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Buckeyes (Peanut Butter Balls)

[heart_this] · Aug 31, 2018 · 68 Comments

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Buckeyes, also known as Peanut Butter Balls, have a smooth peanut butter center and chocolate shell. Make this simple buckeye recipe for your Christmas treat trays. This post has a ton of tips and tricks to making the perfect buckeyes. Be sure to read it all. 
buckeyes dipped in chocolate

This post contains affiliate links. Please see my privacy page for more information.

This post was originally published in December 2014. I’ve updated it with a ton of information based on questions I was getting. Scroll to the bottom of the post for the recipe.

I grew up in Ohio, so I consider myself somewhat of a buckeye expert. Buckeyes have been a classic and absolute favorite for my family for Christmas ever since I can remember. I’ve updated this post in a FAQ style to answer all your buckeye questions. Consider this your ultimate guide to making buckeye candy.

buckeyes dipped in chocolateWhere does Buckeye Candy come from?

In Ohio, the state tree is the buckeye, and the nuts from the tree (Which are actually poisonous if eaten raw) look exactly like these candies.  The first Christmas my east-coast husband and I spent together, I asked him if he wanted a buckeye. He looked at me funny, but I soon found out they were one of his favorites too, only he knew them as peanut butter balls.

 

What is the difference between buckeyes and peanut butter balls?

In most recipes, the only difference is how they are dipped in chocolate. Buckeyes are only partially dipped in chocolate, leaving the peanut butter showing on the top. That way they look like the nuts from the buckeye tree. Peanut Butter Balls are traditionally covered in chocolate. (see the picture below.) This was one I messed up on and dipped the entire peanut butter ball in chocolate.

Peanut butter ball dipped in chocolate with a fork

How to make Buckeye Candy

The actual process in simple, cream the peanut butter and butter until smooth. Then beat in the powdered sugar and vanilla. Roll into balls. Chill. Dip in Chocolate. Chill and enjoy. But there are a few handy tips I can give to make the process a bit easier.

First, use a heavy duty mixer. It makes beating the powdered sugar in much easier. I’m eyeing a Bosch Mixer like my mom has, which was the best. A Kitchen Aide is what I have and will do the trick with the cookie paddle. I’ve also used a large bowl, wooden spoon and some arm muscle with good results.

buckeyes on a christmas candy plate

Why are my buckeyes dry and crumbly?

First, carefully measure the ingredients to get the correct ratios. This recipe is tried and true for thousands, so don’t try and change it. The trick is to keep beating it until it’s smooth. Don’t quit too early. It can take 5-10 minutes of beating, depending on your mixing method to completely combine the peanut butter and powdered sugar, so keep beating it and it will probably come together.

The humidity and quality of ingredients can also make a difference, so if it isn’t smooth after beating well, add a tablespoon of peanut butter at a time until it is smooth.

Why are my buckeyes sticky?

This could be because it’s a very humid day or the brand of the ingredients. To fix this, add more powdered sugar, 1/4 cup at a time until it is firm and dry enough to roll between your palms.

Do you have any tips for dipping buckeyes in chocolate?

Freeze your peanut butter balls before dipping. It makes them much easier to work with and keeps them from melting when dipped in the warm chocolate. Also, have everything set up with plenty of space before you begin.Have a cookie sheet lined with wax paper to set the buckeyes on after dipping.

How to melt chocolate for buckeyes

There are several ways to melt the chocolate and dip the buckeyes. You can melt the chocolate in the microwave in 15-second intervals, stirring in between until smooth. Or you can use a double boiler to melt the chocolate on the stove over low heat.

Or my favorite method is to use a crockpot little dipper melting pot. This melts the chocolate in 20 minutes and keeps a consistent temperature the whole time you are dipping. It’s also a fairly narrow and deep container, which allows you to use less chocolate.

Also, be sure to chill your peanut butter balls or even freeze them before dipping. This keeps them from melting when they are dipping in the warm chocolate. Much easier to work with.

dipping buckeyes in chocolate

How to dip buckeyes in chocolate

My favorite way is with a toothpick. Simply stab each ball with a toothpick and dip in chocolate. This works best if the peanut butter balls are frozen first. Otherwise, they will tend to fall off the toothpick when pulling them out of the chocolate.

