Easy Buckeye Recipe

This classic homemade Buckeye Recipe is a quick and easy, no-bake dessert made with creamy peanut butter dipped in dark chocolate. Just 4 ingredients and no oven time makes this a perfect kid-friendly candy recipe for the holidays!

Easy Homemade Buckeye Balls

This is an easy candy recipe for homemade buckeye balls that’s so much fun for the whole family! Kids love to help roll and then dip these sweet peanut butter bites into melted chocolate. Buckeye candies are a variation of my family’s beloved Oreo balls, and a favorite no-bake dessert.

Buckeye peanut butter balls are also the perfect treat for gifting come the holidays. They’re like a homemade Reese’s cup that can be brought to parties or potlucks, made with only 4 ingredients!

What Are Buckeyes?

Buckeye candy is a no-bake dessert made from a combination of creamy peanut butter, powdered sugar and a short list of other ingredients, rolled into balls and then dipped in melted chocolate.

Are they Candy or Cookies?

This buckeye recipe is a confection, so much closer to a homemade candy than a cookie. Plus there’s no baking involved!

What Do They Taste Like?

The flavor of Buckeye Balls is very similar to a Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup. Think sweet, creamy, nutty, chocolate-covered peanut butter goodness.

Why Are They Called Buckeyes?

The recipe for buckeye balls is actually inspired by the nuts found on the Ohio state tree! However, buckeye candy is now popular all over as a perfect easy dessert.

Buckeye Recipe Ingredients

• Butter – Softened, unsalted butter will combine easily with the other ingredients.
• Creamy Peanut Butter – Make sure to use the sugar-added, shelf-stable kind.
• Powdered Sugar – Creates a dough-like consistency.
• Melted Dark Chocolate – For dipping.

You only need a handful of ingredients to make these easy homemade buckeye balls. Primarily peanut butter and chocolate! The key to this no-bake recipe is the powdered sugar plus a bit of fridge time, that helps the peanut butter hold it’s round shape for dipping.

How to Make Buckeye Balls

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Begin by mixing together the peanut butter, butter, and powdered sugar into a dough-like consistency.

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Next, roll the peanut butter mixture into balls and let these chill in the fridge or freezer until they set up a bit.

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Swirl the chilled peanut butter balls in melted chocolate, leaving a peanut butter circle around the tops.

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Finally, pop your buckeyes back into the fridge again before serving.

Buckeye Recipe Tips

• Lining the baking sheet with parchment paper plus a light coating of cooking spray will ensure that the buckeye balls don’t stick.
• Rub your hands with a bit of butter or oil to keep the peanut butter dough from sticking while rolling.
• Don’t skip the chilling time! This is how your peanut butter balls will hold their shape when you’re dipping them.
• This particular buckeye recipe will not work with natural peanut butter; make sure you’re using the creamy, shelf-stable variety.

Variation Ideas

Buckeye candies are a versatile holiday dessert with tons of variation options. Here are some suggestions:

• Give your buckeyes a sprinkle of sea salt, crushed peppermint, toffee bits, chopped nuts, or shredded coconut.
• Decorate your buckeyes with sprinkles and/or edible glitter, or get creative with candy melts and icing.
• Drizzle buckeye balls with white or dark chocolate, or even caramel sauce for extra decoration.
• Swap out the dark chocolate coating and dip the peanut butter balls in white chocolate instead.

Storage and Freezing Buckeyes

Store your homemade buckeye balls airtight in the fridge for up to 1 week. 

You can also freeze them; it’s a good idea to pre-freeze the balls on a baking sheet until they’re solid, before transferring them to a freezer bag or container. Defrost your buckeye candy in the fridge before serving.

More Holiday Dessert Recipes to Try

• Mint Chocolate Lasagna
• White Chocolate Peppermint Oreo Balls
• Grinch Sugar Cookie Bars
• Gingerbread Cheesecake