture into approximately 1-inch sized balls. Uniformity in size will help them dip evenly in chocolate. Once rolled, arrange the balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. This step is crucial: refrigerate the peanut butter balls for at least 30 minutes. Chilling them will firm them up significantly, preventing them from falling apart or becoming too soft when you dip them into the warm melted chocolate.
Dip in Melted Chocolate: While your peanut butter balls are chilling, prepare your melting chocolate according to package directions. You can use a double boiler or microwave safe bowl, heating slowly and stirring frequently to prevent scorching. Once the chocolate is melted and smooth, it’s time for the magic! Using a toothpick (for the classic Buckeye look) or two forks (for a fully coated ball), dip each chilled peanut butter ball into the melted chocolate. Allow any excess chocolate to drip off before placing the dipped balls back onto the parchment-lined baking sheet.
Allow Chocolate to Set: For best results, allow the chocolate coating to fully harden before serving. You can do this by leaving them at room temperature, which will take a bit longer, or by placing the baking sheet back into the refrigerator for about 15-20 minutes. Once the chocolate is firm to the touch, your delicious Peanut Butter Chocolate Balls are ready to be enjoyed!

Mastering Your Buckeye Candy: Tips and Tricks

The Right Peanut Butter is Key: For that signature smooth and creamy center, always opt for creamy, processed peanut butter like Skippy or Jif. Natural peanut butters tend to be oilier and less stable, which can result in a greasier mixture that doesn’t hold its shape as well and can be more difficult to roll and dip. The stabilizers in conventional peanut butter are your friend here.
Choose Your Chocolate Wisely: Avoid using standard chocolate chips for dipping. They contain stabilizers that make them hold their shape when baked, which also makes them thicker and harder to achieve a thin, smooth, and shiny coating when melted for dipping. Instead, use chocolate almond bark, candy melts, or chocolate melting disks. These are designed to melt smoothly and harden beautifully, providing a professional-looking finish. Melt your chocolate gently, either in a microwave at 30-second intervals (stirring between each) or over a double boiler.
Achieving the Classic Buckeye Look: If you want your candy to perfectly resemble a true Buckeye nut, insert a toothpick into the top of each peanut butter ball. Dip the ball into the melted chocolate, leaving the top 1/3rd or so of the peanut butter exposed. This creates the iconic two-toned look. Once dipped, gently twist and remove the toothpick, smoothing over any small holes with a clean finger or small utensil. I, however, prefer my peanut butter balls completely coated in chocolate, so I use two forks to fully submerge and then lift the balls, allowing excess chocolate to drip off.
Troubleshooting Sticky or Crumbly Mixture: If your peanut butter mixture is too sticky, gradually add a little more powdered sugar until it reaches a manageable consistency. If it’s too crumbly, add a tiny bit more softened butter or peanut butter, a teaspoon at a time, until it comes together. Humidity can play a role, so adjust as needed.
Creative Variations:
- Add Crunch: Incorporate about ½ cup of finely crushed graham crackers or crispy rice cereal into the peanut butter mixture for an added textural dimension.
- Different Chocolates: Experiment with dark chocolate, milk chocolate, or even white chocolate for the coating. You could also drizzle contrasting chocolate colors for a decorative touch.
- Toppings: Before the chocolate sets, sprinkle with sea salt flakes (a fantastic counterpoint to the sweetness!), finely chopped nuts, or festive sprinkles for holiday cheer.

Storage and Serving Suggestions

One of the best things about Peanut Butter Chocolate Balls (Buckeyes!) is how well they store, making them an ideal make-ahead treat for parties or gifts.

Storage: Once the chocolate has fully set, store your peanut butter balls in an airtight container. They will keep beautifully in the refrigerator for up to a month. While some people enjoy them straight out of the fridge, I find their flavor and texture are best when allowed to come closer to room temperature for about 10-15 minutes before serving. This allows the peanut butter center to soften slightly and become wonderfully creamy, and the chocolate to lose its hard snap, making for a more enjoyable bite.

