Buckeye Bites are the ultimate bite-sized treat for any chocolate and peanut butter lover. These sweet delights start with a rich chocolate cookie cup base, get filled with a creamy peanut butter center, and are topped with a silky ganache. They’re a crowd-pleaser and perfect for parties, potlucks, or just because. The best part? They’re surprisingly easy to whip up in under 30 minutes. Whether you’re craving something indulgent or need a quick dessert to impress, these Buckeye Bites deliver flavor, texture, and wow-factor in every bite.
Why You’ll Love This Buckeye Bites Recipe
There’s a lot to love about Buckeye Bites. First, they’re portable and individually portioned, which makes them ideal for gatherings and lunchboxes. The chocolate cookie base is soft yet sturdy, holding the luscious peanut butter filling perfectly. Topped with a glossy chocolate ganache, they taste like a cross between a peanut butter cup and a brownie. They’re also freezer-friendly and make-ahead approved, which means you can always have some on hand when a sweet craving strikes. If you’re a fan of chocolate and peanut butter, this recipe will become a staple in your dessert rotation.
Ingredients
Cookie Cups
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup unsweetened baking cocoa
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup light brown sugar
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- ¼ cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 egg, room temperature
- 2 tablespoons water or brewed coffee
Peanut Butter Filling
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- ½ cup creamy peanut butter
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Ganache Topping
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- ½ cup heavy whipping cream
Optional Drizzle
- ¼ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 2 tablespoons creamy peanut butter
Step-by-Step: How to Make Buckeye Bites
- Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Line a mini muffin tin with liners.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- Cream the Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, beat together the brown sugar, granulated sugar, melted butter, and peanut butter until light and fluffy.
- Add Egg and Vanilla: Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and water (or coffee) until fully incorporated.
- Combine: Gradually stir the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until a dough forms.
- Form the Cookie Cups: Scoop 1 tablespoon of dough into each muffin cup. Use a small spoon to press an indent into the center of each dough ball.
- Bake: Bake for 7-8 minutes or until the tops are set. Remove from oven and let cool completely. Re-indent the centers if needed.
- Make the Filling: Mix powdered sugar, peanut butter, butter, and vanilla in a bowl until smooth. Scoop 1 teaspoon of filling onto each cooled cookie cup.
- Ganache Topping: Heat the cream until just boiling and pour over chocolate chips. Let sit 5 minutes, then stir until smooth. Let thicken for another 5 minutes.
- Top and Chill: Spoon ganache over each cookie cup. Refrigerate for 30 minutes.
- Optional Drizzle: Combine chocolate chips and peanut butter, then melt together in the microwave. Stir until smooth and drizzle over cookies using a piping bag or zip-top bag.
Helpful Tips
- For deeper flavor, use brewed coffee instead of water in the cookie dough.
- Use a mini cookie scoop for uniform cookie portions.
- Re-press the center indentations once the cookies come out of the oven to ensure space for the filling.
- Let the ganache cool slightly before spooning to prevent it from running off.
- If making ahead, store the unfilled cookie cups in an airtight container and assemble the day of serving.
Substitutions And Variations
- Nut-Free: Use sunflower seed butter in place of peanut butter.
- Gluten-Free: Substitute a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour for the all-purpose flour.
- Vegan: Use plant-based butter and egg replacer; swap the cream with coconut cream and ensure chocolate chips are dairy-free.
- Topping Options: Try garnishing with chopped peanuts, a sprinkle of flaky sea salt, or colorful sprinkles for a festive touch.
Storage Instructions
Store Buckeye Bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For extended storage, freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet until firm. Then transfer to a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator or at room temperature for about 30 minutes before enjoying.
Nutritional Information
- Calories: 192 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 21g
- Protein: 3g
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Cholesterol: 17mg
- Sodium: 107mg
- Potassium: 132mg
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 14g
- Vitamin A: 140IU
- Calcium: 19mg
- Iron: 1.2mg
Serving Suggestions
- Enjoy chilled with a glass of milk for the perfect treat.
