Homemade Buckeyes
These homemade Buckeyes are a classic chocolate peanut butter candy with a sweet, creamy peanut butter center and a smooth semisweet chocolate coating. Each little candy is dipped in chocolate with a small circle of peanut butter left uncovered on top, giving buckeyes their signature appearance.
Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Electric hand mixer or stand mixer
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Fine-mesh sieve or sifter
- Baking sheets
- Wax paper or parchment paper
- Toothpicks
- Double boiler or heatproof bowl and saucepan
- Spoon or spatula
- Freezer
- Refrigerator
- Airtight storage container
Ingredients
- 1½ cups creamy peanut butter
- 1 cup unsalted butter softened
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 4 cups confectioners' sugar sifted, plus more as needed
- 4 cups semisweet chocolate chips
- Toothpicks
Instructions
- Line baking sheets with wax paper or parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the creamy peanut butter, softened butter, and vanilla extract with an electric mixer until light and fluffy.
- Gradually beat in the sifted confectioners' sugar until the mixture forms a stiff, firm, and dry dough without lumps. Add more sifted confectioners' sugar if necessary.
- Roll the peanut butter mixture into approximately 60 balls, each about 1 inch in diameter, and arrange them on the prepared baking sheets.
- Insert a toothpick into the top of each peanut butter ball. Freeze for about 30 minutes, or until firm.
- Meanwhile, melt the semisweet chocolate chips in a double boiler or heatproof bowl set over a saucepan of barely simmering water. Stir frequently until completely melted and smooth.
- Holding each frozen peanut butter ball by the toothpick, dip it into the melted chocolate, leaving a small portion of the peanut butter filling exposed at the top.
- Return the dipped buckeyes to the prepared baking sheets. Carefully remove and discard the toothpicks.
- Refrigerate until the chocolate is completely firm and the buckeyes are ready to serve.
Notes
Peanut butter: Use creamy peanut butter for a smooth, uniform filling.
Butter: Make sure the butter is softened rather than melted before mixing.
Confectioners' sugar: Sift before adding and adjust the amount as needed until the dough becomes firm enough to roll.
Freezing: Freeze the shaped peanut butter balls for about 30 minutes before dipping to help them retain their shape.
Chocolate: Melt gently over barely simmering water, stirring frequently to prevent overheating.
Dipping: Leave a small circle of peanut butter exposed at the top of each candy to create the traditional buckeye appearance.
Storage: Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks, or freeze for up to 2 months.