Can you believe we are already a week into December? It’s time to get down to business with our Christmas treats! Today I’m bringing you my family’s recipe for Buckeyes. I have to say, these buckeyes and Peanut Butter Fudge are my two favorite Christmas candies!
If you are not familiar with a buckeye, they are a homemade peanut butter ball dipped in melted chocolate. Think Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup in a bite sized form.
How to make Buckeyes
These chocolate peanut butter treats are easy to make but can be a tad bit time consuming. The key is to have everything organized ahead of time. One of the most important things is to have the butter softened. This will make beating the peanut butter and butter much easier. If the butter isn’t soft, the peanut butter mixture will end up with lumps in it.
Once the peanut butter, butter and vanilla mixture are well combined, gradually start adding in the powdered sugar until it’s completely incorporated. All you have to do then is take a small amount…..say about 2 teaspoons full and roll them into balls. I like to line them up on a wax paper lined sheet pan and then stick them in the refrigerator to chill.
Tips on melting chocolate
After the peanut butter balls have chilled you need to melt the chocolate to dip them in. You can use the microwave for this but I think the best way to melt chocolate is in a double boiler. Just take a saucepan with some water in it and set a smaller bowl on top. Make sure that the bowl on top is big enough to sit on top of the pan. You don’t want it to touch the bottom of the pan. Turn the stove on to simmer the water in the saucepan. Pour your chocolate chips and Crisco into the bowl on top. Stir until all the chocolate and Crisco is melted and smooth. If you don’t have Crisco you can also use a little paraffin mixed in with the chocolate.
What is the best way to dip the Buckeyes
I have found that taking a toothpick and inserting it into the peanut butter balls and then transferring them into the chocolate is the easiest way to make the buckeyes. You only want to cover the peanut utter part about two-thirds of the way with the chocolate. Raise the buckeye out of the chocolate and let the excess drip before returning it to the sheet pan. You will continue this process until all of the buckeyes are dipped.
How do I store the Buckeyes?
After the buckeyes are dipped in chocolate and returned to the sheet pan you will want to return them to the refrigerator for them to set up. Once they are good and chilled you can transfer to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator or a cool dry place. They can be stored at room temperature but will tend to get soft if left out for very long.
These buckeyes are great on candy trays for parties and as gifts for neighbors and friends. Make them a tradition at your house!
Buckeyes
This delicious candy is the perfect little bite of chocolate and peanut butter!
Ingredients
- 16 oz smooth peanut butter
- 2 sticks butter, softened
- 1½ lb powdered sugar
- 2 tsp vanilla
- 2 packages semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 tbsp Crisco
Instructions
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With a hand mixer, beat peanut butter, butter and vanilla until well combined.
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Gradually beat in powdered sugar until fully incorporated.
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Roll mixture into small balls and place on a wax paper lined sheet pan.
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Chill balls at least 30 minutes in refrigerator.
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Once peanut butter balls have chilled, melt chocolate chips and Crisco in double boiler. Stir to make sure Crisco is fully melted into the chocolate chips.
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Dip peanut butter balls into the chocolate mixture with a toothpick. Leave a small circle of the peanut butter exposed on the top of each buckeye and place back on sheet pan. Chill buckeyes until chocolate is completely set.
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Store buckeyes in an airtight container in a cool place or refrigerate.