The Best Buckeyes (Buckeye Recipe)

May 2024 · 10 minute read
two image collage with a cup of buckeyes on top and bottom image shows a top down view of buckeye candy pieces on a silver plate. center diagonal color block with text overlay.

Buckeyes are the perfect no bake candy to make for the holidays! With a creamy peanut butter center and a sweet chocolate exterior, this easy buckeye recipe is a crowd favorite! Bonus – only a handful of ingredients are needed!

Looking for more easy candy recipes for Christmas? Make sure to try my Christmas Bark, Christmas Crack Recipe and Better Than Anything Toffee Recipe!

This post is sponsored by Challenge Dairy.

Buckeye Recipe

There is one candy I make every year to the delight of friends and family and it’s my Nana’s Peanut Butter Balls with rice krispies. They are hands down the favorite of all the candy I make and, trust me, I make a lot of candy during the holiday season.

So this year, when I started testing this Buckeyes candy recipe, I was definitely expecting a lot of love because they are so similar and have the same flavor profile. What I wasn’t expecting was for everyone to insist that this candy be added to the “short list” for this year’s cookie and candy trays.

It took a dozen or so tries but I feel like this recipes nails what a Buckeye should taste like. The texture is perfect, there is a strong peanut butter flavor, the candy isn’t overly sweet, and the chocolate coating is both easy to make and sets up beautifully. It tastes like a Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup.

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Easy Dipping Technique

I tested a number of dipping methods and found that small skewers worked a whole heck of a lot easier than toothpicks and made the dipping process quick and painless.

Why You’ll Love This Buckeye Candy

This easy no bake Buckeye Candy recipe is sure to be a new favorite. Here’s why:

What Is A Buckeye?

The answer to that question will depend a lot on who you’re asking. The name Buckeyes originates in Ohio where the Buckeye trees have nuts that look like this candy. Buckeyes are simply peanut butter balls that have been dipped in chocolate – but not all the way! The top is left without chocolate, leaving the peanut butter exposed. This is what makes the candy look like the nut.

Buckeye Ingredients

As with most of my favorite candy recipes, this recipe calls for just a handful of ingredients, most of them pantry staples. I do recommend that you use high quality ingredients for the best results.

Just Four Main Ingredients

There are four main ingredients in any buckeye recipe: butter, peanut butter, powdered sugar and chocolate. The salt and vanilla that I add really enhance the flavors and make this Buckeye recipe shine above others. With so few ingredients it’s really important to use the very best quality that you can for truly exceptional flavor.

I used Challenge butter in my Buckeyes (and all my recipes!) because it’s the BEST. Challenge is the brand of butter I’ve used and trusted for years and years. Made with 100% real cream, it’s my butter of choice. I’ve been using Challenge products my whole life and trust their products. I know the quality is outstanding and use it for all my baking and cooking. It’s a staple in my refrigerator and I know to stock up for the holidays!

How To Make Buckeyes

  • Line a sheet pan with parchment paper. Set aside.
  • Cream butter and peanut butter together until smooth and completely combined, about 2 minutes.
  • Beat in the vanilla extract and salt.
  • Add 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar and mix on low speed until mostly combined and then increase the speed to high for one minute.
  • Repeat twice more with 1 cup of powdered sugar each time. The mixture should be smooth, a little bit crumbly and should not stick to your fingers when you pick it up.
  • Scoop mixture, roll into 1 inch balls and place on prepared baking sheet.
  • Freeze balls for 30 minutes or until very firm. You can also refrigerate for 2 hours if freezer space is unavailable.
  • Combine chocolate melting wafers and chocolate chips in a shallow, microwave safe bowl and melt in the microwave in 30 second increments, at 50% power, stirring in between, until chocolate is fully melted and smooth. Be careful not to overheat the chocolate mixture.
  • Using toothpicks or wooden skewers, carefully dip the peanut butter balls into the melted chocolate leaving the top of the ball free of chocolate so that they look like buckeyes.
  • Wipe off excess chocolate on the side of the bowl and return the peanut butter balls to the parchment lined baking sheet.
  • Carefully twist the toothpick or skewer to remove. Smooth over the hole with additional peanut butter mixture or a slightly wet finger, or leave as is.
  • Repeat with remaining peanut butter balls until all balls have been dipped.
  • Let buckeyes sit until the chocolate has set up. Refrigerate buckeyes until ready to enjoy.
  • Storage Information

    Buckeyes should be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 1 week.

    To Freeze: Layer the candy between sheets of wax paper or parchment paper in an airtight, freezer safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw the candy overnight in the refrigerator before enjoying.

    Buckeyes FAQs

    Can these Buckeyes be made in advance?

    These candies are one of my favorites to make ahead of time because they store so well in the refrigerator or freezer. Buckeyes can be made up to 1 week ahead of time if storing in the fridge and up to 2 months ahead of time if freezing. See storage information in the recipe card for more information.

    What’s the best way to dip these?

    The traditional method is with a toothpick but I prefer to use skewers or a dipping tool. You can also just use a fork! No matter how you dip them, just make sure to wipe off excess chocolate on the edge of the bowl so you don’t end up with a chocolate “puddle” around the candies. If you do, just use a sharp paring knife to cut off the excess chocolate.

    Can I use my favorite natural peanut butter?

    I really don’t recommend it. I highly recommend a creamy, not natural style, peanut butter for this recipe. The only “natural” peanut butter I use is Skippy’s Natural Creamy Peanut Butter and it’s not really a “natural” peanut butter so it works in this recipe.

    Trish’s Tips and Tricks

    More Candy Recipes You’ll Love

  • Peanut Butter Fudge
  • Martha Washington Candies
  • Peppermint Fudge
  • Buttermilk Pecan Pralines
  • Divinity Candy
  • Homemade Gumdrops
  • M&Ms Marshmallow Dream Bars
  • How To Make Buckeyes

    Buckeyes

    Buckeyes are the perfect no bake candy to make for the holidays! With a creamy peanut butter center and a sweet chocolate exterior, this easy buckeye recipe is a crowd favorite! Bonus – only a handful of ingredients are needed!

    Course Candy, Dessert Cuisine American Keyword buckeye, buckeye candy, buckeye recipe, buckeyes, buckeyes recipe Prep Time 15 minutes Chill Time 30 minutes Servings 36 Calories 164kcal Author Trish – Mom On Timeout

    Ingredients

    Instructions

    Notes

    Storage Information Buckeyes should be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 1 week. To Freeze: Layer the candy between sheets of wax paper or parchment paper in an airtight, freezer safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw the candy overnight in the refrigerator before enjoying.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 164kcal | Carbohydrates: 17g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 10g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4g | Trans Fat: 0.1g | Cholesterol: 7mg | Sodium: 59mg | Potassium: 76mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 16g | Vitamin A: 79IU | Calcium: 8mg | Iron: 0.4mg

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