Best Buckeye Recipe

Looking for the best Buckeye recipe? Sure, you could google “The Best Buckeye Recipe” and get a bunch of recipes in return. But who do you trust? Let’s have a chat about this delicious Buckeye Recipe . Buckeyes became very popular in Ohio due to the invention of football by Walter Camp, the Father of Football. They are a simple and after finding out the importance of dessert this recipe became my addiction

Best Buckeye Recipe

“Small peanut butter balls that taste even better than Reese’s Cups. The taste so good- be careful, they are addictive!”

INGREDIENTS

• 1 ¹⁄₂cups peanut butter
• ¹⁄₂cup margarine or 1/2 cup butter
• 1lb powdered sugar
• 1teaspoon vanilla
• 1 ¹⁄₂cups chocolate chips
• use 1/2 tsp of shortening per oz of chocolate instead paraffin wax

DIRECTIONS

1. Mix peanut butter, margarine or butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla in bowl (It helps to soften the margarine).
2. Shape into 1″ balls.
3. Refrigerate balls.
4. Meanwhile, melt chocolate with a bit of crisco (so the chocolate will harden. Without crisco, chocolate will remain soft.) in double boiler.
5. Insert toothpick into refrigerated balls and dip into chocolate, leaving small area resembling a buckeye.
6. Cool on wax paper and store in refrigerator or freezer.

The Best Buckeye Recipe

I’ve written about our homemade buckeyes before. How can I not? Of all the chocolate sweets that I love, buckeyes are the one I love the most. I’ve seen a lot of buckeye recipes around, but this truly is the best buckeye recipe. I promise! None of the others (even ones sold in stores) look quite as nice as these, nor do they taste as good.

My homemade buckeye love and expertise is due to several reasons.

1. Our family has a tradition of making these buckeyes. We’d gather around the table together, rolling buckeye balls, talking, laughing and sneaking dough as we did so. Growing up, my family would easily make 600 or 700 every Christmas. I currently make a more moderate number of around 400.

2. The Barz family is known for their perfect buckeyes. Yes, they taste as good as they look. We’re a little particular about it, if truth be told. We have a reputation to uphold! I’ve seen a lot of buckeyes sold in candy stores or other recipes online and they never look as good as the homemade buckeyes we make! That is how I know this is the best buckeye recipe. Well, that and everyone raves about them. See below.

3. Buckeyes taste incredible. They are the absolute perfect proportions of smooth peanut butter and dark chocolate. Even Reese can’t compare to a delicious buckeye. I give these to countless teachers and friends every year, and they are always loved.

Buckeyes are actually a simple recipe to make. It is a little time consuming – due to the individual dipping of each ball – but it is worth it. Are you ready? I’m going to tell you all our secrets so you, too, can make the best buckeyes you’ve ever tasted!

Here it is. The best buckeyes recipe.

Buckeye Ingredients:

• 1 cup butter, melted
• 1 jar (15 ounces) smooth peanut butter
• 4.5 – 5 cups powdered sugar
• 1 1/2 cups semi-sweet Ghiradelli chocolate chips
• 1/3 bar paraffin

How to Make Buckeyes:

• First, stir together the melted butter and peanut butter in a large glass bowl.
• Next, stir in the powdered sugar. Once you have added 4 cups, add the last bit of powdered sugar slowly, a quarter of a cup at a time. You don’t want your dough to be too sticky or too dry. It will probably take between 4.5 and 5 cups. Use your hands to get the powdered sugar completely mixed in! If your dough is still sticky, add a bit more powdered sugar until your dough is easy to roll.
• Roll the dough into balls. The buckeye balls should be quarter size or smaller. Place the peanut butter balls on a cookie sheet covered with wax paper. Chill in the refrigerator for one hour, or until they are firm enough to hold a toothpick.
• While the buckeyes are in the refrigerator, melt 1 1/2 cups Ghiradelli semi-sweet chocolate chips with 1/3 bar paraffin in a double broiler. Yes, the paraffin is important so don’t skip it. It may sound odd but trust me on this. That’s our secret for getting our buckeyes so smooth and shiny. You can’t taste the wax but you will see the difference. It’s also important to use a double boiler so that water does not touch your chocolate.
• When the chocolate is melted and the buckeyes are firm to the touch, it’s time to dip the buckeyes. Put a wooden toothpick in the middle of a buckeye. Gentle lower your buckeye into the chocolate and rotate so the buckeye is covered with a small hole remaining around the toothpick.

