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