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Looking for a bite-sized treat that satisfies both your peanut butter and chocolate cravings? Look no further! This Small Batch Buckeyes recipe yields 12 irresistibly creamy peanut butter balls coated in a silky chocolate shell. The best part? It’s super easy to make, inexpensive, and, if needed, you can easily double the recipe for sharing!
Are you on the hunt for more small batch peanut butter recipes? Check out our delightful Peanut Butter Fudge, irresistible Peanut Butter Balls, scrumptious Peanut Butter Bars, and our heavenly Peanut Butter Pie. Each of these treats is just the right size for a little indulgence!
Why You’ll Love This Small Batch Buckeye Recipe
- Perfectly Balanced Flavor: Our buckeyes offer a delightful balance of chocolate and peanut butter without being overly sweet, making them the ultimate indulgence for peanut butter-chocolate lovers.
- Simple Ingredients: Made with pantry staples like peanut butter, chocolate, and powdered sugar.
- Quick to Make and No-Bake: No oven required, just mix, chill, dip in chocolate, and you’re done!
- Doubles Easily: Got more mouths to feed? No problem! Just double the ingredients.
- Gift-Worthy: These look gorgeous in a gift box, perfect for holidays or special occasions.
Why Are They Called Buckeyes?
Buckeyes are a classic American treat! It’s a rich peanut butter ball, partially dipped in chocolate to resemble the nut of the Ohio buckeye tree. They’re especially popular in Ohio (the “Buckeye State”), but they’re loved nationwide, especially around the holidays.
Our small batch buckeye recipe is perfect if you want just a few of these delicious treats without being overwhelmed by leftovers. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to make, even if you’re new to candy making!
Ingredients
If you have any ingredients leftover from this small batch buckeye recipe, check out our Leftover Ingredients Recipe Finder.
- Peanut butter: Provides the main flavor and creamy texture. Use a mainstream brand like Peter Pan, Jif, or Skippy for the best results. Smooth peanut butter is recommended, as natural variants tend to have higher oil content which can affect the texture. Leftover peanut butter can be used to make a small batch of sweet Puppy Chow!
- Butter: Key for a creamy, rich texture. While I lean towards salted butter, unsalted works just fine—just remember to add a pinch of salt.
- Vanilla: Using pure vanilla extract lends an extra layer of flavor to these delightful peanut butter treats.
- Powdered sugar: Known as confectioners’ sugar in the U.S. and icing sugar in the UK and Canada, this ingredient is crucial for forming the buckeye candies into balls and contributes to the sweetness.
- Chocolate: Semi-sweet chocolate chips are ideal, but dark, milk, or bittersweet chocolate also work. Ensure you’re using good-quality chocolate for better melting; Guittard and Ghirardelli are reliable choices. Chocolate bars or melting wafers may be easier to work with. If you’ve got leftover chocolate, consider using it in Peppermint Bark, Microwave Fudge, Oreo Balls, and Chocolate Pudding.
- Oil: A touch of oil aids in achieving smooth, easily-dippable chocolate. Avocado or coconut oil are my go-tos, but vegetable or canola oil will also do the job.
Recipe Variations
Buckeyes are already irresistible, but if you’re in the mood for some creative spins on this classic, you’ve come to the right place. Here are some tantalizing variations to consider.
- Spice It Up: Add a pinch of cinnamon or a dash of cayenne pepper to the peanut butter mixture for a spicy twist.
- White Chocolate Buckeyes: Swap out the semi-sweet chocolate for white chocolate. It provides a different yet equally delicious coating.
- Coconut Buckeyes: Add some finely shredded coconut to the peanut butter mixture or roll the finished buckeyes in coconut flakes for a tropical feel.
- Double Chocolate Buckeyes: Mix some mini chocolate chips into the peanut butter mixture for a double dose of chocolate goodness.
- Buckeye Bars: Transform the classic buckeyes into easy-to-eat bars. Press the peanut butter and powdered sugar mixture into a 5×7-inch baking dish lined with overhanging parchment paper. Spoon and evenly spread the melted chocolate on top. Chill for about an hour to set, then lift the bars out using the parchment paper, place them on a cutting board, 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.
- Gather your ingredients. Read through the Ingredient Notes section to learn about possible ingredient substitutions.
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or use a silicone baking mat.
Pro Tip: Lining the baking sheet keeps the peanut butter balls from sticking and helps catch the dripping chocolate.
- Combine the peanut butter, softened butter, and vanilla in a large mixing bowl and mix with an electric mixer on medium speed until evenly combined.
- Add the powdered sugar and beat until well combined.
- Scoop approximately 2 tablespoons of the dough. Form balls by rolling them between your palms. Arrange the peanut butter balls on the prepared baking sheet.
Pro Tip: Every brand of peanut butter contains different amounts of oil and sugar. Depending on the brand of peanut butter you use, you may have to adjust the recipe slightly. When you roll the peanut butter mixture into a ball, the batter should not stick to your hands and you should not have a problem rolling it into a smooth ball. If the batter is crumbly, add a small amount of additional peanut butter. If the batter is too sticky, add powdered sugar.
- Cover and refrigerate the balls until firm, at least 20 minutes.
- In a medium-sized microwave-safe bowl, combine the chocolate and oil. Microwave in 20-second intervals, stirring in between until the chocolate is almost completely melted.
- Remove the bowl from the microwave and stir until the chocolate has completely melted. Set the bowl aside to cool to room temperature.