This method does make holes in the top of the buckeyes. But after the chocolate has set on the buckeyes, you can pinch the holes closed if you care.

How to dip buckeyes in chocolate without toothpicks

I’ve used a fork with moderate success. Simply place the peanut butter ball on the fork and lower into the chocolate. however, it’s hard to get the right amount of chocolate coverage for buckeyes. I’ve heard some people use a fancy chocolate dipping set with good results, but I’ve never tried it. Let me know in the comments if you do.

buckeye being dipped in chocolate with a fork

Is this a Buckeye recipe with paraffin wax?

Yes, paraffin helps the chocolate melt smoothly and set up nice and firm. You can make the buckeyes without if you prefer. I’ve done it lots of times, but the paraffin does make it easier and doesn’t affect the taste at all.

How should I store buckeye candy?

Some people say buckeyes are sugary enough to leave on the counter. However, for food safety, I prefer storing them in refrigerator or freezer. They will keep in the refrigerator for up to a week or in the freezer for several weeks.

Do Buckeyes need to be refrigerated?

Yes, storing them in the fridge is best. After dipping, let them set and the move them to a tightly covered container before placing in the fridge. They will keep up to a week.

Can I freeze Buckeyes?

Yes, they will keep several weeks in the freezer. Simply, let the chocolate set, and then move them to a tightly sealed container in the freezer. They will keep longer, but the quality starts to decline after several weeks.

How long to Buckeyes stay fresh?

A day or two on the counter. Up to a week in refrigerator. Or up to two months in the freezer. They are a great make-ahead Christmas candy because they store so well.

buckeyes on a plate

Let me know if you try this buckeye candy recipe and how it turned out. They are a family favorite for us.

 

Buckeyes (Peanut Butter Balls)

Yield: about 40
Prep Time: 1 hour
Additional Time: 2 hours
Total Time: 3 hours
Buckeyes, also known as Peanut Butter Balls have a smooth peanut butter center and are dipped in chocolate for a fun treat.

Ingredients

  • 12 oz (1 1/2 cups) creamy peanut butter
  • 1/2 cup butter, softened
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla
  • 1 pound (4 cups) powdered sugar
  • 16 ounces semi sweet chocolate (you can use chocolate chips or your favorite brand of dark chocolate)
  • 1/4 cup shaved paraffin wax.

Instructions

In the bowl of a mixer, beat peanut butter and butter. Stir in vanilla. Add powdered sugar and beat on low speed until smooth. This may take several minutes

Roll into 1 inch balls and place in the freezer for at least 1 hour.

Place the chocolate and paraffin wax in a deep bowl and microwave for 10-15 seconds at a time, stirring between intervals, until melted. (you can also use a double boiler or chocolate melting pot to melt the chocolate).

Dip the chilled peanut butter balls three fourths of the way into the melted chocolate and place on a wax paper lined cookie sheet until chocolate is set.

Store in the fridge or the freezer.

Nutrition Information:
Yield: 40 Serving Size: 1 buckeye
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 127 Total Fat: 6g Saturated Fat: 4g Trans Fat: 0g Unsaturated Fat: 2g Cholesterol: 6mg Sodium: 22mg Carbohydrates: 19g Fiber: 1g Sugar: 18g Protein: 1g
Nutrition information may vary significantly based on ingredients used and portion sizes. We are not responsible the reliability of this data or your reliance on it. We are not responsible for the results of any recipe you try from this blog/website, Chocolatewithgrace.com. Your results may vary due to differences in ingredients, humidity, altitude, cooking temperatures, errors, or individual cooking abilities.
© Mallory
Cuisine: American / Category: Dessert
Buckeyes Peanut Butter Balls l Christmas Candy recipe

 I have several other fun buckeye inspired treats on my blog. Be sure to try these too!

Peanut Butter Pretzel Buckeyes

Peanut Butter Pretzel Buckeyes | Salty Sweet Christmas treats perfect for christmas candy, cookie exchanges and swaps and just to eat year round.

