Decadent Peanut Butter Buckeyes
These Decadent Peanut Butter Buckeyes are a holiday favorite that never fails to impress. With a rich, creamy peanut butter center enveloped in a luscious chocolate coating, they are the perfect treat for any festive gathering. This treasured recipe has been passed down and perfected over the years, ensuring that each bite is as delectable as the last. These delightful candies are easy to prepare, making them a must-have on your holiday dessert tray. Serve them in charming miniature muffin liners for an elegant presentation that will have everyone reaching for more. A quick tip: using chocolate bark coating instead of traditional chips and paraffin wax simplifies the preparation while still delivering an irresistible taste. Get ready to share these crowd-pleasers with family and friends, as they will surely become a staple in your holiday baking tradition.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
Creamy Peanut Butter
1 (18-ounce jar)
Butter or Margarine
1/2 (cup, softened)
Confectioners' Sugar
1 (lb (about 3.5 cups))
Vanilla Extract
1 (tablespoon)
Chocolate Chips
12 (ounces (milk or semi-sweet))
Chocolate Bark Coating
5 (2 oz blocks)
Shortening
1/2 (tsp per oz of chocolate (optional))
Instructions
1
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the peanut butter and softened butter (or margarine) until smooth and fluffy.
2
Gradually add the confectioners' sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until thoroughly combined and the mixture is smooth.
3
Form the mixture into 1-inch balls and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Refrigerate for about 30 minutes to firm up.
4
In a double boiler, melt the chocolate chips along with the chocolate bark (or paraffin wax, if using) over low heat, stirring until smooth and fully melted. If using chocolate bark, you can omit the wax altogether.
5
Using a toothpick, dip each chilled peanut butter ball into the melted chocolate, leaving a circle of the peanut butter visible on top. Allow the excess chocolate to drip off.
6
Place the dipped buckeyes chocolate side down on a waxed paper or parchment-lined tray.
7
Let them set at room temperature or refrigerate until the chocolate is firm. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for freshness.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Decadent Peanut Butter Buckeyes?
Decadent Peanut Butter Buckeyes are a traditional holiday treat consisting of a creamy peanut butter center partially dipped in chocolate to resemble the nut of the Ohio buckeye tree.
Are these buckeyes a no-bake dessert?
Yes, this is a no-bake recipe that requires only mixing, chilling, and dipping, making it an easy addition to holiday baking.
What are the primary ingredients needed?
The recipe requires creamy peanut butter, butter or margarine, confectioners' sugar, vanilla extract, chocolate chips, and chocolate bark coating.
Can I use margarine instead of butter?
Yes, you can use either softened butter or margarine to cream with the peanut butter.
How much confectioners' sugar is used?
The recipe calls for 1 lb of confectioners' sugar, which is approximately 3.5 cups.
What is the purpose of the vanilla extract?
Vanilla extract is added to enhance the flavor and sweetness of the peanut butter filling.
What kind of chocolate chips should I use?
You can use either milk chocolate or semi-sweet chocolate chips depending on your preference for sweetness.
What is chocolate bark coating?
Chocolate bark is a type of melting chocolate that hardens smoothly and is often used to simplify the dipping process.
Is paraffin wax necessary for this recipe?
No, by using chocolate bark coating, you can omit the traditional paraffin wax while still achieving a great result.
How do I prepare the peanut butter center?
Cream together the peanut butter and butter, then gradually mix in the sugar and vanilla until smooth.
What size should the peanut butter balls be?
The mixture should be formed into 1-inch balls before chilling.
How long should the peanut butter balls refrigerate?
Refrigerate the balls for about 30 minutes to ensure they are firm enough for dipping.
What is the best way to melt the chocolate?
Melt the chocolate chips and bark in a double boiler over low heat, stirring until smooth.
How do I dip the buckeyes into the chocolate?
Insert a toothpick into each ball and dip it into the melted chocolate, leaving a small circle of peanut butter visible on top.
Why leave a circle of peanut butter visible?
Leaving a circle of peanut butter visible creates the signature buckeye look, making them resemble actual buckeye nuts.
What should I do with excess chocolate during dipping?
Allow the excess chocolate to drip off the ball before placing it on the parchment paper.
Where should I place the dipped buckeyes?
Place them chocolate side down on a tray lined with waxed paper or parchment paper.
How do I set the chocolate coating?
You can let them set at room temperature or refrigerate them until the chocolate becomes firm.
How should I store the finished buckeyes?
Store the buckeyes in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep them fresh.
Can I use shortening in the chocolate?
Yes, adding 1/2 tsp of shortening per ounce of chocolate is an optional step to help thin the coating for easier dipping.
How can I make the presentation more elegant?
Serving the buckeyes in miniature muffin liners adds an elegant touch for holiday parties.
Can I use crunchy peanut butter?
The recipe specifies creamy peanut butter for a smooth center, but crunchy could be used if you prefer extra texture.
What if I don't have a double boiler?
You can create a makeshift double boiler using a heat-safe bowl over a pot of simmering water, or melt carefully in the microwave.
Is this recipe suitable for holiday gifting?
Absolutely, buckeyes are a classic holiday candy and make for a wonderful homemade gift.
What if the peanut butter mixture is too soft to roll?
If the mixture is too soft, you can add a bit more confectioners' sugar or chill the dough briefly before rolling.
How do I hide the toothpick hole?
After removing the toothpick, you can gently smudge the peanut butter with your finger to close the hole.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 7 ingredients listed, including the optional shortening.
Can I use dark chocolate?
Yes, you can substitute the milk or semi-sweet chips with dark chocolate chips for a richer flavor.
Why is chocolate bark preferred over chips alone?
Bark coating contains fats that help it melt more smoothly and set more firmly than standard chocolate chips.
Are these candies gluten-free?
The main ingredients are typically gluten-free, but you should always check the labels on your specific brands of chocolate and peanut butter.