Chocolate Peanut Butter Buckeyes
If you’re anything like myself, you were probably sold at the peanut butter and chocolate combination. These delicious little bites are a traditional Ohio treat, made to look like the nut of a buckeye tree.
Buckeye candies can easily be made at home, with ingredients you likely already have around the house! I highly recommend keeping them in the freezer for when you crave something sweet, or bringing them to any get together. If you’re hanging around any Ohio State fans… this is definitely one way to win them over!
Here’s what you’ll need:
Electric mixer, or hand mixer
Parchment paper
Toothpicks
Baking sheet
Medium glass bowl
Melon baller or small scoop
1 cup Creamy peanut butter (NOT THE NATURAL KIND)
1/4 cup salted butter
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 cups confectioners/powdered sugar
A pinch of kosher salt
2 cups semi sweet chocolate chips
1 tbsp coconut oil or canola oil
Step 1
Line the baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside. In the mixer, combine peanut butter, butter, vanilla, and salt. Mix on a low speed for 3ish minutes, or until well combined. There may still be some small lumps, that’s ok.
Step 2
On a low speed, gradually add the powdered sugar to the mixer. Increase speed until the consistency is no longer sticky to the touch, and resembles a dough. Using the melon baller or small scoop, begin rolling out balls of the peanut butter mixture. Place them onto the baking sheet an inch apart.
Step 3
Put the baking sheet in the freezer for at least 15 minutes. This is VERY important. If the peanut butter is too warm, it will not hold the chocolate shell when you dip them later! Two minutes before removing the baking sheet from the freezer, combine the chocolate chips and coconut oil in a glass bowl. Microwave in 30 second increments, stirring in between, until melted evenly.
Step 4
Remove the baking sheet from the freezer. Using a toothpick, dip the peanut butter balls into the chocolate, covering all but the top of the candy. They should look like the traditional buckeye nut! Once dipped, place each candy back onto the baking sheet. The candies will go back into the freezer for another 15 minutes to chill. Don’t worry about the holes from the toothpicks, you can cover these later!
Step 5:
Take the buckeyes out of the freezer. Using your fingers, remove the toothpicks from the candies, and gently smudge over any holes left behind. Either serve chilled on a dish, or store in an airtight container in the freezer! Consider this a warning, they won’t last long!
Can’t wait for ya’ll to make these delicious little bites. They’re definitely one of Justin’s favorite treats, especially since I can whip them up quickly. As always, tag @Junk.In.Love on Instagram so I can see how yours turn out!