1 of 7

Write now Article Tools

Buckeye Candies are an amazingly rich combination of chocolate and peanut butter that resemble their namesake nuts. These candies are a holiday staple at my house and are a lovely gift idea or party treat. This is a fun and easy recipe for the kids too... if you can keep them from eating them all before you finish.

Buckeye Candies
Makes 4-6 dozen (depending on the size you make)

INGREDIENTS:

1 jar (18 oz. or 1-3/4 cups) peanut butter (I use natural peanut butter)
4 cups powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla
1/2 cup (1 stick) butter (softened)
12 oz. semi-sweet chocolate chips
4 Tbsp. shortening

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Mix together peanut butter, butter and vanilla until smooth. Add powdered sugar one cup at a time until thoroughly combined. The mixture will be crumbly but will stick together when rolled into balls. I use a paddle beater on my mixer to make the dough.

2. Line cookie sheets with wax paper. Form "nut-sized" balls with the mixture and place them on the cookie sheet. The dough will soften and stick together the more you work with it. Place the balls in the freezer for approximately 30 minutes to harden before dipping in chocolate.

3. Place chocolate chips and shortening in a microwave safe bowl and microwave in 30 second intervals until melted. Stir between intervals to help break up the chips.

4. Remove balls from the freezer and dip each one in the chocolate using a toothpick and replace them on the cookie sheets. If the balls get too soft just return them to the freezer for a few minutes until they stay on the toothpick. Make sure to only dip about 3/4ths of each ball into the chocolate leaving a spot of peanut butter showing so they look like real buckeyes.

5. Return balls to the refrigerator for about 30 minutes after dipping so they have time to "set". Store in the refrigerator until ready to serve!

TIP: You can put the toothpicks in each ball before you put them into the freezer to save time when dipping.

VARIATION:
If you are lacking the necessary time (or patience) required to form 2 dozen balls... try pressing the peanut butter mixture into a 9"x9" pan. After it hardens, pour the melted chocolate over it and return to the refrigerator. You can then cut the candy into 1" squares. Tastes the same for a lot less work!

Learn more about this author, Kathy McCabe.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

Add your voice

Know something about Recipes: Buckeye candy?
We want to hear your view. Write now!