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These small batch buckeyes are an easy no-bake treat with a creamy peanut butter center dipped in rich chocolate, leaving a small spot exposed for the classic buckeye look. Made with simple ingredients, they’re perfect when you want just a few without leftovers.
Looking for more small batch peanut butter recipes? Try Peanut Butter Fudge, Peanut Butter Balls, Peanut Butter Bars, or Peanut Butter Pie. Each one is perfectly portioned for a sweet treat without too many leftovers!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Perfect Chocolate-Peanut Butter Balance: Creamy peanut butter and rich chocolate come together without being overly sweet.
- Made with Simple Ingredients: Just a few pantry staples—no complicated ingredients needed.
- No-Bake and Easy to Make: Mix, chill, dip, and enjoy—no oven required.
- Easily Doubles: Need more? Just double the ingredients for a larger batch.
- Great for Gifting: A homemade treat that looks as good as it tastes!
Buckeyes are a classic American treat—smooth peanut butter balls partially dipped in chocolate to resemble the nut of the Ohio buckeye tree. While they’re especially popular in Ohio, they’re loved across the country, especially during the holidays.
Our small batch buckeye recipe gives you just the right amount without a ton of leftovers. It’s easy to make with simple ingredients, and you don’t need any special candy-making skills to get great results!
Ingredients
If you have any ingredients leftover from this small batch buckeyes recipe, check out our Leftover Ingredients Recipe Finder.
- Peanut butter: The base of the buckeyes, giving them their signature flavor and creamy texture. Use a mainstream brand like Jif, Skippy, or Peter Pan for the best consistency. Natural peanut butter has more oil, which can affect the texture. Leftover peanut butter can be used in Puppy Chow or Peanut Butter Cookies.
- Butter: Adds richness and helps create a smooth, creamy filling. I prefer salted butter, but unsalted works too—just add a pinch of salt.
- Vanilla Extract: Enhances the flavor of the peanut butter filling. Use pure vanilla extract for the best taste.
- Powdered Sugar: Also called confectioners’ sugar in the U.S. and icing sugar in the UK and Canada. This ingredient sweetens the filling and helps it hold its shape.
- Chocolate: Semi-sweet chocolate chips are ideal, but you can also use dark, milk, or bittersweet chocolate. For smooth melting, choose a good-quality brand like Guittard or Ghirardelli. Chocolate bars or melting wafers can make dipping even easier. Leftover chocolate is great for Peppermint Bark, Microwave Fudge, Oreo Balls, or Chocolate Pudding.
- Oil: Helps thin the chocolate for smoother dipping. Avocado, coconut, vegetable, or canola oil all work well.
Recipe Variations
Buckeyes are already a classic, but here are a few fun ways to change them up:
- Spiced Buckeyes: Add a pinch of cinnamon or cayenne to the peanut butter mixture for a warm or spicy kick.
- White Chocolate Coating: Swap the semi-sweet chocolate for white chocolate for a sweeter, creamier coating.
- Coconut Buckeyes: Stir in shredded coconut or roll the finished buckeyes in coconut flakes.
- Double Chocolate Filling: Mix mini chocolate chips into the peanut butter mixture for extra chocolate flavor.
- Buckeye Bars: Press the peanut butter mixture into a 5×7-inch baking dish lined with parchment paper, spread melted chocolate on top, and chill for about an hour. Once set, lift it out using the parchment and slice into squares.
How To Make Buckeyes
These step-by-step photos and instructions help you visualize how to make this small batch buckeyes recipe. See the recipe box below for ingredient amounts and full recipe instructions.
- Prepare the Baking Sheet: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking and catch any chocolate drips.
- Make the Peanut Butter Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, beat the peanut butter, softened butter, and vanilla with an electric mixer on medium speed until smooth.
- Add the Sugar: Mix in the powdered sugar until fully combined.
- Form the Balls: Scoop about 2 tablespoons of the mixture and roll into smooth balls between your palms. Place them on the prepared baking sheet.
Pro Tip: Peanut butter brands vary in oil and sugar content. The dough should roll easily without sticking to your hands. If it’s too dry and crumbly, add a little more peanut butter. If it’s too sticky, mix in more powdered sugar.
- Chill the Peanut Butter Balls: Cover and refrigerate for at least 20 minutes until firm.
- Melt the Chocolate: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the chocolate and oil. Microwave in 20-second intervals, stirring between each, until almost melted. Stir until smooth and let cool to room temperature.
- Alternative Method: Melt the chocolate and oil in a heatproof bowl set over a pan of simmering water, stirring until smooth.
- Dip the Buckeyes: Insert a toothpick or skewer about ¾ of the way into a peanut butter ball. Dip into the melted chocolate, leaving a small portion uncovered to resemble a buckeye.
