Ingredients:
Peanut Butter Filling:
- 1 1/2 cups creamy peanut butter (avoid natural peanut butter)
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- 4 cups powdered sugar
Chocolate Coating:
- 16 ounces (about 2 2/3 cups) semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 2 teaspoons vegetable shortening or coconut oil
Equipment:
- Large mixing bowl
- Medium heat-proof bowl
- Saucepan
- Baking sheets
- Wax paper or parchment paper
- Toothpicks
Instructions:
Make the Peanut Butter Filling:
- In the large mixing bowl, cream together the peanut butter, softened butter, vanilla extract, and salt until light and fluffy.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating until the mixture is well combined and forms a slightly stiff dough.
Form the Buckeye Balls:
- Roll the peanut butter mixture into 1-inch balls.
- Place the balls on a baking sheet lined with wax paper or parchment paper.
- Insert a toothpick into the top of each ball.
- Freeze for at least 30 minutes, or until very firm.
Prepare the Chocolate Coating:
- Place the chocolate chips and shortening or coconut oil in the heat-proof bowl.
- Fill the saucepan with a small amount of water and bring it to a simmer over medium-low heat.
- Place the bowl with chocolate over the simmering water, making sure the bottom doesn’t touch the water. This creates a double boiler effect.
- Stir the chocolate mixture constantly until melted and smooth.
Dip the Buckeyes:
- Remove the peanut butter balls from the freezer.
- Hold a peanut butter ball by the toothpick and dip it into the melted chocolate, leaving a small circle of peanut butter exposed at the top (this resembles the look of a Buckeye nut).
- Place the dipped ball back onto the lined baking sheet.
- Repeat with remaining peanut butter balls.
Set and Finish:
- Let the chocolate-coated Buckeyes set at room temperature or chill in the refrigerator until the chocolate is firm.
- Gently smudge the hole left by the toothpick with your finger to conceal it.
Tips:
- For a smoother filling, add a little extra butter.
- If the dough is too soft to roll, chill it briefly in the refrigerator.
- For easier dipping, keep the peanut butter balls very cold.
- To ensure a thin, glossy chocolate coating, keep the melted chocolate warm but not hot.
Enjoy your delicious homemade Buckeyes!
