Learn how to make buckeyes, Ohio’s favorite homemade candy, to share with friends at tailgates, parties and at Christmas time.
What is a buckeye?
If you’re from the state of Ohio the first thing that pops into your head is a crazy nut, like Brutus Buckeye.
If you’re an Ohio State fan, you know being a buckeye is something most alumni take very seriously.
A buckeye is the nut of the buckeye tree which is native to the buckeye state, Ohio.
Since they’re toxic you’re better off eating the chocolate variety.
There are plenty of recipes out there of these peanut butter buckeyes dipped in melted chocolate.
Better than Reese’s peanut butter cups, buckeye candies are a staple at most tailgates during football season.
Helpful tips on how to make buckeyes
Simple to make, these buckeye balls require just six ingredients and no oven time.
You can find the full recipe below.
Just grab your favorite jar of peanut butter and your chocolate of choice and these confections can be ready in about an hour.
I’ve made these homemade buckeyes several times and they’ve always turned out great.
The biggest challenge I have had is with the chocolate.
Many recipes call for paraffin wax when making this recipe, but I can taste the difference and I’m not a fan.
I find that chocolate chips or wafers melts easier than chopped chocolate and tend to be better quality.
It’s also important for the peanut butter balls to be very cold for the chocolate to stick properly.
For this recipe it’s important to make sure the chocolate melts properly and doesn’t seize.
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How to Melt Chocolate
- Place the chocolate in a heatproof or microwave-safe bowl and only microwave for 30 seconds at a time, stirring after each time. Once chocolate is looking almost melted with just a few lumps, don’t microwave it again just stir the chocolate until it is completely smooth.
- Another option is to use a mini crockpot to melt the chocolate. It stays melted and at the perfect consistency when set to low.
- Bring an inch of water to a simmer in a saucepan. Set a heat-proof bowl in the mouth of the pot, creating a double boiler making sure the water doesn’t touch the bottom of the bowl. Stir the chocolate as it softens.
- The secret to not burning the chocolate is to take it away from the heat before it’s completely melted, and keep stirring until it is.
- Another option is to add a little canola or vegetable oil before you melt the chocolate. This will keep the chocolate from drying out. It can also fix slightly overheated chocolate.
Do buckeyes need to be refrigerated?
If you are using 100 percent natural peanut butter, the kind that needs to be stirred and refrigerated, then yes they will need to go in the fridge.
It will also need to be stirred really well if used in your recipe.
WHAT KIND OF CHOCOLATE SHOULD I USE FOR THIS BUCKEYE CANDY RECIPE?
Semisweet, dark or milk chocolate. Stick to chips or wafers since they are easier to melt.
More Candy Recipes
- Salted Nut Brittle
- Chocolate Peanut Butter Fudge – Just 3 Ingredients Needed!
- How To Make Churro Almonds
- Sparkly Sugared Cranberries
- Easy Sugar Christmas Cookies
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How to Make Buckeyes
Ingredients
- 1 cup smooth peanut butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 4 tablespoon unsalted butter, 1/2 stick, softened to room temperature
- 8 ounces semisweet, white or dark chocolate, chips or wafers
Instructions
- In a large bowl with an electric mixer or using a stand mixer, stir the peanut butter, butter, salt and vanilla on medium speed until combines. Next add the powdered sugar using low speed and increasing to medium as the mixture combines.
- Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper or wax paper and roll out the peanut butter mixture into 1-inch balls. Once the baking sheet is full, freeze the balls for 30 minutes to harden.
- Melt the chocolate. Dip the chilled peanut butter balls in the chocolate using toothpicks as skewers to hold the balls. Cover all but the top of each ball.
- Place the dipped buckeyes back onto the baking sheet and with a clean hand smooth over the hole left by the tooth pick.
- Refrigerate the buckeyes until the chocolate sets. Store leftover buckeyes in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Notes
If you make a recipe, be sure to snap a photo and hashtag it #homeandplate. I’d love to see what you cook!
I see buckeyes all over Pinterest, but being British, I’ve often wondered how these tasty looking treats got their name. Now I know! Love the recipe too -delicious ingredients.
I live in the Buckeye state of Ohio so they are a must try. Hope you try them soon!
These are so addictive! I’m going to have to make a larger batch next time. I dipped them in Nestles dark chocolate and they were heavenly.
I bet they were delicious. Dark chocolate is my favorite chocolate 🙂
I’ve never heard of a buckeye before, it look delicious and easy to make I’m going to have to give these a try.
I hadn’t heard of Buckeyes, but now I can’t wait to try them out!
They are a favorite and taste similar to a Reece’s peanut butter cup. Hope you like them!
I loooove buckeyes but I’ve never made them myself!! Thanks for sharing such a great recipe, I can’t wait to make them for the holidays!
A favorite of ours too. Thanks!
These buckeyes look so good that they would not last long with me. I’m going to try this today. Thanks for a great recipe!
Came out great! Didn’t have to use all of the powered sugar, just enough til i could knead the peanut butter mixture into a firm ball. Used ghiradelli semi sweet baking chocolate bars for mine. Can’t wait to present these to guests!