Name: Peanut Butter Buckeyes Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: ¾ cup (203 g) peanut butter; ¼ cup (57 g) unsalted butter, room temperature; ½ teaspoon vanilla extract; ¼ teaspoon salt; 3 cups (342 g) confectioner’s sugar; 10 ounces (284 g) dark chocolate melting wafers

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Introduction

Peanut Butter Buckeyes are a classic American treat that perfectly combines creamy peanut butter with rich dark chocolate. These bite-sized candies are simple to make and irresistible to enjoy at any occasion or as a sweet snack.

The image shows six round chocolate-covered treats with a smooth, dark brown chocolate outer layer forming a thick shell. Each treat has a light beige, slightly textured peanut butter filling visible at the top center, creating a clear contrast with the chocolate. The treats are placed on a light wooden surface with a soft red textured cloth blurred in the background. The chocolate outer layer is glossy and has a firm appearance, while the peanut butter center looks soft and creamy. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

¾ cup (203 g) peanut butter
¼ cup (57 g) unsalted butter, room temperature
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
¼ teaspoon salt
3 cups (342 g) confectioner’s sugar
10 ounces (284 g) dark chocolate melting wafers

Instructions

Step 1: In a bowl, combine the peanut butter, unsalted butter, and vanilla extract. Stir until the mixture is creamy and well blended.
Step 2: Add salt and confectioner’s sugar, one cup at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition. The mixture will become very thick, resembling a dough.
Step 3: Roll the dough into one-inch balls and place them on a baking sheet lined with wax paper. Chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes or in the freezer for 15 minutes.
Step 4: Melt the dark chocolate wafers in a microwave-safe bowl using 30-second intervals, stirring well after each, until smooth.
Step 5: Remove the peanut butter balls from the refrigerator. Pierce each ball halfway through with a toothpick and dip about two-thirds of the ball into the melted chocolate, leaving the top exposed.
Step 6: Lift the dipped ball out and gently shake off excess chocolate. Place it back onto the baking sheet. Repeat with all the peanut butter balls.
Step 7: Let the coated buckeyes harden at room temperature for 30 minutes or chill in the refrigerator for 10 minutes before serving.

Tips & Variations

Keep the peanut butter balls cold before dipping to ensure the chocolate coats smoothly without melting the candy inside.
If the chocolate starts to thicken while dipping, microwave it for 10 seconds and stir to maintain a smooth consistency.
For allergy-friendly options, substitute peanut butter with almond butter or sunflower seed butter.
Using a cookie scoop helps create uniformly sized buckeyes, which makes for more even dipping and presentation.

Storage

Store buckeyes in a tightly sealed container in the refrigerator for up to one month. For longer storage, freeze them for up to three months; however, be aware that freezing and thawing may cause a white streaky bloom on the chocolate surface, which is harmless.

How to Serve

The image shows three round chocolate treats placed in a row on a wooden board, each consisting of two layers. The bottom layer is a smooth, dark brown chocolate shell with a matte finish, forming a round cup shape with an even base. The top layer is a pale yellow creamy filling that rises slightly above the chocolate shell, with a soft, slightly rough texture. A blurred red knitted fabric is in the background, while the surface beneath the wooden board is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use milk chocolate instead of dark chocolate?

Yes, milk chocolate or semi-sweet chocolate can be used as a substitute based on your preference, though dark chocolate provides a nice balance to the sweetness of the peanut butter filling.

How should I prevent the peanut butter balls from melting during dipping?

Make sure to keep the peanut butter balls chilled until just before dipping. If they become too warm, place them back in the refrigerator for a few minutes. Working quickly and dipping in small batches also helps maintain their shape.