Buckeye Candy Recipe delivers melt-in-your-mouth peanut butter balls with a thick chocolate coat that is sure to be the talk of the party!
Author’s Notes
How I Finally Got To Real Buckeyes
I recently shared these Buckeye Graham Crackers and Buckeye Brownie Cookies and realized that somehow, in all these years of sharing recipes (over a decade!), I have never posted actual buckeye candies.
I honestly didn’t even know what a Buckeye candy recipe entailed until I moved to Ohio. Once I got there, I learned fast. Buckeyes were everywhere and everyone was obsessed. It didn’t take long before I joined that club. WOW; they’re so good!
If you haven’t tried one yet, a Buckeye is a soft peanut butter candy dipped in chocolate, and it is pure heaven.
So after sharing those grahams and realizing my little misstep, I’m fixing it now, haha. I shared the graham version with friends and neighbors, and the response was overwhelmingly positive. Going back to the root of that treat and sharing the real deal—classic buckeye candies—feels like the right move!
Buckeye Candy Recipe Ingredients
| Ingredient | Tip |
|---|---|
| Peanut butter and butter | Use creamy peanut butter (skip natural or no-stir varieties) and softened butter so the filling mixes smoothly. |
| Powdered sugar and salt | Powdered sugar helps the filling set and the pinch of salt balances sweetness. |
| Vanilla extract | I like to use a good pure vanilla extract, but imitation works fine if that’s what you have on hand. |
| Chocolate chips | Use any chocolate you like semi sweet, milk, or dark all work great. |
| Coconut oil | Melt with the chocolate to help it dip smooth and set nicely. |
How To These Make Buckeye Candy Recipe
- Mix filling: Beat everything together until smooth.
- Scoop balls: Scoop into small balls and freeze until firm.
- Melt chocolate: Microwave chocolate and oil in short bursts until smooth.
- Dip buckeyes: Spear, dip in chocolate, and place on a tray.
- Set and chill: Smooth the top if you’d like and pop in the fridge until hard.
Storage
Leftover Candies?
Keep candies in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week. For longer storage, freeze in a single layer until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. Thaw in the fridge before eating.
Buckeye Candy Recipe Tips
- Use a small cookie scoop: This keeps the balls uniform so they dip evenly.
- Tap off excess chocolate: Lightly tap the toothpick on the edge of the cup so the coating stays smooth.
- Line the tray: Use parchment or wax paper so the buckeyes release cleanly once set.
- Work in batches: Keep half the balls in the freezer while dipping the others so they stay firm.
More Easy Candies To Mak:
Desserts
Tiger Butter Fudge
Desserts
Cookie Butter Cups
Desserts
Chocolate Covered Oreos
Desserts
Peanut Butter Meltaways
Buckeye Candy Recipe
Video
Equipment
- Cookie scoop 1 teaspoon size
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup creamy peanut butter like Skippy
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter softened
- 1-1/4 cups powdered sugar see note 1
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup chocolate chips semi-sweet, milk, or dark (whatever you prefer) see note 2
- 2 teaspoons coconut oil
Instructions
- In a large bowl, use electric hand mixers to beat together the peanut butter, softened butter, powdered sugar, salt, and vanilla until completely smooth.
- Use a teaspoon cookie scoop to scoop out the mixture into tiny balls. Place balls on a parchment paper lined sheet pan and freeze for 20 minutes.
- Combine the chocolate chips and coconut oil in a small microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 20-second intervals, stirring between each interval for a full 20 seconds, until the chocolate is melted and smooth. Do not overheat the chocolate.
- Remove the chilled peanut butter balls from the freezer. Working with one at a time, spear the top with a toothpick and dip into the melted chocolate, tipping the bowl as needed for easier dipping; Leave the top exposed like a classic buckeye. Return to the tray and, if you want, use your fingertips to smooth out the toothpick mark.
- Let the chocolate fully harden before serving. Pop them in the fridge for faster setting up!
Recipe Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
I just finished making these and of course I had to sample and they are so good. Freezing so I do not eat more as I want to share on my Christmas Cookie tray.
Yay! I’m so happy to hear this Buckeye Candy Recipe was a hit for you! Thanks Carol!