Buckeye Peanut Butter Cookies (Printable Version)

No-bake peanut butter balls dipped in chocolate, inspired by classic Ohio buckeye candies. Perfect holiday treats.

# What You'll Need:

→ Peanut Butter Filling

01 - 1 1/2 cups creamy peanut butter
02 - 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
03 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
04 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
05 - 3 to 4 cups powdered sugar, adjusted for consistency

→ Chocolate Coating

06 - 2 cups (12 oz) semisweet chocolate chips
07 - 2 tablespoons shortening or coconut oil

# Directions:

01 - In a large bowl, beat the peanut butter, softened butter, vanilla extract, and salt together using a hand or stand mixer until smooth and creamy.
02 - Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition. Continue until the dough is stiff enough to roll without sticking to your hands.
03 - Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of the dough and roll them into smooth, uniform balls. Arrange them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
04 - Refrigerate the peanut butter balls for 30 minutes until firm and easy to handle during dipping.
05 - In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the chocolate chips and shortening. Melt in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until the mixture is completely smooth and glossy.
06 - Using a toothpick, dip each chilled peanut butter ball into the melted chocolate, leaving the top third exposed to resemble a buckeye nut. Gently tap off any excess chocolate.
07 - Return each dipped ball to the parchment-lined baking sheet. Once all are dipped, refrigerate for 15 to 20 minutes until the chocolate coating is fully set.
08 - Remove the toothpicks and gently smooth over any holes in the tops if a polished appearance is desired.

# Expert Hints:

01 -
  • No baking required, so your kitchen stays cool and you cannot overcook a thing.
  • The dough comes together in under ten minutes and the dipping is genuinely fun once you find your rhythm.
02 -
  • If the dough feels too soft to roll even after four cups of sugar, refrigerate the whole bowl for fifteen minutes and try again, since warm kitchens can make peanut butter behave unpredictably.
  • Do not skip the shortening or coconut oil in the chocolate, because plain melted chips will be too thick and the coating will crack as it sets.
03 -
  • If the chocolate starts to thicken while you are working, pop it back in the microwave for ten seconds and stir, because overheating will cause it to seize.
  • Wearing disposable gloves while rolling the peanut butter balls keeps the dough from warming against your skin and sticking to every surface.

Go Back