Freezing: These candies freeze exceptionally well, which is fantastic for long-term storage or preparing large batches in advance. Simply place the set peanut butter balls in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then, transfer them to an airtight, freezer-safe container or bag, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. They will last in the freezer for 3-4 months. To serve, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight or for a few hours before bringing them to room temperature.

Serving: Arrange them on a festive platter for holiday parties, pack them into decorative boxes for homemade gifts, or simply keep a stash in your fridge for a delightful everyday indulgence. Their rich flavor and charming appearance make them a crowd-pleaser for any occasion.

Close-up view of a perfectly dipped peanut butter chocolate ball, showcasing the rich chocolate coating and smooth peanut butter filling.

Frequently Asked Questions About Peanut Butter Chocolate Balls

Here are some common questions you might have when making these delicious treats:

Can I use natural peanut butter? While you technically *can*, it’s highly recommended to use a processed creamy peanut butter (like Jif or Skippy) for the best results. Natural peanut butter tends to be more oily and less firm, which can make the balls harder to shape and may cause the chocolate coating to slide off.
What if my peanut butter mixture is too soft? If your mixture is too sticky to roll, try adding a tablespoon or two more powdered sugar until it reaches a firm but pliable consistency. Chilling the mixture for 15-30 minutes before rolling can also help immensely.
What if my chocolate is too thick for dipping? If your melted chocolate is too thick, you can thin it out with a small amount of coconut oil or vegetable shortening (about 1 teaspoon per cup of chocolate). Stir until smooth. Avoid adding water, as this will cause the chocolate to seize.
How long do Buckeyes need to chill before dipping? At least 30 minutes in the refrigerator is ideal. This ensures they are firm enough to hold their shape in the warm chocolate.
Can I make these ahead of time? Absolutely! Buckeyes are a perfect make-ahead dessert. They store well in the refrigerator for up to a month and can be frozen for several months, making them excellent for holiday meal prep.

More Must-Make Christmas Cookie Recipes

Cornflake Cookies
Andes Mint Cake Mix Cookies
Chocolate Covered Pretzels
Avalanche Cookies
Christmas Magic Cookie Bars
Frosted Sugar Cookies
Reese’s Peanut Butter Cookies
Grinch Sugar Cookie Bites

4.58 from 50 votes

Peanut Butter Chocolate Balls

By

Erin Sellin

Creamy peanut butter balls dipped in chocolate

Prep:

30 minutes

Total:

30 minutes

Servings:
24

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Ingredients

▢

1 1/2
cups

peanut butter
▢

1/2
cup

butter
, softened
▢

1
Tablespoon

vanilla extract
▢

1
pound

powdered sugar
▢

1
pound
chocolate almond bark, melted

Instructions

Combine the peanut butter, butter, vanilla and powdered sugar in a large bowl. Mix until everything is well combined.
Roll into 1 inch sized balls. Refrigerate for 30 minutes to harden before you start rolling.
Roll the balls in melted chocolate. Allow the chocolate to harden before serving.
I like to store mine in an air tight container, in the fridge. They also freeze very well.

Nutrition

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Additional Info

Author:

Erin Sellin

Prep Time:

30 minutes

Total Time:

30 minutes

Course:
Dessert Recipes

Cuisine:
American

Servings:
24

Calories:
315

Keyword:
peanut butter balls

Like this recipe? Leave a comment below!

Conclusion: Your New Favorite No-Bake Dessert

Peanut Butter Chocolate Balls, or Buckeye candy, are more than just a sweet treat; they’re a testament to the enduring appeal of simple, classic flavors. Their no-bake nature, straightforward preparation, and universal deliciousness make them a perfect addition to any dessert table, especially during the festive holiday season. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner, this recipe offers a rewarding experience, culminating in a batch of homemade candies that are sure to impress and satisfy.

I encourage you to give this recipe a try and discover for yourself why these delightful peanut butter and chocolate spheres have captured so many hearts. They are truly a must-make, guaranteed to bring smiles and satisfy any sweet tooth. Share them with loved ones, take them to a potluck, or simply enjoy them as a personal indulgence. No matter how you serve them, they’re bound to be a hit!

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