Creamy peanut butter, powdered sugar, butter, and chocolate bark come together for irresistible Peanut Butter Buckeye Balls you’ll want year-round.
I can’t remember the first time I heard about Peanut Butter Buckeye Balls, but I do remember the first time I ate one — and it’s burned into my memory in the best way. I was maybe ten, maybe eleven, and I was at my neighbor’s Christmas party. You know the kind — too many kids running around in itchy sweaters, bowls of Chex mix in every corner, and a dessert table that made you feel like you’d stumbled into some magical sugar kingdom.
Remember it later!
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
Remember it later!
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
And there they were. Little round chocolate-coated candies with a peek of peanut butter showing through the top. I thought they looked like tiny treasure chests. Took a bite, and… well, you know when something’s so good you actually pause mid-bite? That was me. I remember thinking, Why has nobody told me about these before?
Years later, I finally learned how to make them myself. And, being me, I tried to “improve” them by dipping the whole thing in chocolate. Big mistake. They were fine — delicious even — but they weren’t Buckeyes anymore. That little peanut butter “eye” on top isn’t just tradition, it’s personality. Now I stick with the classic method… though I’ll admit, every now and then I sneak one straight from the tray before the chocolate even sets.
Here’s a quick peek at what’s inside:
Table of content
Why You’ll Love This Peanut Butter Buckeye Balls Recipe?
These Peanut Butter Buckeye Balls are the ultimate low-effort, high-reward candy. Four ingredients. No baking. Zero fancy equipment. You can whip up a batch in about half an hour, and they look like something you’d buy in a fancy candy shop. They’re creamy, sweet, chocolatey, and a little salty from the peanut butter — the kind of treat that makes you close your eyes for a second when you take a bite.
And the best part? They’re not just for the holidays. Sure, they show up on Christmas cookie trays, but they also work for birthday parties, potlucks, or just because you feel like making something dangerously snackable.
Ingredient Notes:
When there are only four ingredients, you can’t really hide behind anything — they all have to shine.
-
Powdered Sugar – Sweetens the peanut butter and gives the filling its shape. If you skip this, you’ll end up with peanut butter puddles.
-
Peanut Butter – Creamy is king here. Crunchy adds texture but makes dipping harder.
-
Butter – Softened, not melted. It’s what makes the filling rich and smooth.
-
Chocolate Bark – Melts evenly, sets perfectly, and doesn’t throw a fit like some chocolates do.
How To Make Peanut Butter Buckeye Balls?
Step 1: Mix the filling
In a mixing bowl, combine peanut butter, softened butter, and powdered sugar. Stir until smooth and thick — like the inside of a peanut butter cup, only better.
Step 2: Shape the balls
Roll the mixture into small balls (think big marbles), then stick a toothpick into each one. That little toothpick? It’s your dipping lifesaver.
Step 3: Dip in chocolate
Melt your chocolate bark according to the package directions. Dip each ball about three-quarters of the way in, leaving that little “eye” of peanut butter showing. That’s your Buckeye signature.
Step 4: Set and serve
Place them on a wax paper–lined baking sheet and let the chocolate harden. Then… well, try not to eat too many before they make it to the serving plate.
Storage Options:
These Peanut Butter Buckeye Balls store like a dream. Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for a couple of days, in the fridge for up to two weeks, or freeze for up to three months. Just make sure they’re in a single layer when freezing — unless you like the idea of peanut butter candy stuck together in one giant clump (which… actually sounds kind of fun).
Variations and Substitutions:
If you’ve made these a few times and want to play around, here’s where you can get creative:
Want To Save This Recipe?
-
Swap peanut butter for almond or cashew butter.
-
Sprinkle a little flaky sea salt on top before the chocolate sets.
-
Try white chocolate instead of regular for a totally different look.
-
Mix crushed pretzels into the peanut butter for a salty crunch.
What to Serve with Peanut Butter Buckeye Balls?
You can eat them straight from the tray (obviously), but they’re also great as part of something bigger:
-
On a holiday cookie platter for variety.
-
With coffee or hot cocoa for a cozy afternoon treat.
-
Paired with fresh strawberries for a little fruity contrast.
-
Or, my personal favorite — with a cold glass of milk, because sometimes you just need to be a kid again.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I use natural peanut butter?
You can, but it tends to make the filling oily. Add extra powdered sugar to help it hold together.
Do I have to use chocolate bark?
Nope. Chocolate chips or melting wafers work fine — just be patient with melting and setting.
How do I keep them neat?
Dip slowly, tap off the extra chocolate, and don’t stress too much. A little wobble makes them look homemade — in the best way.
Peanut Butter Buckeye Balls are one of those recipes you think you’ll only make for special occasions… and then you find yourself making them on a random Tuesday because you can’t stop thinking about them. So tell me — are you a one-and-done snacker, or will you be “taste-testing” a few extra when no one’s looking?
Remember it later!
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
Remember it later!
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
Keep the Flavor Coming – Try These:
Peanut Butter Buckeye Balls
Ingredients
- 1 pound powdered sugar
- 16 ounces creamy peanut butter
- 1 ½ sticks ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
- Chocolate bark for melting and coating
Instructions
Prepare the peanut butter mixture
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, creamy peanut butter, and powdered sugar. Stir until the mixture is smooth and fully incorporated. The texture should be firm enough to hold its shape when rolled.
Shape the balls
- Roll the mixture into small, uniform balls approximately 1 inch in diameter. Insert a toothpick into the center of each ball to facilitate the dipping process.
Melt the chocolate
- In a heat-safe bowl, melt the chocolate bark according to the manufacturer’s instructions, stirring occasionally until smooth and lump-free.
Dip and coat
- Holding each peanut butter ball by the toothpick, dip it approximately three-quarters of the way into the melted chocolate, leaving the top portion exposed to create the signature “buckeye” appearance. Allow excess chocolate to drip back into the bowl.
Set the candy
- Place the dipped balls onto a baking sheet lined with wax paper. Allow them to sit at room temperature or refrigerate until the chocolate is fully set. Remove toothpicks before serving if desired.
Notes
I’m Bitty, owner of nodashofgluten.com, where I share simple, delicious recipes for all tastes, including gluten-free. Check out my “About Me” page for more info!
