Easy Chocolate Treats

Featured in Let's Bake Something Wonderful.

Shape sweet peanut butter dough into balls, dip partially in melted chocolate, and chill. That’s how you get the signature buckeye look.

Hannah Author
Updated on Sun, 23 Mar 2025 17:13:33 GMT
Chocolate-drizzled peanut butter balls on a plate with decorative sprinkles and a smooth glaze. Pin it
Chocolate-drizzled peanut butter balls on a plate with decorative sprinkles and a smooth glaze. | recipesbyhannah.com

Every time I make these buckeye candies, I'm transported to grandma's kitchen. Each one delivers a velvety peanut butter center surrounded by decadent chocolate - creating something truly magical with every taste. I've tweaked her traditional method over the years until I got it just right for my kids and husband.

Irresistible Comfort Candy

What makes buckeyes so wonderful is how straightforward they are - just a handful of simple ingredients coming together in something extraordinary. The mix of salt and sweetness with my little twist makes them absolutely addictive. Anyone who samples these treats always asks me how I make them.

What You'll Need

  • Smooth peanut butter avoid the natural kind it's too runny
  • Unsalted cream butter softened to room temperature
  • Rich brown sugar for extra flavor
  • Confectioners sugar finely sifted
  • Premium chocolate for coating I prefer melting discs

Let's Create Wonders

Begin with the Filling
Whip peanut butter and butter till fluffy add brown sugar salt and vanilla until well combined
Powder Power
Gradually add confectioners sugar watching as the consistency changes
Forming Beauties
Form into small balls place on parchment to cool and firm up
Melting Magic
Gently melt chocolate stirring to achieve perfect smoothness
Finishing Flourish
Partially dip each ball leaving the top bare blend away toothpick marks allow to harden

My Helpful Hints

Don't dump all your sugar in at once or you'll end up with lumps. I always weigh my ingredients for consistent results. Really take your time with the mixing part and you'll find shaping them becomes super easy.

A plate of chocolate-covered energy balls topped with creamy peanut butter and sprinkled with coarse salt. Pin it
A plate of chocolate-covered energy balls topped with creamy peanut butter and sprinkled with coarse salt. | recipesbyhannah.com

Storage Smarts

You can leave your buckeyes out for a day or two, or stick them in the fridge for up to two weeks. They'll stay good in the freezer for several months, but honestly, they vanish quickly at my place. They taste great whether cool or at room temp.

Tasty Traditions

Buckeyes first came from Ohio, named after the nuts from their state tree. These days these sweet treats bring joy everywhere. It's amazing how the most basic treats often become family favorites.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Why skip natural peanut butter?

It can cause texture issues and might separate. Stick with regular peanut butter for smoother results.

→ Do I need coconut oil?

It makes the chocolate silkier for dipping. You can skip it, but the chocolate might be thicker.

→ How long do these stay good?

They’re fine at room temp for 2 days, in the fridge for up to 3 weeks, or frozen for a few months.

→ What’s the benefit of freezing before dipping?

Cold balls hold up better when coated, making dipping much cleaner and easier.

→ What if the mixture is sticky?

Add powdered sugar slowly until it firms up enough to roll without sticking.

Chocolate Treats

Peanut butter balls coated halfway in chocolate. A tasty mix of creamy peanut butter and sweet chocolate.

Prep Time
15 Minutes
Cook Time
~
Total Time
15 Minutes

Category: Sweet Kitchen

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: American

Yield: 40 Servings (40)

Dietary: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free

Ingredients

01 3 1/4 cups powdered sugar.
02 1/4 tsp salt.
03 2 cups semisweet chocolate chips.
04 1 tsp coconut oil or shortening.
05 2 tbsp light brown sugar, packed.
06 1 1/4 tsp vanilla extract.
07 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened.
08 2 cups creamy peanut butter (don’t use natural).

Instructions

Step 01

Mix the butter and peanut butter until it looks smooth.

Step 02

Stir in salt, vanilla, and brown sugar.

Step 03

Slowly blend in powdered sugar. Stop once it’s fully mixed.

Step 04

Roll the mixture into small balls, about a tablespoon each.

Step 05

Pop them into the freezer for 15-20 minutes.

Step 06

Heat chocolate and oil in short 25-second bursts to melt.

Step 07

Dip the balls, leaving the top part showing, using a toothpick.

Step 08

Touch up the toothpick spots to make them smooth.

Step 09

Let the chocolate coating firm up.

Notes

  1. Skip the brown sugar if you want a smoother texture.
  2. Go for regular peanut butter—not the natural kind.
  3. Chocolate melting wafers work instead of chips if you prefer.
  4. Keep them in the freezer for months if needed.

Tools You'll Need

  • Mixing bowl.
  • Wax paper.
  • Toothpicks.
  • Cookie sheet.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Peanuts.
  • Dairy.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 155
  • Total Fat: 10 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 15 g
  • Protein: 3 g