Buckeye Brownie Bites

Chocolate Peanut Butter Acorns, just like buckeyes, only shaped like acorns!

Chocolate Peanut Butter Acorns | Peanut Butter Balls for fall | Buckeye candy only an acorn shape | A perfect kids dessert for thanksgiving

For more peanut butter and chocolate recipes check out:

Peanut Butter Stuffed Rice Krispie Treats – How fun!

This delicious Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake

and these totally addicting Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars

 

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All, Cookies candy, chocolate, Christmas, peanut butter

About Mallory

Hi, I'm Mallory and I
create simple desserts,
treats and everyday
meals for busy moms.
The recipes I share use
everyday ingredients and
techniques, sometimes
in fun new ways.

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Amber @ Dessert Now, Dinner Later! says

    December 27, 2014 at 4:35 pm

    These are one of my favorite holiday candies! So easy, and totally addicting!

    Reply
    • Megan says

      November 21, 2018 at 8:46 pm

      Good recipe however I only needed 2 1/3 cups of powdered sugar 🙂

      Reply
  2. Kelli Alverson says

    October 2, 2015 at 12:44 pm

    Hi Mallory! These are one of my favorite treats as well. I have been making making them for years, but never thought of putting them in the freezer. I’m just wondering how you dip the peanut butter balls in the chocolate? Yours look so perfect, and there are no toothpick holes or fingerprints. Also, how do you get your peanut butter balls to come out so uniform in size?

    Reply
    • Jessica says

      October 31, 2015 at 11:49 am

      I just made these and for me after they came out of the freezer I stuck a toothpick in them and dipped them then after you put them on the sheet you just use your finger to move the peanut butter around a little bit to cover up the hole.

      Reply
      • Arthur says

        February 13, 2017 at 10:51 am

        That’s what I do also, IF I can stop from eating them

        Reply
  3. Nancy says

    October 30, 2015 at 1:41 pm

    I am wondering exactly what Kelli is wondering……how you dip without making a hole? your cookies are PERFECT!

    Reply
  4. Olivia says

    November 25, 2015 at 10:27 am

    I’m hoping to make these for Thanksgiving dessert! But I have a 3 hour drive, will they hold up okay?

    Reply
    • Mallory says

      November 25, 2015 at 1:14 pm

      Yes. They should. You could pack them with ice just to be sure

      Reply
  5. Zarina says

    December 5, 2015 at 4:19 pm

    Is there a way I can melt the chocolate without using a microwave?

    Reply
    • Mary Haroldsen says

      July 1, 2016 at 6:55 pm

      My mom used to use a double boiler in the bottom pot water in the top she’d put the chocolate chips. Seems to work the same. I never knew you could use the microwave.

      Reply
      • Tari Herron says

        December 26, 2017 at 10:52 am

        I learned to make them in the early 70’s using a Double Boiler to melt chocolate! No microwaves then! Blessings! Microwave would be less messy!! ?

        Reply
  6. Deb says

    December 11, 2015 at 8:19 pm

    Once you dip the buckeye in chocolate, wait for them to set and then you simply go over the toothpick hole with another toothpick.

    Reply
  7. dominic Grillo says

    September 26, 2016 at 3:22 pm

    I use same recipe to make peanut butter EASTER EGGS . ( All SIZES ) BEEN doing it for years . Tried many different Chocolate coatings, and found one few years ago at BATH and BEYOND which works great. FOUNTAIN FORMULA Ready Microwaveable. Dominic Grillo Dunedin Fl.

    Reply
    • Mallory says

      September 26, 2016 at 9:08 pm

      Thanks for the tip Dominic

      Reply
  8. Lisa says

    November 15, 2016 at 2:08 pm

    Have you ever used shortening to thin the chocolate? I’ve seen this used a few times, but I never have when making truffles (and this is so similar!) What are your thoughts?

    Reply
    • Mallory says

      November 17, 2016 at 9:04 pm

      Yes. I have done that too.

