Buckeyes are the perfect no-bake holiday treat! Creamy peanut butter filling with a dark chocolate coating! Easy to make, and naturally gluten-free!
The name Buckeye comes from the Ohio state tree, and the nuts on the tree look just like these candies. Buckeyes are a classic Christmas dessert, and more than likely you've seen them on several holiday trays. They are easy to make, no baking required, with only six ingredients in the entire recipe!
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Ingredients in Buckeyes
- Butter: Unsalted butter works great in this recipe, and for a dairy-free option you can use dairy-free baking sticks.
- Peanut Butter: Any brand will do, just make sure to stir any of the oils that reside on the top of the jar.
- Powdered Sugar: This helps sweeten the candies, without a granular texture.
- Vanilla: The vanilla provides a creamy sweet flavor paired with the pecan butter and sugar.
- Chocolate: Dark chocolate or Semi-Sweet work well for this recipe.
- Coconut Oil: Refined Coconut Oil helps the chocolate coating have a thinner consistency when dipping, and hardens once frozen. Refined Coconut Oil has no flavor.
How To Make Buckeyes
Buckeyes are very simple to make, no baking required!
- In a medium-sized bowl, cream the peanut butter, unsalted butter, and vanilla extract.
- Slowly add the powdered sugar, beating until smooth.
- Take a tablespoon of dough (around 20 grams) and roll the dough into a ball.
- Place each ball of dough onto a fully lined baking sheet. Then place the baking sheet lined with parchment paper and place the sheet in the freezer for 30 minutes.
- Add the chocolate and coconut oil to a medium-sized bowl, and microwave in 30 seconds intervals, stirring in between until melted.
- After 30 minutes remove the candies from the freezer. Place a toothpick in the center of each ball and dip the ball halfway into the chocolate. Then place the balls back onto the baking sheet. Repeat the process until all the balls are dipped.
- Return the baking tray to the freezer for another 30 minutes. If you want to remove the holes left from the toothpicks run a small knife over the tops.
- Serve.
Dairy-Free Option
For a dairy-free option, you can replace the unsalted butter with dairy-free baking sticks, such as Earth Balance or any other brand. My favorite brand of dairy-free chocolate is Enjoy Life Semi-Sweet Chocolate.
Do Buckeyes Need To Be Refrigerated?
Yes, you can freeze or refrigerate Buckeyes for several weeks. Make sure to store them in a tightly sealed container. Remove them from the refrigerator 15 minutes prior to serving, or 30 minutes prior to serving straight from the freezer.
What's The Best Peanut Butter To Use?
For best results, creamy, not crunchy peanut butter works well in this recipe. Buckeyes are pretty sweet, so you'll want to avoid any sweetened peanut butter. When using more natural peanut butter, just make sure to stir any of the oils that collect at the top of the jar, otherwise, the filling could be runny.
Tips For The BEST Buckeyes
- Softened Butter: Softening the butter at room temperature will yell the best results.
- Smooth Over The Tops: For a smoother appearance, run a knife or spatula over the tops of the candies where the toothpicks were inserted.
- Storing The Buckeyes: These buckeyes will keep in the fridge or freezer for up to two weeks. Just make sure they are securely covered.
For More Tasty Holiday Recipes Click The Links Below:
- Gluten-Free Cookie Dough Truffles (Vegan)
- Gluten-Free Snowball Cookies (Vegan)
- Gluten-Free Cranberry Bliss Bars (Dairy-Free Option)
- Gluten-Free Chocolate Crinkle Cookies (Dairy-Free)
- Gluten-Free Spritz Cookies
Recipe
Buckeyes - Chocolate Peanut Butter Balls
Ingredients
- 1 cup peanut butter
- 5 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 2 cups chocolate chips
- 2 tablespoons coconut oil, refined
Instructions
- Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper and set aside.
- In a medium-sized bowl, cream together the peanut butter, butter, and vanilla extract.
- Slowly add in the powdered sugar, continuing to mix until while combined, scraping down the bowl.
- Take one tablespoon of dough (around 20 grams) roll the dough into a ball, and place the ball onto the lined baking sheet. Repeat until all the dough is used, then place the places of dough into the freezer for 30 minutes to harden.
- After 30 minutes remove the buckeyes from the freezer.
- In a medium-sized microwavable bowl, add the chocolate and coconut oil. Microwave for 30-second intervals, stirring in between until fully melted.
- Place a toothpick in the center of each ball, and dip the peanut butter balls into the chocolate. Don't forget to achieve that signature buckeye look, leave a bit of the peanut butter exposed.
- Return the buckeyes to the freezer to harden the chocolate for another 30 minutes.
- Store the buckeyes in a tightly sealed container for up to 2 weeks in the freezer or refrigerator.
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