- Remove Excess Chocolate: Let any extra chocolate drip back into the bowl, then place the buckeye on the lined baking sheet. Repeat with the remaining peanut butter balls.
- Set and Finish: Remove the toothpick and refrigerate until firm. Use the tip of a knife to smooth out any holes.
Expert Tips
- Read Before You Start: Go through the full recipe, including the Ingredient Notes, to ensure your buckeyes turn out just right. Every detail you need is in the post.
- Smooth Dough Tip: Beat the peanut butter, butter, and vanilla first, then gradually add the powdered sugar to prevent dry or crumbly dough.
- Fix Toothpick Marks: Use the tip of a knife to smooth out holes, or lightly dampen your fingertip with water and rub over them for a seamless finish.
- Save Extra Chocolate: Pour leftover melted chocolate onto parchment paper, let it harden, then break it into chunks for future use.
- Softening Butter: Let butter sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before using for the best texture.
Ways To Enjoy Buckeyes
These small batch buckeyes are perfect on their own, but here are a few fun ideas to make them even more special:
- Ice Cream Topping: Crumble a few over vanilla ice cream for a rich, peanut buttery crunch.
- Dessert Platter: Serve alongside chocolate truffles, Oreo balls, and fresh fruit for a simple yet impressive treat.
- Gift Idea: Pack them in a small box for a thoughtful homemade gift.
- Cupcake Topper: Place a mini buckeye on top of a chocolate cupcake for a fun finishing touch.
Frequently Asked Questions
Stored in an airtight container, they last up to 2 weeks in the fridge.
Yes, for up to 3 months in a freezer-friendly container.
For a nut-free alternative, consider using cookie butter or sunflower seed butter (such as Sunbutter) as a substitute for peanut butter.
The key to firm buckeyes lies in adequate chilling time for the peanut butter mixture. If your buckeyes are too soft, extend their time in the refrigerator until they reach a consistency that allows for easy dipping in melted chocolate.
Ways To Use Leftover Ingredients
If you have any ingredients leftover from this recipe, check out our Leftover Ingredients Recipe Finder or you might like to consider using them in any of these single serving and small batch recipes:
If you’ve tried this easy buckeye recipe or any recipe on One Dish Kitchen please let me know how you liked it by rating the recipe and telling me about it in the comment section below.
Also, if you take a picture please tag us on Instagram (@onedishkitchen) we’d love to see it!
Small Batch Buckeyes
Equipment
Ingredients
- ½ cup creamy peanut butter
- 3 tablespoons salted butter -softened
- ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 4 ounces semi-sweet chocolate -chopped, or use good quality chocolate chips
- ½ teaspoon avocado oil or coconut oil
Instructions
- Prepare the Baking Sheet: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking and catch any chocolate drips.
- Make the Peanut Butter Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, beat the peanut butter, softened butter, and vanilla with an electric mixer on medium speed until smooth.
- Add the Sugar: Mix in the powdered sugar until fully combined.
- Form the Balls: Scoop about 2 tablespoons of the mixture and roll into smooth balls between your palms. Place them on the prepared baking sheet.Pro Tip: Peanut butter brands vary in oil and sugar content. The dough should roll easily without sticking to your hands. If it's too dry and crumbly, add a little more peanut butter. If it's too sticky, mix in more powdered sugar.
- Chill the Peanut Butter Balls: Cover and refrigerate for at least 20 minutes until firm.
- Melt the Chocolate: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the chocolate and oil. Microwave in 20-second intervals, stirring between each, until almost melted. Stir until smooth and let cool to room temperature.Alternative Method: Melt the chocolate and oil in a heatproof bowl set over a pan of simmering water, stirring until smooth.
- Dip the Buckeyes: Insert a toothpick or skewer about ¾ of the way into a peanut butter ball. Dip into the melted chocolate, leaving a small portion uncovered to resemble a buckeye.
- Remove Excess Chocolate: Let any extra chocolate drip back into the bowl, then place the buckeye on the lined baking sheet. Repeat with the remaining peanut butter balls.
- Set and Finish: Remove the toothpick and refrigerate until firm. Use the tip of a knife to smooth out any holes.
Notes
- Read Before You Start: Go through the full recipe, including the Ingredient Notes, to ensure your buckeyes turn out just right. Every detail you need is in the post.
- Smooth Dough Tip: Beat the peanut butter, butter, and vanilla first, then gradually add the powdered sugar to prevent dry or crumbly dough.
- Fix Toothpick Marks: Use the tip of a knife to smooth out holes, or lightly dampen your fingertip with water and rub over them for a seamless finish.
- Save Extra Chocolate: Pour leftover melted chocolate onto parchment paper, let it harden, then break it into chunks for future use.
- Softening Butter: Let butter sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before using for the best texture.
Nutrition
The information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.
These are DEFINITELY TERRIFIC!