      Reply
    • Jeni says

      December 17, 2016 at 8:27 am

      My Grandma taught me to use a bit of paraffin to thin the chocolate.

      Reply
      • Kim says

        October 13, 2017 at 10:44 am

        Yes me too is give it a lil shine. Love making these it just brings back the fun memories of helping grandma every holiday

        Reply
      • Maggie Sanford says

        November 22, 2017 at 2:06 pm

        Can you tell me how to use parrifin to smooth out chocolate, and what kind of parrifin?

        Reply
      • Tari Herron says

        December 26, 2017 at 10:58 am

        I learned to make them in the early 70’s using a Double Boiler to melt chocolate! No microwaves then! Blessings! Microwave would be less messy!! ?. I used the parroting also. Helped the chocolate to stick on the Peanutbutter Balls too!

        Reply
  9. Gina Isoldi says

    December 2, 2016 at 8:28 am

    I made this recipe. Big hit!! Where do you store after and how long are they good for after?

    Reply
  10. Christie says

    December 4, 2016 at 5:10 pm

    My mixture came out very powdery. Any tips?

    Reply
  11. Julie says

    December 7, 2016 at 9:43 pm

    I have used shortening to thin the chocolate and it wasn’t good. It changed the flavor of the chocolate and no one in my office would eat them. We pitched most of them. 🙁 I haven’t made them since and that was 5 years ago. I’m trying again this year this recipe. Hope it turns out better.

    Reply
    • Jenn McCarty says

      November 25, 2017 at 5:45 am

      I’ve been making them for years. I put about a 1/2 teaspoon of vegetable oil in the chocolate and it makes them super smooth and shiny, also doesn’t change the taste.

      Reply
  12. Lisa says

    December 12, 2016 at 11:40 am

    Hi Mallory, how do you store these and for how long? Thank you ~ 🙂

    Reply
    • Mallory says

      December 13, 2016 at 7:33 pm

      The can be stored for a few days in the refrigerator. But to keep them longer (up to a few weeks) I freeze them.

      Reply
  13. lia says

    December 15, 2016 at 6:23 pm

    my mix turned out too sticky to form balls. what do you recommend?

    Reply
    • Mallory says

      December 16, 2016 at 4:39 pm

      Hi Lia. I would add enough powdered sugar until you can handle them enough to roll

      Reply
  14. Sarah says

    December 17, 2016 at 11:28 am

    About how many buckeyes does this make?
    I am in a cookie exchange and will need to make about 6 dozen cookies!

    Reply
  15. Smith says

    December 23, 2016 at 1:06 am

    This recipe needs more peanut buttter and more butter or less powered sugar.
    1 pound is like 3 1/2 – 4 cups. That’s a lot compared to other recipes. I had to add a couple more spoons of peanut butter and a half a stick more of butter. The combination just doesn’t work out. Probably could have used 2 sticks of butter, like others I found.
    Just add the powdered sugar slow an d stop when it gets clumpy. It taste good, but all peanut butter and chocolate does!!!

    Reply
  16. Brenda says

    December 23, 2016 at 5:39 pm

    My centers turned out very soft. I probably didn’t add enough powdered sugar. My sugar was in a storage container (not the original bag) and I don’t have a scale so I had to estimate. Can you tell me about how many cups the 1 pound would be?

    Reply
  17. Karen says

    December 24, 2016 at 9:15 am

    I thought I would try these since the recipe looked so simple. Needless to say I was disappointed. I followed the recipe word for word and just ended up frustrated and actually tossed them out. The chocolate wax way to thick when I tried to dip the peanut butter balls they fell apart. I even made my peanut butter balls up last night and left them in the refrigerator over night.

    Reply
  18. peggy says

    January 3, 2017 at 7:34 pm

    My peanut butter balls are in the freezer waiting fir chocolate. I so hope they turn out.

    Reply
  19. Marcia Loftin says

    April 9, 2017 at 12:44 pm

    I found the easiest way to dip candy was not with a toothpick but with a plastic fork, ( you break the center two prongs off, leaving the two outside prongs, set candy ball on fork and dip, the extra coating will drip back into the bowl. then just set it on waxed paper. (NO HOLE) It also works good for dipping pretzels, you can hook the pretzel over a prong. I make bon bons this way too.

