Buckeye Peanut Butter Cookies (Printable)
No-bake peanut butter balls partially dipped in chocolate, inspired by Ohio's iconic buckeye nut.
# What You’ll Need:
→ Peanut Butter Filling
01 - 1 1/2 cups creamy peanut butter
02 - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
03 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
04 - 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
05 - 3 1/2 cups powdered sugar
→ Chocolate Coating
06 - 10 oz semisweet or dark chocolate chips
07 - 1 tablespoon coconut oil or vegetable shortening (optional, for smoothness)
# Directions:
01 - In a large mixing bowl, beat together the creamy peanut butter, softened unsalted butter, vanilla extract, and fine sea salt using a hand mixer or stand mixer until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
02 - Gradually add the powdered sugar to the peanut butter mixture, mixing continuously until a thick, pliable dough forms that holds its shape when rolled.
03 - Scoop out heaping teaspoonfuls of the peanut butter dough and roll them between your palms into smooth 1-inch balls. Arrange them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
04 - Place the baking sheet in the refrigerator and chill the peanut butter balls for at least 30 minutes, or until they are firm enough to handle without losing their shape during dipping.
05 - In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the chocolate chips with coconut oil or vegetable shortening if using. Microwave in 30-second increments, stirring thoroughly between each interval, until the chocolate is completely melted and smooth.
06 - Insert a toothpick into each chilled peanut butter ball and dip it into the melted chocolate, leaving the top quarter uncovered to resemble the appearance of a buckeye nut. Gently tap off any excess chocolate.
07 - Return each dipped buckeye to the parchment-lined baking sheet and carefully remove the toothpick. Smooth over the small hole with your finger or a dab of peanut butter mixture if desired.
08 - Place the baking sheet back in the refrigerator and let the buckeyes chill for about 20 minutes, or until the chocolate coating is fully set and firm to the touch.
09 - Serve the buckeyes chilled or allow them to sit at room temperature for 10 to 15 minutes for a softer texture. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- No oven required, which means you can make these in a cramped apartment kitchen in the middle of summer without breaking a sweat.
- The contrast of salty peanut butter and sweet chocolate hits a nerve that makes it nearly impossible to stop at two.
- They look impressive on a holiday tray but come together with ingredients you probably already have.
02 -
- If your peanut butter dough feels too soft to roll, refrigerate it for fifteen minutes before shaping and the fat will firm everything up beautifully.
- Working with too-warm chocolate is the fastest way to get a thick, clumpy coating, so if it starts cooling and stiffening, give it another ten second burst in the microwave.
03 -
- Measure the powdered sugar by spooning it into the cup and leveling off rather than scooping directly, which packs in far more sugar than the recipe intends.
- Avoid humid days for dipping because moisture causes chocolate to seize and turn grainy no matter how careful you are.