No Bake Buckeye Balls are the perfect candy to make for the holidays! If you love the combination of creamy peanut butter and rich chocolate, this buckeye recipe will quickly become a seasonal favorite. Named after the nut from the Ohio buckeye tree, these delightful treats look just like the real thing but taste infinitely better. Whether you’re making them for a cookie exchange, holiday party, or just because, you’ll love how easy they are to whip up with just a few pantry staples. Let’s dive into this classic and crowd-pleasing buckeye recipe!
Why You’ll Love These No Bake Buckeye Balls
There’s so much to adore about these No Bake Buckeye Balls. For starters, it’s a no-bake dessert, meaning you won’t need to turn on the oven. The irresistible peanut butter center is soft and sweet, perfectly complemented by a smooth chocolate coating that hardens into a snappy shell. They’re ideal for making in large batches, freeze well, and are incredibly kid-friendly both in flavor and preparation. Whether you’re gifting them or serving at a holiday gathering, buckeyes are always a hit.
Ingredients
- 8 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature
- 1 ½ cups creamy peanut butter (do not use natural peanut butter)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ⅛ teaspoon kosher salt
- 3 ½ cups powdered sugar
- 10 ounces milk chocolate melting wafers (Ghirardelli recommended)
- ½ cup semi sweet chocolate chips
Step-by-Step: How to Make No Bake Buckeye Balls
- Prepare Your Pan: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
- Cream the Base: In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter and peanut butter together until smooth and well combined, about 2 minutes.
- Add Flavor: Mix in the vanilla extract and kosher salt.
- Incorporate the Sugar: Gradually add powdered sugar in three parts. Start with 1 1/2 cups, mix on low until incorporated, then increase speed to high for one minute. Add the next 1 cup, mix, and repeat with the final 1 cup. The dough should be smooth, slightly crumbly, and not sticky.
- Shape the Balls: Scoop out portions of the mixture and roll into 1-inch balls. Place them on the prepared baking sheet.
- Chill: Freeze the peanut butter balls for 30 minutes or refrigerate for 2 hours until very firm.
- Melt the Chocolate: In a shallow microwave-safe bowl, combine the milk chocolate melting wafers and semi sweet chocolate chips. Microwave in 30-second increments at 50% power, stirring between each, until smooth.
- Dip the Buckeyes: Use a toothpick or skewer to dip each peanut butter ball into the chocolate, leaving the top exposed to mimic the look of a buckeye. Tap gently on the side of the bowl to remove excess chocolate.
- Finish and Set: Return dipped balls to the baking sheet. Twist out the toothpick and smooth the hole with a bit of peanut butter or a damp finger if desired. Allow the chocolate to set completely.
- Store and Enjoy: Keep in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
Helpful Tips
- Use Regular Peanut Butter: Natural peanut butter tends to separate and can cause the mixture to be oily and too soft.
- Toothpick Trick: Dipping with a toothpick gives that signature buckeye look and makes it easier to handle the candies.
- Chill Thoroughly: Don’t skip the chilling step! It helps the balls hold their shape and makes dipping much easier.
- Smooth the Hole: If presentation is important, you can gently press a small amount of peanut butter over the hole left by the toothpick.
Substitutions And Variations
- Peanut Butter Alternatives: Swap in almond butter or sunflower seed butter for a different flavor or allergy-friendly option (note: texture may vary).
- Different Chocolates: Use dark chocolate or white chocolate for a twist on the classic.
- Crunch Factor: Mix in some crushed graham crackers or rice cereal for a little texture in the peanut butter base.
- Decorate: Drizzle extra chocolate over the top or sprinkle with sea salt for a gourmet finish.
Storage Instructions
- Refrigerator: Store buckeyes in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week.
- Freezer: Place layers of buckeyes between sheets of parchment or wax paper in a freezer-safe container. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.
Nutritional Information
Each serving (1 buckeye) contains approximately:
- Calories: 164
- Carbohydrates: 17g
- Protein: 3g
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Cholesterol: 7mg
- Sodium: 59mg
- Sugar: 16g
- Fiber: 1g
- Calcium: 8mg
- Iron: 0.4mg
Serving Suggestions
- Holiday Platters: Arrange on a festive tray with other no-bake treats like fudge or truffles.
