We have many reasons to thank Ohio. Some of its most-famous residents have created the lightbulb, the airplane and even chewing gum. But our favorite invention from Ohio is buckeye candy (OK, maybe after the lightbulb and airplane). These little balls of peanut butter-chocolate heaven are pure bliss.
Buckeyes are such an iconic recipe from Ohio that they’ve sparked inspiration into other creations like our buckeye pie, our contest-winning buckeye doughnut holes and our giant buckeye cookie. But don’t get overwhelmed by the options. We’ll show you how to make buckeyes from scratch before you take a crack at any of the spinoffs!
Buckeyes Ingredients
- Confectioners’ sugar: Since this is a no-bake recipe, confectioners’ sugar is used as it dissolves more easily, whereas granulated sugar needs heat to dissolve its larger, crunchy granules.
- Peanut butter: The best peanut butter to use for a buckeyes recipe is a smooth, no-stir peanut butter.
- Butter: Since there are so few ingredients in this recipe, it’s best to use high-quality ingredients. You’ll really be able to taste the difference, especially with the butter. These are our Test Kitchen’s favorite butter brands for baking (to make the choice easier on you!).
- Semisweet chocolate chips: Not too sweet, not too dry—that’s semisweet! See what our Test Kitchen pros deemed the best chocolate chip brands at the store.
- Shortening: A little shortening thins out the chocolate and makes it nice and glossy. You can sub in coconut oil if that’s all you have.
Directions
Step 1: Make the dough
In a large bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to beat the sugar, peanut butter and melted butter until everything is smooth. Scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl to make sure everything is well incorporated.
Step 2: Shape into balls, and chill
Pinch off enough of the dough to roll it into a 1-inch ball. Roll the dough in the palms of your hands until the ball is completely smooth. Repeat with the rest of the dough. Refrigerate the dough balls for 20 minutes.
Step 3: Melt the chocolate
Microwave the chocolate and shortening on high until melted. Stir until smooth.
Editor’s Tip: To avoid burning the chocolate, microwave in 5- to 10-second bursts, and give it a good stir every time. It may feel tedious to do this, but chocolate can burn very easily in the microwave.
Step 4: Dip in chocolate
Line a baking sheet with parchment or waxed paper. Insert a toothpick into a peanut butter ball. Holding the toothpick, dip the peanut butter ball three-quarters of the way in the chocolate. Allow the excess to drip off, then place on the lined baking sheet. Remove the toothpick, and insert it into the next peanut butter ball. Repeat the process with the remaining peanut butter balls.
Editor’s Tip: Use a small knife to carefully smooth over the toothpick indent if you find them unsightly.
Step 5: Chill
Refrigerate the buckeyes until the chocolate has set and the balls are firm, about 15 minutes. Place the buckeyes in an airtight container, and store in the fridge.
Recipe Variations
- Swap out the peanut butter: If you’re not a fan of peanut butter, almond butter can just as easily be substituted. Allergic to nuts? Use sunflower seed butter instead.
- Dip in your favorite chocolate: You’re not limited to just semisweet chocolate for our buckeyes recipe. Melt your favorite chocolate, whether it’s milk, dark or white. Just remember that it’s pairing with peanut butter, so choose wisely!
- Make ‘em crispy: A common ingredient cooks add to their buckeyes is Rice Krispies. This makes the buckeyes have more texture so they aren’t one-dimensional.
- Sprinkle with flaky salt: Buckeyes have a lot of sweet ingredients, but a tiny sprinkling of flaky salt (like Maldon) breaks up the monotony and creates depth. Sprinkle just a small pinch of the flakes on top before the chocolate sets.
How to Store Buckeyes
Place the buckeyes in an airtight container, and keep them in the fridge for up to five days. They’re the perfect little treat whenever the mood strikes.
Can you freeze buckeyes?
Yes, you can freeze buckeyes! Once the chocolate has set, place them in an airtight container or resealable bag. Store them in the freezer for up to two months. Let thaw overnight in the fridge.
Buckeyes Tips
What is a buckeye?
A buckeye is a nut that comes from the buckeye tree. The nut is dark brown and shiny, with a small, tan-colored patch. Because of the buckeye’s prominence in Ohio (aka “the Buckeye State”), buckeye candy was created to mimic the look of the nut.
How can I keep the chocolate warm and melted while dipping?
Taking the bowl in and out of the microwave can become too tedious after a while. Instead, try a different way to melt chocolate and keep it warm. We love using a bain-marie (translation: a double boiler) or a water bath, or simply melting the chocolate in a slow-cooker and keeping it on low. Just make sure that water doesn’t get in the chocolate, or it will seize up and be ruined.