    Reply
    • Peggy Hathcock says

      November 29, 2018 at 10:52 pm

      That is an awesome idea! I have had problems in the past trying to cover them with chocolate. This will alleviate the headaches.

      Reply
  20. Brittany says

    April 19, 2017 at 4:49 pm

    I agree with some of the other comments, the ratios were not right. My mix ended up way too powdered almost like sand. So I decided to press it into the pan and see if it will make bars. Also, the peanut butter texture could make a difference, or melting the butter might help.

    Reply
  21. Ginger K. says

    October 27, 2017 at 5:36 pm

    I have made these for years. I have used a different recipe of 1 lb butter, 2 lbs peanut butter, and 3 lbs of confectioners sugar. It comes very close to perfect every time except when the humidity is high. One person asked about a 6 dozen batch, this will do it. For those too sticky, ass more sugar and if it is crumbly, you’ve added too much sugar. Also when you melt your chocolate, melt paraffin was with the chocolate. This gives it a beautiful gloss and does not change the flavor. Hope this helps.

    Reply
    • Maggie Sanford says

      November 22, 2017 at 2:15 pm

      What kind of paraffin did you use? How nuch?

      Reply
    • Shirley Baird says

      December 10, 2017 at 8:16 pm

      Well what is your recipe. Whole thing. I absolutely can’t afford to waste money on bad recipes. I am using these for gifts

      Reply
  22. Patty Fisher says

    December 16, 2017 at 7:01 pm

    I just made the balls, and the mixture was very powdery. I had to really work to form a ball. What did I do wrong?

    Reply
  23. Gloria M says

    December 23, 2017 at 7:30 pm

    Your story is funny because I have a brother who married somebody from the Buckeye State and he’s from New England and we have of course called them peanut butter balls I guess that happens more often than not. It is definitely one of our favorites

    Reply
  24. Dgreen says

    April 15, 2018 at 6:04 pm

    Do you melt or soften the butter before mixing it with the peanut butter?

    Reply
    • Mallory says

      April 17, 2018 at 6:01 am

      I soften it.

      Reply
  25. Sabrina says

    September 1, 2018 at 11:13 am

    These are a Christmas staple for us to have around the house but I really don’t want to wait that long this year! Too good!

    Reply
  26. Julie Blanner says

    September 1, 2018 at 6:19 pm

    Such a classic treat! I love the sweet and salty combo!

    Reply
  27. Alli says

    September 2, 2018 at 1:30 am

    These look epically delicious. I was just craving these yesterday and I’m 100% making this recipe!

    Reply
  28. Sarah Walker Caron says

    September 6, 2018 at 6:44 am

    I love peanut butter anything and I have seen recipes for Buckeye Balls all over but I love how you’ve taken the time to explain so much about the process and best practices. Thank you!

    Reply
  29. Aimee Shugarman says

    November 13, 2018 at 4:35 pm

    These are a holiday favorite.

    Reply
  30. Amy Locurto says

    November 13, 2018 at 5:39 pm

    These are always a hit at the party!

    Reply
  31. Kara says

    November 13, 2018 at 7:55 pm

    These are so easy and sinfully delicious! I didn’t have paraffin, so I added a little coconut oil instead. Worked perfectly!

    Reply
  32. Anna says

    November 13, 2018 at 8:12 pm

    I make these every year for the holidays! So good!

    Reply
  33. Amanda says

    November 22, 2018 at 7:19 pm

    This recipe ratio is way off… I follow the measurements exactly and still have crumbs.. Adding peanut butter has not helped.. UGHH! Just wasted money…

    Reply
    • Mallory says

      November 26, 2018 at 10:43 pm

      A couple questions for troubleshooting, did you measure your ingredients by weight or volume? And did you use a stand mixer, like a kitchen aid?

      Reply
  34. Lrs says

    November 26, 2018 at 12:23 am

    In your post, under “Do Buckeyes need to be refrigerated?” You said they will keep several weeks in the fridge, but under “How long do Buckeyes stay fresh?” You said up to a week in the refrigerator. Which is right? Thanks!