- Arrange alongside brownies, cookie bars, and other baked goods on a dessert platter.
- Include them in cookie tins or gift boxes during the holidays.
- Pair with coffee or hot cocoa for a cozy afternoon snack.
Frequently Asked Questions About Buckeye Bites
Can I make Buckeye Bites ahead of time? Yes! You can bake and fill them a day or two in advance. Add ganache just before serving for the best look and texture.
Do they need to be refrigerated? Because of the ganache and peanut butter filling, it’s best to refrigerate them. They can sit out at room temperature for a few hours during serving.
Can I use natural peanut butter? It’s not recommended, as natural peanut butter tends to separate and makes the filling greasy or runny. Stick with regular creamy peanut butter for the best results.
How do I make the drizzle look neat? Use a zip-top bag with a tiny snip in the corner. Practice on parchment paper if needed, then drizzle over the cookies.
Can I double the recipe? Absolutely! This recipe doubles well if you’re baking for a larger crowd or want to freeze extras.
Conclusion
Thank you so much for trying out these irresistible Buckeye Bites! I absolutely love how the fudgy chocolate cookie base pairs with the creamy peanut butter filling and silky ganache topping. These are such a fun and easy treat to share with friends and family or to enjoy all to yourself. Whether you’re new to baking or a seasoned pro, this recipe is as simple as it is satisfying. I hope these little bites of joy bring smiles and sweet moments to your kitchen. Happy baking, and thank you for being part of this delicious journey with me!
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Buckeye Bites Recipe
- Total Time: 58 minutes
- Yield: 30 mini cookie cups 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Buckeye Bites are mini chocolate cookie cups filled with creamy peanut butter and topped with smooth chocolate ganache. Perfect for parties, holidays, and sweet cravings! Easy to make, fun to eat, and always a crowd favorite. Save this recipe and try them today!
Ingredients
Cookie Cups:
1½ cups all-purpose flour
½ cup unsweetened baking cocoa
½ teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
¾ cup light brown sugar
½ cup granulated sugar
¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
¼ cup creamy peanut butter
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 egg, room temperature
2 tablespoons water or brewed coffee
Peanut Butter Filling:
½ cup powdered sugar
½ cup creamy peanut butter
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Ganache Topping:
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
½ cup heavy whipping cream
Optional Drizzle:
¼ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
2 tablespoons creamy peanut butter
Instructions
- Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Line a mini muffin tin with liners.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- Cream the Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, beat together the brown sugar, granulated sugar, melted butter, and peanut butter until light and fluffy.
- Add Egg and Vanilla: Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and water (or coffee) until fully incorporated.
- Combine: Gradually stir the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until a dough forms.
- Form the Cookie Cups: Scoop 1 tablespoon of dough into each muffin cup. Use a small spoon to press an indent into the center of each dough ball.
- Bake: Bake for 7-8 minutes or until the tops are set. Remove from oven and let cool completely. Re-indent the centers if needed.
- Make the Filling: Mix powdered sugar, peanut butter, butter, and vanilla in a bowl until smooth. Scoop 1 teaspoon of filling onto each cooled cookie cup.
- Ganache Topping: Heat the cream until just boiling and pour over chocolate chips. Let sit 5 minutes, then stir until smooth. Let thicken for another 5 minutes.
- Top and Chill: Spoon ganache over each cookie cup. Refrigerate for 30 minutes.
- Optional Drizzle: Combine chocolate chips and peanut butter, then melt together in the microwave. Stir until smooth and drizzle over cookies using a piping bag or zip-top bag.
Notes
Use coffee instead of water for a richer flavor.
A mini cookie scoop helps portion the dough evenly.
Re-press the centers after baking for cleaner filling space.
These freeze well – perfect for make-ahead treats!
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes Chill Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie cup
- Calories: 192
- Sugar: 14g
- Carbohydrates: 21g
- Protein: 3g