Pro Tip: Alternatively, you can melt the chocolate by combining the oil and chocolate in a medium-sized glass bowl placed over a pan of simmering water on a stove. Stir until the chocolate has completely melted.
- Insert a toothpick or skewer about 3/4 the way into a peanut butter ball. Dip the peanut butter balls into the melted chocolate leaving a small amount of the top uncovered so that the candy resembles a buckeye.
- Allow the excess chocolate to drip back into the bowl and then place the buckeye on the lined baking sheet. Repeat with the remaining peanut butter balls.
- Remove the toothpick and refrigerate until firm. Use the tip of a knife over the tops to smooth out the holes.
Expert Tips
- Before Starting, make sure to read the entire recipe, including the Ingredient Notes section, and examine the process photos. This detailed guide will help you understand how the recipe unfolds, ensuring your buckeyes turn out perfect every time. All the information you need is found within the body of this recipe post, so don’t miss a thing!
- For Smooth Dough: Start by blending the peanut butter, butter, and vanilla together. Once that’s well mixed, gradually incorporate the powdered sugar to avoid dry, crumbly dough.
- Eliminate Toothpick Marks: To hide any toothpick holes, you can use a knife to gently smooth the area or lightly dampen your fingertips with water and rub over the holes for a flawless finish.
- Use Leftover Melted Chocolate: If you find yourself with extra melted chocolate, spread it onto a fresh sheet of parchment paper to let it harden. Once solid, peel it off, break it into chunks, and save it for future recipes.
- Butter Softening Tips: For optimally softened butter, leave it on your kitchen counter for about 30 minutes before you plan to use it.
Serving Suggestions
When it comes to enjoying these tasty buckeye candies, the possibilities are endless. Sure, they’re fantastic on their own, but why not elevate the experience with a few complementary pairings? Here are some scrumptious ways to serve them.
- With Coffee: Pair buckeyes with a steaming cup of black coffee. The bitterness of the coffee balances out the sweetness of the treat, creating a harmonious taste experience.
- Ice Cream Topping: Crumble a couple of buckeyes over vanilla ice cream for a scrumptious and crunchy topping.
- On a Dessert Platter: Create a mixed dessert platter featuring buckeyes alongside other favorites like chocolate truffles and fruit slices. It adds variety and visual appeal to your dessert offerings.
- In a Gift Box: Present these buckeyes in a cute little gift box as a thoughtful, homemade food gift during the holidays or special occasions.
- As a Cupcake Topper: Elevate chocolate cupcakes by placing a mini buckeye on top for that extra wow factor.
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.
Not recommended, powdered sugar works best for texture.
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 (also called confectioners' sugar or icing sugar)
- 4 ounces semi-sweet chocolate -chopped or use good quality chocolate chips
- ½ teaspoon avocado oil or coconut oil
Instructions
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or use a silicone baking mat.
- Combine peanut butter, softened butter, and vanilla in a large mixing bowl and mix with an electric mixer on medium speed until evenly combined.
- Add the powdered sugar and beat until well combined.
- Scoop approximately 2 tablespoons of the dough. Form balls by rolling them between your palms. Arrange the peanut butter balls on the prepared baking sheet.Pro Tip: Every brand of peanut butter contains different amounts of oil and sugar. Depending on the brand of peanut butter you use, you may have to adjust the recipe slightly. When you roll the peanut butter mixture into a ball, the batter should not stick to your hands and you should not have a problem rolling it into a smooth ball. If the batter is crumbly, add a small amount of additional peanut butter. If the batter is too sticky, add powdered sugar.
- Cover and refrigerate the balls until firm, at least 20 minutes.
- In a medium-sized microwave-safe bowl, combine the chocolate and oil. Microwave in 20-second intervals, stirring in between until the chocolate is almost completely melted.
- Remove the bowl from the microwave and stir until the chocolate has completely melted. Set the bowl aside to cool to room temperature.Pro Tip: Alternatively, you can melt the chocolate by combining the oil and chocolate in a medium-sized glass bowl placed over a pan of simmering water on a stove. Stir until the chocolate has completely melted.
- Insert a toothpick or skewer about ¾ the way into a peanut butter ball. Dip the peanut butter balls into the melted chocolate leaving a small amount of the top uncovered so that the candy resembles a buckeye.
- Allow the excess chocolate to drip back into the bowl and then place the buckeye on the lined baking sheet. Repeat with the remaining peanut butter balls.
- Remove the toothpick and refrigerate until firm. Use the tip of a knife over the tops to smooth out the holes.
- Refrigerate in an airtight container. Buckeyes keep well for 2 weeks in the refrigerator and up to 3 months when stored in the freezer.
Notes
- For Smooth Dough: Start by blending the peanut butter, butter, and vanilla together. Once that’s well mixed, gradually incorporate the powdered sugar to avoid dry, crumbly dough.
- Eliminate Toothpick Marks: To hide any toothpick holes, you can use a knife to gently smooth the area or lightly dampen your fingertips with water and rub over the holes for a flawless finish.
- Use Leftover Melted Chocolate: If you find yourself with extra melted chocolate, spread it onto a fresh sheet of parchment paper to let it harden. Once solid, peel it off, break it into chunks, and save it for future recipes.
- Butter Softening Tips: For optimally softened butter, leave it on your kitchen counter for about 30 minutes before you plan to use it.
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!