Buckeye Balls

Buckeye Balls (also just called buckeyes) take me right back to my childhood! These chocolate-dipped peanut butter candies are a true Midwestern classic, and they were a favorite no-bake treat when I was a kid. My mom made buckeye candy every Christmas season, and it always felt special for our whole family.

Here's the quick version of how they come together. This old-fashioned buckeye candy starts with a creamy peanut butter center made from peanut butter, butter, vanilla, a pinch of salt and powdered sugar. Then each ball gets dipped in melted semi-sweet chocolate, with a circle of peanut butter left peeking out on top. You just mix, roll, chill and dip. There's no baking at all, and one batch makes about 45 buckeyes.

Why They're Called Buckeye Balls

Buckeyes are named after the nut of the Ohio buckeye tree, which is Ohio's state tree. The real nut is shiny dark brown with a light tan spot on one side, and that's exactly what these look like when you leave a little peanut butter showing. (Just don't snack on the real ones, because buckeye nuts are poisonous!) Here in Ohio, they're a staple for anyone who loves the Ohio State Buckeyes.

Shh... don't tell anyone, but I'm not actually much of an Ohio State fan. This Ohio girl is a graduate of Ohio University. Go Bobcats!

You'll also hear buckeyes called peanut butter buckeyes, buckeye peanut butter balls or chocolate peanut butter balls. The difference is in the dip. Buckeyes are only partly coated so the peanut butter shows. Plain peanut butter balls are usually covered in chocolate all the way around.

Why You'll Love Them

• No oven needed. Everything happens in a mixing bowl and a pan of simmering water, which is a big help when the oven is full of baking during the holiday season.
• Seven simple ingredients. Most of them are pantry staples, so you probably have them on hand right now.
• One batch makes a lot. About 45 buckeyes is plenty for Christmas cookie trays, cookie exchanges and little holiday gift boxes.
• They're easy to make ahead. They keep in the fridge for a week or two and freeze well, too.

Ingredients You'll Need

• Creamy peanut butter: 1½ cups. Use a regular no-stir creamy brand, not natural or crunchy peanut butter. Natural peanut butter separates and makes the dough too soft and oily to roll.
• Butter: ½ cup, softened to room temperature, so it beats smoothly into the peanut butter.
• Vanilla and salt: 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract and just ⅛ teaspoon of salt round out the peanut butter flavor.
• Confectioners' sugar: 3½ cups of powdered sugar turns the peanut butter mixture into a firm dough you can roll.
• Semi-sweet chocolate chips: 3 cups for dipping.
• Vegetable shortening: 1 tablespoon melted into the chocolate thins it, so it coats the peanut butter balls smoothly and sets into a shiny chocolate shell.

How to Make Buckeye Balls

Step one: In a large bowl, beat the peanut butter, butter, vanilla and salt with an electric mixer or stand mixer until light and fluffy. Beat in the confectioners' sugar a little at a time until it's well combined.

Step two: Roll the peanut butter dough into 1-inch balls, using about 2 teaspoons for each one. Set them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or wax paper and chill them for at least 30 minutes, so they hold their shape when you dip them.

Step three: Melt the chocolate chips and shortening together in a double boiler over low heat, stirring often, until smooth and creamy. A small metal bowl set over a small saucepan of simmering water works as a double boiler. Transfer the chocolate to a small bowl for dipping.

Step four: Next, push a toothpick into the center of each ball from the top and dip it into the chocolate, leaving a circle of peanut butter showing on top. Let the excess chocolate drip off, set it back on the baking sheet and pull out the toothpick.

Step five: Finally, refrigerate the buckeye balls until the chocolate is set.

Once the toothpick comes out, there's a tiny toothpick hole on the top of the buckeyes. You can smooth it over with a fingertip while the chocolate is still soft, or just leave it. Nobody will mind.

My Best Tips

• Dough too dry or crumbly? Beat in another spoonful of peanut butter until it holds together when you squeeze it.
• Dough too soft or sticky? Add a little more powdered sugar, a tablespoon at a time, or chill the dough for a few minutes before you roll it.
• Keep the balls cold. If they start to soften during the dipping process, put the tray back in the fridge for a few minutes. Cold balls stay on the toothpick much better.
• Keep water away from the chocolate. Even a drop of water can make melted chocolate seize and turn thick and grainy. For that reason, keep the heat low and stir often.
• Dip in a small, deep bowl. It's easier to get an even coat when the bowl of melted chocolate is deep. Tip the bowl to one side as it runs low.

Easy Swaps

• Milk or dark chocolate: Use the same amount of milk chocolate or dark chocolate chips in place of semisweet chocolate.
• Chocolate melting wafers or almond bark: They melt smoothly and set firm on their own, so you can skip the shortening.

How to Store and Freeze Buckeyes

• Refrigerator: Store buckeyes in an airtight container, with wax paper between the layers. They should keep for 1 to 2 weeks.
• Freezer: Freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet until firm, then move them to a freezer-safe container for 2 to 3 months. Thaw them in the fridge.
• Serving: They hold their shape best when they're cool, so set them out shortly before a party.
• Make ahead: Because they keep so well, you can make a batch up to a week before a cookie exchange or holiday party.

If you're filling a holiday cookie tray or a holiday dessert table, buckeyes fit right in next to my Easy Peanut Butter Fudge, Cookie Dough Truffles and Peanut Butter No-Bake Cookies.

Buckeye Balls FAQs

What is the recipe for old-fashioned buckeye balls?

This easy buckeye recipe is the classic one: peanut butter, butter, vanilla and powdered sugar rolled into balls and dipped in chocolate. Many older recipes melted paraffin wax into the chocolate to make it shiny. Shortening does the same job and is easier to find.

Can I make buckeyes without a double boiler?

Yes, you can microwave chocolate chips instead. Melt chocolate chips and shortening in a microwave-safe bowl at 50% power in 30-second bursts, stirring after each one, until smooth.

Do buckeyes need to be refrigerated?

They're fine on a party tray for a few hours, but store them in the fridge. The butter in the centers makes them soft if they sit out too long.

How many buckeyes does this recipe make?

About 45, using about 2 teaspoons of dough for each ball.

Are you a buckeye fan too? I'd love to hear in the comments if they were a treat in your house growing up. Everything you need is in the recipe card below.

More Easy Holiday Candy

• 2 Ingredient Peanut Butter Fudge
• Easy 3 Ingredient Fudge
• Old-Fashioned Pecan Pralines
• Crock Pot Candied Nuts
• Easy Peanut Butter Pie