Chocolate Peanut Butter Balls (also called Buckeyes) are like a homemade Reese’s cup, full of creamy peanut butter with a rich chocolate shell. This no-bake recipe has only 4 ingredients and super easy to make!
Who’s singing Christmas carols already this year? I feel like the holiday season is whipping by this year, it’s hard to believe next week is Thanksgiving and I’m already finalizing my gift lists and holiday party plans.
Every year I give friends and long-distance family food gifts and this year I’m going back to an old favorite, Chocolate Peanut Butter Balls. (Also called Buckeye Balls!) This is my favorite recipe for this classic…it never turns out dry like some other versions, and they always disappear fast when I make them!
What are Buckeye Balls?
Buckeye Balls are a popular dessert recipe that originated in Ohio (the Buckeye state.) They are a variation of this recipe, however, because the PB ball is only partially dipped in chocolate, with an end result that resembles the nut from a Buckeye tree.
Whether you dip them fully or partially, you’ll have to agree that they are absolutely delicious!
Ingredients
It only takes 4 simple ingredients to make these easy treats!
- powdered sugar
- creamy peanut butter
- unsalted butter
- dipping chocolate
Step by Step
I make this recipe super easy by buying dipping chocolate that I can melt in the container. One less dish to clean up!
- cream the sugar, peanut butter and butter together
- roll into balls
- chill
- dip in chocolate
- chill again
Easy treats in just minutes (plus chill time)!
Tips for best results
- Clear room in your refrigerator ahead of time to make sure you can place the baking sheet in to chill
- Using dipping chocolate makes the process much easier but you can certainly use chocolate chips or almond bark in its place. If using chocolate chips, I recommend heating on a double boiler with an extra tablespoon of butter or vegetable shortening to help them melt smoothly.
- The balls MUST be chilled before dipping. Don’t skip the chilling step!
- Warm hands or a warm room will cause the peanut butter mixture to soften. If this happens, simply refrigerate until it firms back up.
- For an extra touch feel free to decorate with sprinkles or mini chocolate chips just after dipping before the chocolate hardens. You can also drizzle any extra chocolate over the top after it hardens for a decorative touch.
FAQs
You can make this recipe ahead of time and stop at any step and chill until continuing. The dough mixture can be chilled until ready or you can chill the balls before or after dipping. Just be sure to keep them in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
If the dough is not firm or won’t roll easily into a ball you can add more powdered sugar a little at a time until you get the right consistency.
I like to use a wooden skewer to help with the dipping. Dip into the chocolate and tap the skewer to encourage excess chocolate to drip off. Then, holding the ball up with the skewer below, slide a fork under the ball with the skewer in between the tines and slide the skewer out then place on the baking tray.
You might also like to try these Dark Chocolate Mint OREO Truffles, Coconut Snowballs, or my traditional Peanut Butter Pie.
If you’ve tried this recipe please comment and rate it below, I love hearing from you! You can also follow me on Instagram, Pinterest, and Facebook to see more delicious recipes and life updates.
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Chocolate Peanut Butter Balls (aka Buckeyes)
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 24 1x
- Category: dessert
- Method: freezing
- Cuisine: American
Description
Chocolate Peanut Butter Balls (also called Buckeyes) are like a homemade Reese’s cup, full of creamy peanut butter with a rich chocolate shell. This no-bake recipe has only 4 ingredients and super easy to make!
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cup powdered sugar
- ½ cup creamy peanut butter
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 7 oz container dipping chocolate
Instructions
- Line a plate or baking sheet with wax paper.
- In a mixer combine peanut butter and butter on medium speed until fluffy. Add powdered sugar slowly until incorporated. Roll peanut butter mixture into 1″ balls and place on lined baking sheet.
- Chill for at least two hours or overnight.
- Melt chocolate according to package instructions. Dip the peanut butter balls in chocolate and return to the wax paper.
- Chill an additional two hours before packaging or serving.
Notes
- Using dipping chocolate makes the process much easier but you can certainly use chocolate chips or almond bark in its place. If using chocolate chips, I recommend heating on a double boiler with an extra tablespoon of butter or vegetable shortening to help them melt smoothly.
- The Peanut Butter Balls MUST be chilled before dipping. Don’t skip the chilling step!
- For an extra touch feel free to decorate with sprinkles or mini chocolate chips just after dipping before the chocolate hardens. You can also drizzle any extra chocolate over the top after it hardens for a decorative touch.
Keywords: chocolate peanut butter balls, buckeyes
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Melissa says
Yum!
★★★★★
Melissa says
turned out perfectly, thank you!
★★★★★
Athena says
These look delicious! How much does this recipe make approximately?
Melissa says
it makes about two dozen Athena, I apologize for forgetting to include that, I’ve updated the recipe card! ~Melissa
Jeanie says
YUM….