Buckeye Balls

These scrumptious Buckeye Balls are creamy buttery peanut butter balls dipped in chocolate. 

The family loves it when I make them for the Christmas holidays but you can change the sprinkles up to suit any holiday.  I love to include these on my holiday cookie and candy trays along with Butter Cookies, Magic Cookie Bars, and Spritz Cookies.

Why this recipe works!

• These little creamy gems are so darn delicious.  I kid you not!  You will have trouble resisting these goodies!
• With just six ingredients these balls are a cinch to make.  They do require a little bit of time to freeze so you can mold them into perfectly round balls but that is all hands off time.
• They make beautiful additions to holiday trays and can be made well in advance of the holiday freeing up time for you to do other things.

How to make Buckeye Balls

First using a stand mixer or hand mixer beat peanut butter, butter, vanilla and powdered sugar until it forms a fairly stiff dough.  The dough should be stiff enough to roll into soft balls but not so stiff that it looks dry. If necessary add 1-2 more tablespoons powdered sugar.  Roll the dough into balls using about 1 rounded tablespoon per ball.  Now place on a parchment covered baking sheet with a little bit of space between each ball.

Then place in the freezer uncovered for about 20-30 minutes.  Take the balls out of the freezer and reroll into super smooth balls placing back on the parchment paper.  Now place a toothpick in the center of each ball and place back in the freezer for 10-15 minutes.  Next add the chocolate chips and coconut oil to a microwave safe bowl.  Microwave for 30 second intervals stirring between each interval until the chocolate is melted.  Then using the toothpick dip the frozen peanut butter balls into the chocolate going about 2/3’s of the way up.  Immediately dust with sprinkles and place on parchment paper to set. Finally remove the toothpick and use your finger to smooth over the toothpick hole.

Recipe notes and helpful tips

• Creamy peanut butter really is the only way to go with these smooth balls.  All natural peanut butter is too oily and coarse so purchase the traditional kid friendly peanut butter like Jif, Peter Pan or Skippy.
• Freezing the peanut butter balls reallys makes them much easier to work with and helps them hold their nice round shape.
• Line the baking sheet with parchment paper so the balls do not stick to the sheet.
• Adding a little bit of coconut oil or shortening helps to thin the chocolate out and make it easier for dipping.  However do not increase it too much or the chocolate might have trouble setting.
• Refrigerate the peanut butter balls in airtight container in a single layer for up to 2 weeks or freeze in a sturdy freezer container for up to two months. Always defrost the balls in the refrigerator so the condensation does not affect the consistency.

How to store Buckeye Balls

Refrigerate the peanut butter balls in airtight container in a single later for up to 2 weeks or freeze in a sturdy freezer container for up to 2 months. Always defrost the balls in the refrigerator so the condensation does not affect the consistency.

More peanut butter recipes you will love!

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