Buckeyes, also known as chocolate peanut butter balls, are one of the simplest and most beloved holiday candies to make. These bite-sized treats are made from sweet, creamy peanut butter formed into small balls and dipped in melted chocolate—no baking required.
They’re an essential part of many Christmas cookie trays and often disappear quickly. In my house they’re usually the first to go. Like chocolate peanut butter no-bake cookies, this recipe is easy enough for novice bakers and kids to help with: mix, shape, chill, then dip in chocolate.
After shaping the peanut butter mixture into balls, chill them so they are firm for dipping. The chocolate needs to set before enjoying, and placing the finished candies in the freezer helps them harden quickly. Once firm, package them on a cookie tray or wrap them as edible gifts for friends, family, or service workers.
The Difference Between Buckeyes & Chocolate Peanut Butter Balls
The names come from appearance. Ohio is known as the Buckeye State because of the buckeye tree’s round dark seeds with a lighter tan center that resembles a deer’s eye. When you dip a peanut butter ball in chocolate but leave a small circle at the top exposed, it resembles that seed—hence “Buckeyes.” If you fully coat the ball in chocolate, they’re typically called Chocolate Peanut Butter Balls. Either way, they’re irresistible if you enjoy the chocolate-and-peanut-butter combo.
Recipe Tips
1. Butter
Use unsalted butter for this recipe. The peanut butter mixture is already sweet and rich, so added salt isn’t necessary. Make sure the butter is softened to room temperature before mixing—about an hour at typical room temperature. If you need to soften butter quickly, heat a tall microwave-safe glass of water for one minute, pour out the water, stand the stick of butter upright, and cover it with the warm glass for a few minutes. That will soften the butter without melting it.
2. Peanut Butter
Use standard creamy peanut butter (not the all-natural variety that separates). The classic, sweet grocery-store peanut butter helps the candy set properly and gives the familiar texture and flavor these treats are known for.
3. Paraffin Wax
Adding a small amount of food-grade paraffin wax to melted chocolate gives a glossy finish and helps prevent the chocolate from melting too easily in your hand. You can usually find paraffin in larger grocery stores or in the canning aisle near mason jars and lids. If you prefer, chocolate wafers are an alternative and may give a similar finish without using paraffin.
When using paraffin, shave off about one-third of a block and add it to the chocolate for shine. If you use chocolate wafers, they often melt smoothly on their own and eliminate the need for paraffin.
Buckeyes (Chocolate Peanut Butter Balls)
*Measurements and the full printable recipe are available in the recipe card below. Read the tips and instructions for best results.
INGREDIENTS
- 2 sticks of butter, room temperature
- 2 cups creamy peanut butter (not all natural)
- 1 ½ lbs powdered sugar
- 12 oz semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1/3 block paraffin, shaved (optional) or chocolate wafers
INSTRUCTIONS
In a large bowl, combine the room-temperature butter, creamy peanut butter, and powdered sugar. Mix with a hand or stand mixer until the mixture looks like cookie dough.
Use a small cookie scoop or a spoon to portion the dough and roll each portion into a smooth ball with your palms. Aim for about the size of a large gumball so they’re easy to dip.
Arrange the balls on a baking sheet lined with wax paper, leaving about 1/2 inch between each. Place the tray in the freezer for 15–30 minutes until the balls are firm.
Melt The Chocolate
Set up a double boiler and add the chocolate chips and the shaved paraffin (if using). Heat, stirring frequently, until the chocolate is smooth and glossy. Remove the peanut butter balls from the freezer.
To create Buckeyes, insert a toothpick into the top of each chilled ball, dip the ball into the melted chocolate while leaving a small circle at the top exposed, then gently remove the toothpick and smooth any hole with a fingertip. For fully coated Chocolate Peanut Butter Balls, use two forks to submerge each ball in chocolate and let excess drip off before returning to the wax paper.
Once dipped, place the candies back on the wax paper and return the baking sheet to the freezer to harden. Store finished Buckeyes in a covered container in the refrigerator or freezer for best texture and shelf life.
Enjoy! Mary
Follow My Facebook Page For Great Recipes! Make Your Meals Facebook Page
To receive our 3 recipe articles by email each week, sign up for the free mailing list on the site or contact us at [email protected]. You can also follow us on Facebook and Pinterest. This article may contain affiliate links; a small commission may be earned at no extra cost to you.
Buckeye Peanut Butter Balls
Sweet peanut butter balls dipped in melted chocolate to resemble Buckeyes. An easy, no-bake dessert that’s perfect for holiday cookie trays.
30 minutes
5 minutes
30 minutes
1 hour 5 minutes
Ingredients
- 2 sticks of butter – room temperature
- 2 cups of creamy peanut butter
- 1 ½ lbs powdered sugar
- 1/3 block paraffin – shaved (optional)
- 12 oz. semi-sweet chocolate chips
Instructions
- Mix the butter, peanut butter and powdered sugar thoroughly until it resembles cookie dough.
- Roll into balls using the palm of your hands (about the size of large gumballs).
- Place balls on a wax paper lined baking sheet.
- Place balls in the freezer to chill for 15–30 minutes.
- In a double boiler, add paraffin and chocolate chips. Melt until smooth.
- Dip peanut butter balls into melted chocolate using a toothpick (for Buckeyes) or two forks to fully coat (for Chocolate Peanut Butter Balls).
- Place covered balls onto wax paper baking sheet then return to the freezer to chill and harden.
- Store in a covered container in the refrigerator or freezer.
Notes
Recipe provided by Make Your Meals.
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
36
Amount Per Serving:
Calories: 248
Total Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Trans Fat: 0g
Unsaturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 14mg
Sodium: 110mg
Carbohydrates: 28g
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 25g
Protein: 4g
Nutritional information is a guideline. Values vary by brands and ingredients used.