• Lift the buckeye carefully out of the chocolate. Allow the excess chocolate to drip into the pan. Then, place the buckeye on a plate covered with wax paper. Remove the toothpick and repeat. Again and again.

One batch makes around 80 buckeyes. Store your buckeyes in the refrigerator or freezer.

Additional Buckeye Making Tips:

Buckeyes can be made with margarine or butter. I used to make them with margarine (name brand Imperial is the best) but now use butter. Occasionally margarine leaves moisture on the top of your buckeyes, so I really recommend using butter.

Check the size of jar of peanut butter you are using. The original recipe called for 18 oz of peanut butter…before jars started shrinking. If you do use an 18 oz jar of peanut butter (the Aldi generic brand is still this size and works great), simply add a bit more powdered sugar. 

The amount of powdered sugar used will vary. I use around 4 to 5 cups. Add a cup of powdered sugar at a time and mix in. When you get to 4 cups, add in a quarter cup at a time until the dough is easy to roll without sticking. Then you know you don’t need any more powdered sugar.

You can roll your buckeyes one day, and store them in the fridge until you are ready to dip. I usually roll a batch one day and dip the next, so they are nice and firm when dipping. Plus, it breaks up the process a bit more.

Don’t skimp on your chocolate! I now only use Ghiradelli semi-sweet chocolate chips (rather than Nestle’s) for my buckeyes because they melt the smoothest.

You can find paraffin in the canning aisle. A box of Gulf Wax (brand name) sells for around $3 a box. Each box has 4 bars and since only a 1/3 of the bar is used for each batch, one box will last you for several years

If you don’t have a double boiler, use a metal bowl place inside a pan on your stove. Put an inch or two of water in the pan, and place the metal bowl inside. The snugger the fit, the better. When the water boils, your chocolate will melt effortlessly inside the metal bowl.

Buckeye Recipe

Buckeyes are like peanut butter balls that didn’t get all the way dipped in chocolate. They’re no bake, SUPER-EASY to make and as an added bonus you can make these peanut butter candies in advance and pull them out of the fridge at a moment’s notice.

Peanut butter and chocolate are a match made in heaven so who could resist a buckeye ball or two?? Buckeyes taste like peanut butter cups with an emphasis on the peanut butter! Not too sweet, really creamy, and so satisfying.

WHAT YOU’LL NEED FOR THIS RECIPE

• Chocolate: Semisweet chocolate chips work well for this recipe but chocolate in bar form is easier to melt. You can use bittersweet, dark chocolate, or milk chocolate if preferred.
• Coconut oil: This optional ingredient makes it easier to get a thin dipping consistency. You can sub in shortening or even butter if needed.

HOW TO MAKE BUCKEYES

1. Add the peanut butter, butter, and vanilla to a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment and mix on low.

2. After 30 seconds or so stop and scrape the bowl down and mix until thoroughly combined.

3. Slowly add confectioners’ sugar and mix on medium low. Really important to scrape the bowl down here too!

4. Pinch off about a tablespoon of the mixture and roll balls in the palms of your hands. Chill to firm.

5. Melt the chocolate and coconut oil in a medium bowl and mix to combine. Set aside and allow to cool to room temp.

6. Using a toothpick, dip each chilled peanut butter ball into the chocolate. Remove toothpick and smooth hole over with a knife.

PRO TIPS FOR MAKING THIS RECIPE

• If your butter isn’t room temp then just cut the sticks into a few slices and microwave on 50% power in 5 second bursts. Flip the butter with every burst.
• These buckeyes will keep in the fridge for up to two weeks, just make sure they’re covered.
• Its so important to scrape that bowl down after adding the powdered sugar. I forgot to once and the top was super firm but the bottom of the bowl was VERY soft.
• Coconut oil helps thin the chocolate so it’s easier to dip your buckeyes but you can use shortening if that’s what you have on hand.
• The butter can be reduced a tablespoon for a firmer ball if desired.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

WHY ARE THEY CALLED BUCKEYES?

This no bake peanut butter treat closely resembles buckeye nuts! The buckeye is the state tree of Ohio and as you can imagine this dessert is pretty popular in Ohio and the neighboring states. Before I looked it up I thought they were named after the football team.

HOW DO YOU DIP THEM?

1. Chill the balls and insert a toothpick or wooden skewer about 3/4 the way in.
2. Dip into the cooled chocolate and gently wipe the bottom on the side of the bowl to remove excess chocolate.
3. Place buckeyes on a sheet of parchment paper and chill.
4. Twist toothpick or skewer to remove from ball and use a small knife to smooth the hole over.