- Gift Giving: Place in decorative tins or clear treat bags tied with ribbon.
- Party Dessert Tables: Serve in mini cupcake liners for a polished look.
- Snack Break: Enjoy with a glass of cold milk or a warm cup of coffee.
Frequently Asked Questions About No Bake Buckeye Balls
Can I use natural peanut butter in buckeyes?
It’s best not to. Natural peanut butter can separate and is often too runny for buckeye candy. Stick with regular creamy peanut butter for the right consistency.
How do I prevent the chocolate from seizing?
Use a microwave-safe bowl and melt your chocolate at 50% power in short intervals, stirring often. Avoid any contact with water, which can cause chocolate to seize.
Can I make these in advance?
Yes! Buckeyes are great make-ahead treats. They stay fresh in the fridge for a week and freeze beautifully for up to 2 months.
Why are they called buckeyes?
The candy is named after the nut of the Ohio buckeye tree because the dipped chocolate peanut butter balls resemble the tree’s dark nut with a light brown center.
Can kids help make buckeyes?
Absolutely! Kids can help roll the peanut butter mixture into balls and even assist with dipping if supervised. It’s a fun family-friendly activity.
Final Thoughts
Thank you for joining me in making these irresistibly delicious No-Bake Buckeye Balls! I absolutely love how simple and satisfying this recipe is. With minimal ingredients and no baking required, they’re a go-to treat that delivers on flavor every single time. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a total beginner, you’ll find joy in crafting these little bites of peanut butter and chocolate bliss. I hope you enjoy every sweet bite and that they bring a little extra cheer to your holiday celebrations. Happy candy making, and thank you for being part of this food-loving community!
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No Bake Buckeye Balls
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 36 buckeyes 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
No Bake Buckeye Balls are the perfect holiday candy! With a sweet and creamy peanut butter center dipped in rich chocolate, they’re easy to make, freezer-friendly, and always a crowd favorite. Great for holiday trays, gifting, or anytime you need a quick sweet treat. Make a batch today!
Ingredients
8 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature
1 ½ cups creamy peanut butter (do not use natural peanut butter)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
⅛ teaspoon kosher salt
3 ½ cups powdered sugar
10 ounces milk chocolate melting wafers (Ghirardelli recommended)
½ cup semi sweet chocolate chips
Instructions
- Prepare Your Pan: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
- Cream the Base: In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter and peanut butter together until smooth and well combined, about 2 minutes.
- Add Flavor: Mix in the vanilla extract and kosher salt.
- Incorporate the Sugar: Gradually add powdered sugar in three parts. Start with 1 1/2 cups, mix on low until incorporated, then increase speed to high for one minute. Add the next 1 cup, mix, and repeat with the final 1 cup. The dough should be smooth, slightly crumbly, and not sticky.
- Shape the Balls: Scoop out portions of the mixture and roll into 1-inch balls. Place them on the prepared baking sheet.
- Chill: Freeze the peanut butter balls for 30 minutes or refrigerate for 2 hours until very firm.
- Melt the Chocolate: In a shallow microwave-safe bowl, combine the milk chocolate melting wafers and semi sweet chocolate chips. Microwave in 30-second increments at 50% power, stirring between each, until smooth.
- Dip the Buckeyes: Use a toothpick or skewer to dip each peanut butter ball into the chocolate, leaving the top exposed to mimic the look of a buckeye. Tap gently on the side of the bowl to remove excess chocolate.
- Finish and Set: Return dipped balls to the baking sheet. Twist out the toothpick and smooth the hole with a bit of peanut butter or a damp finger if desired. Allow the chocolate to set completely.
- Store and Enjoy: Keep in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
Notes
Use regular peanut butter, not natural, for the best consistency.
To smooth the toothpick hole, use a dab of the peanut butter mixture or a damp finger.
Buckeyes freeze beautifully for up to 2 months—perfect for make-ahead holiday prep.
For a twist, try using dark or white chocolate or sprinkle with sea salt.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes Chill Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Candy, Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 buckeye
- Calories: 164
- Sugar: 16g
- Carbohydrates: 17g
- Protein: 3g