Buckeye Candy has a peanut butter fudge center, and they’re partially dipped in chocolate. Buckeyes are easy to make and require just six ingredients. 

This Buckeye Candy recipe makes 45 confections and costs about $6.01 to make. That’s just $0.14 per candy. 

These are the perfect affordable addition to a Christmas cookie tray alongside these Christmas Chocolate Chip Cookies, Peppermint Bark Candy, and Divinity Candy

A close up of Buckeye Candy on a wooden serving platter.

Buckeye Candy

Move over peanut butter cups; Buckeye Candy just stole the show. They are similar to peanut butter cups but better with a creamy peanut butter center and a hard chocolate shell around the outside. 

Peanut butter and chocolate are one of my favorite flavor combinations. You also need to try my  Buckeye Brownies and my Epic Buckeye Brownie Cheesecake Cake

Even if you are not an Ohio State Football fan, you can still enjoy these buckeyes. Ohio is where this Buckeye Candy first became popular, but they are here for all! While they are a classic Christmas delight, you really can enjoy them year-round as the recipe calls for pantry staples. 

Some will say that a Buckeye is the most popular cookie in Ohio. However, most believe, as do I, that the Buckeye is a candy that is a chocolate and peanut butter lover’s dream!

How long do Buckeyes last?

If you store them in an airtight container in the fridge, they will stay fresh for up to two weeks. However, if your household is anything like mine, there is no way they will last that long before everyone eats them all! You can also freeze them for up to three months. 

Why is it called a Buckeye?

Native Americans first called the nut from the tree “stuck,” which translates to
“buck eye.” It was referred to as this because the nut resembles the eye of a deer. The tree nut, which is popular in Ohio, was made into a delicious treat to resemble the nut’s look and was called Buckeye candy. 

Buckeye Candy in a gift box for gifting

More Chocolate and Peanut Butter Desserts:

How to make Buckeye Candy:

STEP ONE: First, line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Using a large bowl, make the peanut butter balls, freezing them for one hour after shaping them into balls.

STEP TWO: Next, make the chocolate coating in a microwave-safe bowl. Stir until the chocolate is smooth and completely melted. 

STEP THREE: Removing three to four balls at a time from the freezer, insert a toothpick into each peanut butter ball and dip into the chocolate. Only cover ¾ of the ball and then place on the baking sheet and remove the toothpick.

STEP FOUR: Finally, let the buckeyes sit at room temperature for thirty to sixty minutes until the chocolate is set. Serve and enjoy!

Pictures of how to make Buckeye Candy for social media

Cook’s Tools:

  • Baking sheet
  • Measuring cups
  • Wooden mixing spoon
  • Mixing bowls

How much will this Buckeye Candy recipe cost to make: 

RECIPE COST: $6.01

PER SERVING COST: $0.14

NOTE: The recipe prices are calculated by using grocery store websites. The actual cost of the recipe will vary depending on what ingredients you already have.

  • 1 ½ cups creamy peanut butter – $2.11
  • ½ cup unsalted butter – $0.80
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – $0.31
  • 3 ½ cups powdered sugar – $1.01
  • 1 bag semi-sweet chocolate chips – $1.74
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable shortening –  $0.04
All the ingredients needed to make Buckeye Candy

More Holiday Desserts

A plate full of Buckeye Candy
Buckeye candies stacked on top of each other.
5 from 1 vote

Buckeye Candy

Recipe Cost $ 6.01
Serving Cost $ 0.14
Prep Time 20 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 20 minutes
45 pieces
Buckeye Candy has a peanut butter fudge center, and they’re partially dipped in chocolate. Buckeyes are easy to make and require just six ingredients.

Equipment

  • baking sheet
  • Measuring cups
  • wooden mixing spoon
  • mixing bowls

Ingredients
 
 

PEANUT BUTTER BALLS:

  • 1 ½ cup creamy peanut butter
  • ½ cup unsalted butter softened
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 3 ½ cups powdered sugar

CHOCOLATE COATING:

  • 12 oz bag semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable shortening

Instructions

PREP BAKING SHEET:

  • Line baking sheets with parchment paper.

MAKE PEANUT BUTTER BALLS:

  • In a large bowl, beat peanut butter, butter, and vanilla on medium speed until creamy, about 2 minutes.
  • Turn the mixer to the lowest setting, and gradually add powdered sugar until well combined.
  • Shape the mixture into 1 inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet. Freeze peanut butter balls for 1 hour.

MAKE CHOCOLATE COATING:

  • In a microwave-safe bowl, add chocolate chips and shortening.
  • Heat for 1 minute on 50% power, stir, and continue heating for 20 seconds at a time on 50% power, stirring after each heating. Stop just before all of the chocolate is melted.
  • Stir the chocolate until it is completely melted and smooth.

DIP PEANUT BUTTER BALLS:

  • Remove 3-4 balls at a time from the freezer, leaving the others in the freezer until ready to dip.
  • Insert a toothpick into each peanut butter ball. Dip the balls into the melted chocolate, covering about 3⁄4 of the ball. Shake off excess and place on the prepared baking sheet.
  • Remove the toothpick and smooth over the hole with your fingertip. Repeat with the remaining peanut butter balls and chocolate.

SET BUCKEYES:

  • Let the buckeyes sit at room temperature for 30-60 minutes, or until the chocolate is set.

Notes

Store candy buckeyes in an airtight container at room temperature for two days or in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. You can also freeze them for up to three months.

Nutrition

Serving: 1candy | Calories: 154kcal | Carbohydrates: 15g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 10g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Cholesterol: 6mg | Sodium: 41mg | Potassium: 99mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 13g | Vitamin A: 67IU | Calcium: 9mg | Iron: 1mg

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One Comment

  1. I can’t wait to make these fabulous candles and cake.