WHATS THE BEST PEANUT BUTTER TO USE FOR THESE COOKIES?

• For best results use a smooth, salted peanut butter for your buckeyes.
• There’s no need to use a sweetened peanut butter but if that’s what you have on hand it will work just fine. You can always decrease the sugar if desired.
• If you’re using a natural peanut butter without stabilizers make sure to mix really well after opening the jar. The oil heavy top of that jar will make very runny buckeyes.

Buckeye FAQ:

Do buckeyes need to be refrigerated?

Yes! They can be left on the counter for several hours for serving at a party, but otherwise, store them in the fridge. Leaving them on the counter will cause the chocolate to separate from the peanut butter ball.

Can you freeze buckeyes?

Absolutely! Buckeyes freeze great! This is really helpful because buckeyes do take awhile to make. You can get a head start on your buckeye making and store them in the freezer until you are ready to serve. Take buckeyes straight from the fridge to the freezer. I like to freeze them in metal tins with tight sealing lids. Place a layer of waxed paper in between each row of buckeyes, so you can stack your buckeyes several layers deep without smudging the chocolate. Put them back in the fridge the night before you are ready to serve…although they can be eaten straight from the freezer in a pinch!

How long do buckeyes last in the freezer?

Buckeyes will easily last 3 to 6 months in the freezer if they are frozen in a tightly sealed container. They will probably last longer if you can keep yourself from eating them all before then!

Like I said earlier, this really is the best buckeye recipe. These buckeyes are absolutely delicious and well worth the time it takes to make. Your buckeyes may not turn out as perfectly as mine the first time you make them, but remember that I have made thousands of buckeyes already. Everyone has to start their buckeye making somewhere!

Once you’ve made them, let me what you think. Don’t you think it really is the best buckeye recipe?

Importance of Dessert

1. Desserts are packed with nutrients.

There’s a reason why your body craves certain delicious desserts. Low carb diets often overlook the fact that carbohydrates are an essential nutrient for the body. While desserts may not be the healthiest form of carbohydrates, the right indulgences can fuel your body and mind.

Plus, sweets such as pumpkin pie or dark chocolate contain rich sources of whole foods that provide necessary vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants to your diet.

2. Desserts make you happier…no, really!

Have you ever taken a bite of your favorite dessert and felt instantly transported to a higher level of happiness? That feeling is real.

According to The Nest, foods that have a naturally high percentage of carbohydrates help the brain and body produce chemicals (such as serotonin) that contribute to overall emotional well-being.

Indulging in your favorite dessert alters your mind and body in positive ways. Take full advantage of this scientific process by allowing yourself to enjoy your favorite sweet treat without that extra side of guilt. You really are doing something good for your body!

3. Eating dessert can actually improve your weight control.

Cravings for sweets are one of the biggest causes of diet failure. When the average adult quits eating desserts all together, they may see improvement in their short term fitness goals.

However, studies have shown that adults who indulge in dessert but eat an otherwise nutritious diet have a greater chance of producing long term success in weight loss. This is true because the body will respond to small amounts of desserts that satisfy cravings by satiating its own appetite for them.

Choosing to stop consuming sweets altogether in the hopes of achieving a weight loss goal will almost always lead to binge eating and over consumption when you finally do indulge. Balancing your indulgences with healthier eating and regular exercise is more likely to lead to diet success than completely eliminating them.

4. Desserts offer a convenient opportunity to incorporate more fruit into your diet.

Fruit, as we all know by now, is an essential part of your daily intake of nutrients that keep you healthy, strong, and immune to certain diseases. Unfortunately, you may not be getting the necessary dose of these powerful food options.

Adding raspberries and blueberries to a bowl of frozen greek yogurt makes an already healthy dessert (rich in protein and healthy fats) into a positively vital meal for your daily fruit intake. Don’t be afraid to get creative; from chocolate-covered strawberries to vanilla and mango smoothies, the options are all scrumptious and endless.

5. Desserts can remedy the negative side effects of dieting.

Ever wonder why they serve jello or chocolate pudding to hospital patients? When patients lose their appetite due to illness, it is easier and more enjoyable to consume sugary, low-nutrient carbohydrates than any other type of food.

According to the National Eating Disorders Association, suddenly decreasing your intake of carbs and sugar deprives your body of the necessary glucose needed for energy. Dieting can actually increase feelings of sluggishness, mental fog, and distraction. Just another reason to salvage those Oreos from the trash.