Buckeye Candy is the perfect creamy peanut butter and chocolate combination. They are an easy no-bake treat perfect for Christmas or watching the Buckeyes football game. Creamy peanut butter balls that are dipped in chocolate that are no fail!

These treats are named after the nut from the Buckeye tree because they resemble them in appearance. The Buckeye is the state tree of Ohio and are a staple in the state, especially around football season and Christmas.

This unique and easy no bake dessert is a great addition to all of your classic Christmas candy. When the oven space is taken up for all of your other holiday goodies, you can whip together a batch of no-bake buckeye candy for a sweet treat.

Why You’ll Love Buckeye Candy

Buckeye Candy is the perfect dessert to make ahead of time! It stores really well in the fridge and freezer and will last a while if stored properly.
Oven space is a hot commodity around the holidays. Buckeye peanut butter balls are an easy no bake dessert that will help free up oven space.
It’s so easy to learn how to make buckeye candy! This would be a great dessert for kids to make and is perfect for even the most novice of bakers.

Ingredients for Buckeye Peanut Butter Balls

Confectioners Sugar – This is really the main ingredient that holds the peanut butter balls together, and what’s better than powdered sugar?!
Unsalted Butter – I prefer unsalted butter in this recipe, but if all you have is salted, that will work just fine.
Creamy Peanut Butter – Creamy, creamy, creamy! Crunchy peanut butter is yummy, but it won’t work well for this recipe so be sure to get creamy peanut butter!
Vanilla Extract – You don’t have to use this, but I love the slight touch of vanilla this throws in with the peanut butter and chocolate.
Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips – If you’re a fan of straight dark chocolate or milk chocolate, you can use either of those instead of semi-sweet!
Coconut Oil – Coconut oil helps the chocolate get that “magic shell” crunch. You don’t have to use it, but it really takes the texture up a notch!

Helpful Tools

How to Make Buckeye Candy

STEP ONE: Line a clean baking sheet with wax paper and set aside.

STEP TWO: In a medium size mixing bowl, combine softened butter, creamy peanut butter, and confectioners sugar. Mix well, until fully incorporated.

STEP THREE: Using a spoon or small ice cream scoop, form 1″ balls from the mixture. Place the peanut butter balls in the refrigerator to chill for 30 minutes.

Glass bowl with peanut butter mixture for Buckeyes

Ingredients for peanut butter mixture for buckeye candy

STEP FOUR: While the peanut butter balls are chilling, melt the chocolate chips and coconut oil in the microwave. Check it periodically and stir it well to keep it from burning.

STEP FIVE: Take the peanut butter balls out of the fridge, and while holding with a toothpick, dip them into the chocolate. Be sure to only dip it 3/4 of the way to keep the top exposed for that quintessential “buckeye candy” look!

Glass bowl with chocolate chips and coconut oil

STEP SIX: Once you have dipped the buckeye peanut butter ball, place it back onto the baking sheet covered in wax paper.

STEP SEVEN: After every ball has been dipped, chill in the freezer for 20 minutes to allow the chocolate to fully harden.

Dipping peanut butter ball in melted chocolate

How to serve Buckeye Candy

Ohio Buckeyes game day snacks like Football Pepperoni Pizza Dip and Crock Pot Cheesy Hamburger Dip are the perfect pair to this easy no bake dessert!
Keep buckeye candy chilled until serving, as coconut oil lowers the chocolate melting point.

Storage Tips for Buckeye Peanut Butter Balls

IN THE FRIDGE: Buckeye Candy will last for about a two weeks in the fridge if stored in an airtight container or zip-lock freezer bag. But good luck not eating them all in the first day!

IN THE FREEZER: Store this easy no bake dessert in an airtight container or zip-lock freezer bag for up to two months in the freezer. This is recommended for long term storage!

Do Buckeye Candies have to be refrigerated?

Yes. Storing them at room temperature can affect the chocolate coating and your candy will not last as long.

I didn’t use all of my melted chocolate. Did I do something wrong?

Nope! Not all the melted chocolate will be used, but having the extra makes it easier to dip each ball.

Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?

Use a smooth salted peanut butter for best results. If using natural peanut butter, make sure to mix it very well before measuring.

Do I have to use coconut oil?

You don’t have to, but coconut oil helps make the chocolate easier to dip. However, you could also substitute shortening.

Tips for the Best Buckeye Candy

For perfectly proportioned candy, use a small ice cream scoop to get the same amount for every ball.
Be sure to smooth out the tiny hole from the toothpick using a knife or a finger.
Make sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl when mixing the powdered sugar, peanut butter, and butter so it’s all evenly incorporated.

Learning how to make buckeye candy is a snap! The classic combo of peanut butter and chocolate will be a hit at your next game day party or holiday gathering.

Other Peanut Butter and Chocolate Combos You’ll Love

These Peanut Butter Chocolate Chips Bars are absolutely drool worthy!
A homemade twist on a classic candy, try these Homemade Peanut Butter Cups.
Puppy Chow {Muddy Buddies} is a favorite around the holidays!
These Peanut Butter Ritz Cookies are another easy no bake dessert!
With only four ingredients these Chocolate Turtles couldn’t be easier to make!

Did you make this? If you snap a photo, please be sure tag me on Instagram at @julieseatsandtreats or #julieseatsandtreats so I can see your yummy treat!

5 from 4 votes

Buckeye Candy

Sweet and salty Buckeye Candy is an easy no-bake treat made of peanut butter balls dipped in chocolate!

Prep:15

Chill Time:1

Total:1 15

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pieces

Ingredients

Peanut Butter Balls

▢ 2 ½ cups Confectioners sugar
▢ 6 Tablespoons unsalted butter softened
▢ 1 cup creamy peanut butter
▢ 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Chocolate Coating

▢ 12 ounces semi-sweet chocolate chips
▢ 2 Tablespoons coconut oil optional

Instructions

Combine powdered sugar, butter, peanut butter, and vanilla; mix well. Form dough into small balls using a small cookie scoop or 1 Tbsp measuring spoon, about 1” in diameter. Chill balls for 30 minutes.
Melt chocolate and coconut oil in microwave for 1 ½ minutes or until smooth. Checking every 30 seconds to make sure it doesn’t burn.
Poke a toothpick far enough into the ball to hold it.
Dip ball in chocolate ¾ of the way, the top should remain uncoated to mimic the appearance of the nut. Lightly scrape the bottom of the buckeye on side of the bowl to remove excess chocolate.
Place dipped buckeyes on a wax paper lined baking sheet.
Place buckeyes in the freezer for 20 minutes.
Use knife or finger to smooth out hole from toothpick.

Tips

Storage Tips

IN THE FRIDGE: Buckeye Candy will last for about a two weeks in the fridge if stored in an airtight container or zip-lock freezer bag. But good luck not eating them all in the first day!

IN THE FREEZER: Store this easy no bake dessert in an airtight container or zip-lock freezer bag for up to two months in the freezer. This is recommended for long term storage!

Do Buckeye Candies Have To Be Refrigerated?

Yes. Storing them at room temperature can affect the chocolate coating and your candy will not last as long.

Do I Have To Use Coconut Oil?

You don’t have to, but coconut oil helps make the chocolate easier to dip. However, you could also substitute shortening.

Nutrition Information

Serving: 1piece, Calories: 126kcal (6%), Carbohydrates: 12g (4%), Protein: 2g (4%), Fat: 8g (12%), Saturated Fat: 4g (25%), Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g, Monounsaturated Fat: 3g, Trans Fat: 0.1g, Cholesterol: 5mg (2%), Sodium: 26mg (1%), Potassium: 78mg (2%), Fiber: 1g (4%), Sugar: 10g (11%), Vitamin A: 52IU (1%), Calcium: 8mg (1%), Iron: 1mg (6%)

We are not dietitians and recommend you seek a nutritionist for exact nutritional information. The information in the nutrition box is calculated through a program and there is room for error. If you need an accurate count, I recommend running the ingredients through your favorite nutrition calculator.

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