What are Buckeyes?

Buckeyes are a classic candy made from a peanut butter mixture that is partially dipped in chocolate, leaving a circle of peanut butter exposed. This makes them resemble the nut of the Ohio Buckeye tree, hence the name. They are incredibly popular during the holiday season, at parties, or simply as a sweet treat.

Ingredients for Perfect Buckeyes

Here’s what you’ll need to create these irresistible peanut butter balls:

• Peanut Butter: 1 ½ cups creamy peanut butter (not natural style – see tips below)
• Butter: ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• Cream Cheese: 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
• Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Salt: ½ teaspoon fine sea salt
• Powdered Sugar: 3 ½ to 4 cups powdered sugar, sifted (adjust to achieve desired consistency)
• Chocolate: 8 ounces semi-sweet or dark chocolate, finely chopped (or chocolate chips)
• Coconut Oil: 2 teaspoons coconut oil (optional, for a smoother chocolate coating)

How to Make Buckeyes: Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Mix the Peanut Butter Filling: In a large mixing bowl (or the bowl of a stand mixer), beat together the softened peanut butter, butter, and cream cheese until smooth and well combined. The cream cheese is the secret ingredient here! It adds a wonderful tang that balances the sweetness perfectly.
2. Add Vanilla and Salt: Stir in the vanilla extract and fine sea salt.
3. Incorporate the Powdered Sugar: Gradually add the sifted powdered sugar, one cup at a time, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix. The dough should be firm enough to roll into balls without being sticky. You may not need to use all 4 cups of powdered sugar. Start with 3 1/2 cups and add more only if necessary.
4. Chill the Dough: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the peanut butter mixture for at least 30 minutes. This chilling time is crucial as it allows the dough to firm up, making it easier to roll into balls.
5. Shape into Balls: Remove the dough from the refrigerator and roll it into 1-inch (approximately 1 ½ tablespoon) balls. Place the peanut butter balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
6. Chill Again: Return the baking sheet to the refrigerator and chill the peanut butter balls for another 30 minutes. This second chilling step is important to help them hold their shape when dipped in the melted chocolate.
7. Melt the Chocolate: While the peanut butter balls are chilling, prepare the chocolate coating. In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the chopped chocolate and coconut oil (if using). Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring well after each interval, until the chocolate is completely melted and smooth. Be careful not to overheat the chocolate, as it can seize. If you don’t have a microwave, you can melt the chocolate in a double boiler over low heat, stirring constantly until melted.
8. Dip the Buckeyes: Remove the chilled peanut butter balls from the refrigerator. Use a toothpick or skewer to carefully insert it into the top of each ball. Dip the peanut butter ball into the melted chocolate, leaving about one-quarter of the ball uncovered to resemble a buckeye.
9. Let Excess Drip Off: Gently tap the toothpick against the side of the bowl to allow any excess chocolate to drip back into the bowl.
10. Place on Parchment Paper: Place the dipped buckeye back on the parchment-lined baking sheet. Repeat the dipping process with the remaining peanut butter balls.
11. Chill to Set: Once all the buckeyes are dipped, return the baking sheet to the refrigerator and chill for at least 30 minutes, or until the chocolate is completely set.
12. Remove Toothpicks and Smooth Holes (Optional): Once the chocolate has set, gently remove the toothpicks from the buckeyes. You can use your finger or a small spatula to smooth over the small hole left by the toothpick.
13. Serve and Enjoy: Serve the buckeyes chilled or at room temperature. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks, or in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Tips for Perfect Buckeyes

Follow these tips to ensure your Buckeyes are a success:

• Use Creamy Peanut Butter: Avoid using natural-style peanut butter, as the oil separation can make the filling too soft and greasy. Traditional creamy peanut butter works best for achieving the right consistency.
• Soften the Butter and Cream Cheese: Make sure the butter and cream cheese are fully softened before mixing. This will help to create a smooth and creamy filling without any lumps.
• Don’t Overmix the Dough: Overmixing can develop the gluten in the powdered sugar, resulting in a tough or chewy texture. Mix the ingredients until just combined.
• Chill, Chill, Chill: Chilling the peanut butter mixture and the rolled balls is essential for achieving the right consistency and preventing the chocolate from melting too quickly when dipping.
• Use a Toothpick for Dipping: A toothpick or skewer makes it easy to dip the peanut butter balls into the melted chocolate. It also allows you to control the amount of chocolate that coats each ball.
• Add Coconut Oil to the Chocolate: A small amount of coconut oil added to the melted chocolate will help it melt smoothly and create a glossy, snappy finish once set.
• Control the Chocolate Temperature: Ensure the melted chocolate is not too hot when dipping. If it’s too hot, it can melt the peanut butter balls and make them difficult to handle.

Buckeyes Recipe Variations

Get creative and customize your Buckeyes with these fun variations:

• Add Flaky Sea Salt: Sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt on top of the dipped Buckeyes for a sweet and salty flavor combination.
• Espresso Powder: Add ½ teaspoon of espresso powder to the melted chocolate for a richer, more intense flavor.
• Nut Butter Variety: Experiment with almond butter, cashew butter, or sunflower seed butter instead of peanut butter.
• Crunchy Buckeyes: Use crunchy peanut butter for added texture and a delightful crunch.
• Add Sprinkles: Decorate the dipped Buckeyes with sprinkles or crushed peanuts for a festive touch.
• White Chocolate Buckeyes: Use melted white chocolate instead of semi-sweet or dark chocolate for a different flavor profile.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Do Buckeyes need to be refrigerated?

Yes, because the filling contains cream cheese, they should be stored in the refrigerator to maintain their freshness and prevent spoilage.

How long do Buckeyes last?

When stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, Buckeyes will keep for up to 2 weeks. For longer storage, they can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Why was my filling too soft?

A soft filling is usually caused by using butter or cream cheese that was too warm, or by not adding enough powdered sugar. Try chilling the dough or mixing in a bit more powdered sugar until the desired consistency is reached.

Why did my chocolate crack after setting?

Chocolate can crack if the peanut butter centers are extremely cold when dipped. To prevent this, let the chilled peanut butter balls sit at room temperature for about 5 minutes before dipping them into the melted chocolate. This will help reduce the temperature shock.

Storage Tips

To keep your Buckeyes fresh and delicious:

• Refrigerate: Store Buckeyes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
• Freeze: For longer storage, freeze Buckeyes in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.