    Reply
    • Mallory says

      November 26, 2018 at 10:45 pm

      It should be a week in the refrigerator and several weeks in the freezer. I updated the post. Thanks for catching.

      Reply
  35. Kitchie says

    December 7, 2018 at 7:44 pm

    Where on the package does it say paraffin is edible?

    Reply
    • Mallory says

      December 8, 2018 at 10:36 pm

      You’ll want to get the food grade paraffin wax. They often sell it by the canning supplies.

      Reply
  36. Cindy veness says

    December 9, 2018 at 2:53 pm

    I don’t use Hershey chocolate bars, nor paraffin. I use merckens chocolate wafers , it has the paraffin it

    Reply
  37. Rebecca Orr says

    December 14, 2018 at 4:10 pm

    Mine are headed for the freezer right now! I was following the recipe exactly until I was adding the powdered sugar in gradually and realized I wasnt going to need 4 cups. I am pretty aure I used 2 1/2 cups or maybe 3. They rolled up great. Not too sticky and crumbly at all. I will be adding a bit coconut oil to my chocolate when I melt it instead of parafin wax. But that is just a personal preferance.

    Reply
  38. Janice Head says

    December 20, 2018 at 2:22 pm

    I couldnt find the recipe for the buckeye balls on the site, can u give me the link?

    Reply
  39. Candy says

    December 21, 2018 at 3:19 pm

    I had to use less powdered sugar…around 3 cups or a little less.

    Reply
  40. Nancy C says

    December 21, 2018 at 5:36 pm

    I just finished the Buckeyes. I used a candle warmer to heat the chocolate and paraffin. It worked well for me. Better than the dance with the microwave. I used my newly acquired scale to weigh the paraffin but I think I will reduce the amount by a small amount next time. The coating seemed a little to waxy. My peanut butter mix really worked my mixer but I had no trouble rolling the first balls. As I got to the last of the bowl they didn’t want to be smooth so I held the ball in the palm of my had to warm it a little and it did the trick, nice and smooth. I did double dip in the chocolate with some of the larger balls so the chocolate ratio would be more like the smaller ones. I found that the toothpicks that were tapered worked best with the larger end in the p-nut ball. The one with the thinner end fell off the toothpick as I dipped them.
    Thank you for this recipe. I lived in Ohio for many years but had never made Buckeyes because so many other people made them I didn’t have to.

    Reply
  41. Valarie M says

    December 25, 2018 at 6:04 pm

    Can you use the extra crunchy peanut butter in place of creamy?

    Reply
    • Mallory says

      January 3, 2019 at 3:55 pm

      It will change the texture, but it should work. You may need to add a bit more peanut butter.

      Reply
  42. Christine says

    December 29, 2018 at 1:41 pm

    Waaaaay too much confectioners sugar. Need them for tonight and they are ruined. Find a better recipe.

    Reply
    • Mallory says

      January 3, 2019 at 3:53 pm

      Hi Christine, did you try adding a a couple more tablespoons of peanut butter? That can help. See the post for more instructions. I also recommend using a stand mixer, because most of the time when I get complaints that they are too dry it is a simple matter of them needed more mixing time.

      Reply

Trackbacks

  1. Homemade Christmas Gifts That’ll Save You Money – Kenai Organic Farms says:
    December 15, 2018 at 3:32 am

    […] butter balls (not much difference, but it’s a state treasure so we won’t argue). These little balls of chocolate and PB are melt-in-your-mouth good and so easy to make—just try not to eat the […]

    Reply
  2. The Yule Log Channel – TechCrunch says:
    December 24, 2018 at 8:41 am

    […] of those old coal and steel towns. There would be plates of cookies and plenty of ginger ale and Buckeyes, the best candy on earth. There were jars of pretzels and nuts here and there, a sprinkling of […]

    Reply

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Hi, I'm Mallory and I
create simple desserts,
treats and everyday
meals for busy moms.
The recipes I share use
everyday ingredients and
techniques, sometimes
in fun new ways.

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