Peanut Butter Buckeyes Recipe (2024)

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This easy Peanut Butter Buckeyes Recipe is popular in Ohio, the Buckeye State. But no matter where you’re from, anyone can get excited about peanut butter balls dipped in melted chocolate.

Named for their uncanny resemblance to a Buckeye nut from the Ohio Buckeye tree, these Peanut Butter Buckeyes are the sweet of choice for many Ohio State fans during football season.

However, anyone who loves the classic combination of peanut butter and chocolate will adore these treats! Imagine the taste of Reese’s peanut butter cups but in ball form and you’ve got a Buckeye.

Recipe ingredients

Ingredient notes

• White chocolate chips: Or substitute white chocolate melting wafers.
• Peanut butter:I use store-bought creamy peanut butter for Peanut Butter Buckeyes, andclassic teal-labelSkippy is my go-to brand (Jif is also popular).
• Butter: Cold butter usually softens up in about 30 minutes when left out at room temperature (much longer if frozen). To soften butter in the microwave, cut each stick of butter in half, unwrap, and place on a microwave-safe plate. Then cook the butter at 10% power for 1 minute. Gently press on the butter with your finger. If it still seems too firm, cook for another 40 seconds at 10% power.
• Semi-sweet chocolate chips: Or substitute dark chocolate or milk chocolate chips.

Step-by-step instructions

1. Line a rimmed baking sheet or plate with parchment paper or wax paper (something that will fit in your freezer). In a small bowl, microwave white chocolate chips at 50 percent power until melted, stirring occasionally, about 1 minute. Or, melt over a double-boiler. Let stand for 5 minutes.

2. In a standing mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, or with an electric hand mixer on medium speed, beat melted white chocolate, powdered sugar, peanut butter, butter, vanilla, and salt until just combined, about 1 minute.

3. Roll the peanut butter mixture into 1 ¼ inch-balls and place on prepared baking sheet (I like to use a 100# scoop). Chill in the freezer until firm, about 30 minutes.

4. In a medium bowl, microwave the semi-sweet chocolate chips at 50 percent power until melted, about 1 ½ to 2 minutes. Stir the mixture occasionally.

5. Using a toothpick or wooden skewer, dip chilled dough balls into the melted chocolate, leaving the top quarter uncovered.

6. Return the balls to the freezer until the chocolate is set, about 1 hour.

Recipe tips and variations

• Yield: This recipe will make about 40 pieces of Buckeye Candy (depending exactly on the size you roll them).
• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. Or, if you live in a cold climate and it’s winter, store them on your cold patio or in your chilly garage.
• Freezer: Arrange the chocolate-dipped candies in a single layer on a baking sheet or plate and put in the freezer for 30 minutes, until frozen solid. Then, transfer to a freezer-safe container and freeze up to 1 month. Thaw at room temperature.