Our buckeye balls recipe is the easiest approach to candy making ever with minimal effort but a big return on flavor. The creamy peanut butter centers are surrounded by smooth chocolate with just the right amount of snap. Best of all, buckeyes are a no-bake treat, made without a candy thermometer (affiliate link) in just about 30 minutes using only 5 simple ingredients, all of which you might already have in your pantry. They have a wow-factor that never fails to bring out the smiles and groans of delight with the first bite.
What’s a Buckeye?
Homemade buckeyes are really similar to Reese’s peanut butter cups, just shaped a little differently and with a slightly different peanut butter to chocolate ratio. They have been around for decades and everybody loves them. Planning on making some holiday treats? Don’t miss other reader favorites like Candy Coated Crispix Mix, Christmas Pretzel Hugs, and Old-Fashioned Easy Peanut Butter Fudge!
Why You’ll Love this Buckeye Recipe
No need to heat up the oven for this easy no-bake holiday treat! Buckeye balls are visually enticing and one of the first things everybody goes for on a cookie plate. It’s only 5 ingredients and you probably have all of them in your pantry (as long as you stock up on melting chocolate at the start of the season).
What you’ll need for Buckeye Balls
Peanut butter: You’ll want to make sure to use creamy peanut butter for this recipe. I have only tested it with regular peanut butter and not the natural kind that has to be stirred together. Chocolate: We love using the Ghiradelli dark chocolate melting wafers for dipping candy. Not only do they melt beautifully and easily, but they have a really wonderful chocolate flavor. You can use chocolate chips with coconut oil or shortening in a pinch though. I’ll include info in the recipe notes on how!
How to Make Buckeyes
Buckeyes Recipe Tips
Substitutions: If you have a peanut allergy, try substituting cookie butter for the peanut butter! Or sunflower butter would work well too. And while you would lose the effect of looking like buckeyes, these could also be made with white chocolate coating instead of the dark chocolate. Troubleshooting: If your peanut butter balls are too sticky and difficult to shape, try mixing in a little more powdered sugar, 1-2 Tablespoons at a time. If the filling is too crumbly, add a little more peanut butter, a little at a time until it comes together.
How to Store Buckeye Candy
Buckeyes are best when they are kept in the fridge and served cold. Freezing: These buckeyes freeze great for 2-3 months in an airtight container. Just thaw on the counter for an hour before serving so they aren’t too hard to bite into.
More like these Buckeye Candy
Christmas Crack Saltine Cracker Toffee Rolo Pretzels Chocolate Covered Pretzel Rods Easy Homemade Peppermint Bark
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