Chocolate Dipped Peanut Butter Buckeyes

If you’ve never had Chocolate Dipped Peanut Butter Buckeyes, you’re in for a treat. These classic peanut butter balls dipped in rich chocolate are a must-have candy at Christmas time. Creamy, sweet, and perfectly bite-sized, they taste like homemade Reese’s and always disappear fast at parties or in holiday gift tins.

I’ve been making these for years, and they’re one of my go-to Christmas candies. Not only are they incredibly easy to make, but they also don’t require any baking - just mix, roll, dip, and let set. Buckeyes are a family favorite for the holidays, but honestly, they’re so good you’ll want to make them year-round.

Why We Love Chocolate Dipped Peanut Butter Buckeyes

• Buckeyes are a classic holiday candy that everyone knows and loves.

• They’re no-bake, freezer-friendly, and perfect for gifting.

• The chocolate and peanut butter combo is always a hit, and the little round candies with their “buckeye” look are so festive and fun.

• Plus, kids love to help roll the peanut butter mixture into balls.

Ingredient Notes

• Filling - You’ll need creamy peanut butter (not natural style), powdered sugar, unsalted butter, and vanilla extract for the filling.

• Chocolate Coating - You’ll use semi-sweet chocolate chips or melting chocolate.

• Shortening or Coconut Oil - This is for mixing into the chocolate which helps keep it smooth and shiny for dipping.

How to Make Chocolate Dipped Peanut Butter Buckeyes

• In a large bowl, mix together peanut butter, softened butter, vanilla, and powdered sugar until smooth and thick.

• Roll into small balls, about 1 inch in size, and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Chill in the refrigerator or freezer until firm.

• Melt the chocolate with a little shortening or coconut oil until smooth.

• Using a toothpick, dip each peanut butter ball into the chocolate, leaving a small circle uncovered at the top to resemble a buckeye.

• Place back on the baking sheet and chill until set.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Why are they called Buckeyes? The candy is named after the nut from the Ohio buckeye tree, which looks just like the chocolate-dipped peanut butter ball.

• Can I freeze Buckeyes? Yes! Place them in an airtight container with wax paper between the layers and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before serving.

• Do I have to leave the peanut butter showing? Not at all! If you prefer, you can fully dip them in chocolate for a homemade peanut butter cup.

Quick Tips

• Make sure the peanut butter balls are well-chilled before dipping so they don’t fall apart.

• If the chocolate starts to thicken while dipping, rewarm it gently in the microwave. And for neat edges, twist the toothpick slightly when removing it from the candy and smooth over the hole with your fingertip.

• These homemade Buckeyes are the perfect holiday candy - easy, fun, and always a crowd-pleaser. Add them to your Christmas cookie trays or package them up for friends and neighbors.

• Try using a Chocolate Melting Pot Warmer Machine for easy dipping and to prevent having to reheat the chocolate repeatedly during dipping process. A cookie scoop is great for scooping the peanut butter filling into balls.

Related Recipes