How to Make a Delicious Buckeye: Step by Step Guide

Buckeyes are a sweet and addictive dessert that can be perfect for anyone with a sweet tooth. These delicious treats are peanut butter balls dipped in chocolate, and they are a staple of Midwest cuisine. If you want to try making them at home, this article is for you! Making buckeyes is easy, and you don’t even have to be a master chef to get it right.

The first thing you need for making buckeyes is peanut butter. You will also need powdered sugar and butter to make the peanut butter balls. After you roll them into balls, it’s time to dip them in melted chocolate. You can use any type of chocolate you like, whether it be milk chocolate, dark chocolate, or white chocolate. Making buckeyes is a simple process, and once you have made them, you will be able to enjoy them anytime you want.

Ingredients for Making Buckeye

Ingredients

When it comes to making Buckeyes, the ingredients you use play a vital role in determining the outcome of the recipe. Here are the essential ingredients required for making Buckeyes:

1. Peanut Butter: The base of Buckeyes is peanut butter, so choosing the right one is crucial. Opt for smooth or creamy peanut butter to avoid lumps in your Buckeyes. You can also go for almond butter for a twist.

2. Butter: You need unsalted butter to add richness and creaminess to the Buckeyes. Ensure the butter has room temperature to mix well with other ingredients smoothly.

3. Powdered Sugar: Powdered sugar creates a smooth and creamy texture in the Buckeyes. Ensure your powdered sugar is fresh and unopened.

4. Vanilla Extract: Pure vanilla extract adds a hint of sweet flavor to the Buckeyes, enhancing its overall taste.

5. Chocolate Chips: Semi-sweet chocolate chips make the outer layer of the Buckeyes heavenly. Pair it with milk or dark chocolate to your preference.

6. Shortening: Shortening ensures that the chocolate coating is shiny, smooth, and doesn’t melt quickly.

7. Toothpicks: You need toothpicks to plunge the Buckeyes into melted chocolate for easy coating.

8. Wax Paper: Wax paper is necessary for placing the Buckeyes after coating to cool down and harden.

9. Mixing Bowl: To mix the Buckeye ingredients, you need a large mixing bowl.

10. Double Boiler: A double boiler is essential for melting chocolate chips and shortening for coating the Buckeyes.

Combine Peanut Butter, Butter, and Sugar

Step 1: Mix Peanut Butter, Butter and Sugar in a Bowl

Take a large mixing bowl and combine 1 cup of smooth peanut butter and ½ cup of unsalted butter. Mix well until it’s smooth, creamy and lump-free. Add 4 cups of powdered sugar to the bowl, one cup at a time, and mix until it forms a dough-like consistency.

Add the Vanilla Extract

Step 2: Add Vanilla Extract to the Mixture

Once the dough-like substance has fully formed, add 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract. The vanilla will add a sweet aroma to the Buckeyes and enhance the overall flavor.

Roll Peanut Butter Dough

Step 3: Roll the Peanut Butter Dough into Balls

Using your hands, roll the peanut butter dough into 1 inch in diameter balls and place them on a wax paper-lined baking sheet. Ensure that the balls are evenly shaped and consistent.

Insert a Toothpick

Step 4: Insert a Toothpick into the Peanut Butter Balls

Once you are done shaping the peanut butter balls, insert a toothpick into the center of each ball. This will make it easier to dip the peanut butter balls into the melted chocolate chips.

Melt Chocolate Chips and Shortening

Step 5: Melt the Chocolate Chips and Shortening in a Double Boiler

Melt 2 cups of chocolate chips and 2 tablespoons of shortening in a double boiler or microwave. Stir until the chocolate and shortening are fully melted and combined.

Dip Peanut Butter Balls in Melted Chocolate

Step 6: Dip the Peanut Butter Balls into the Melted Chocolate

Holding each peanut butter ball by the toothpick, dip the balls into the melted chocolate one at a time, covering the peanut butter balls completely. You can use a spoon to help spread the chocolate on top to get an even coating.

Place Buckeyes on Wax Paper

Step 7: Place the Buckeyes on Wax Paper

After dipping each peanut butter ball in the chocolate mixture, place the Buckeyes onto a wax paper-lined baking sheet to dry and harden.

Refrigerate

Step 8: Refrigerate the Buckeyes to Harden the Chocolate

Allow the Buckeyes to cool and harden in the refrigerator for about 30 – 60 minutes until the chocolate is set.

Remove Toothpicks

Step 9: Remove the Toothpicks from Buckeyes

After the Buckeyes have hardened, remove the toothpicks gently by twisting them until they come off. The chocolate coating should stay intact and create a beautiful buckeye shape.

Store in a Cool Place

Step 10: Store the Buckeyes in a Cool Place

Store your Buckeyes in an airtight container in a cool place or refrigerate for later consumption. Enjoy your homemade Buckeyes at any time!

Gathering and Measuring Ingredients

Now that you know what Buckeyes are and why they are so popular, it’s time to gather all the ingredients that you’ll need to make them. Making Buckeyes is quite simple and doesn’t require too many ingredients as long as you know what you’re doing. Below are the ingredients and the measurements you’ll need to make your very own Buckeyes.

1. Peanut Butter: You’ll need to have at least one jar of peanut butter, preferably smooth and creamy. You can choose between natural and commercial peanut butter, however, natural peanut butter is recommended.

2. Powdered sugar: Powdered sugar is the most important ingredient to make creamy Buckeyes. You’ll need to make sure that the powdered sugar is fresh, and you have enough of it to make the Buckeyes.

3. Butter: Butter is used to mix with the peanut butter and powdered sugar, so it’s important to get unsalted butter and have it soften at room temperature.

4. Vanilla extract: A few drops of vanilla extract enhances the flavor of your Buckeyes.

5. Semi-Sweet chocolate chips: You’ll need to buy at least one bag of semi-sweet chocolate chips.

6. Vegetable Shortening: This is an optional ingredient that helps to thin the chocolate and makes it easier to coat the Buckeyes.

Measure out 2 cups of the peanut butter, 1 cup of the unsalted butter, and 16 oz of powdered sugar and vanilla extract. Combine these ingredients in a large mixing bowl or the bowl of your stand mixer. Beat it on low to medium speed until everything is mixed well and you have a smooth dough.

Once the dough is ready, move on to the next step. Grab the chocolate chips and vegetable shortening and melt them in a microwave-safe bowl or use a double boiler.

Now, it’s time to make Buckeyes! Shape the peanut butter mixture into balls, depending on the size you like. Place the balls on a lined baking sheet. Once you’re done shaping them, refrigerate them for approximately 30 minutes, until they are firm.

Once firm, stick a toothpick or skewer into each peanut butter ball and dunk it into the melted chocolate, but leave a small portion of the peanut butter exposed at the top to make Buckeyes. Gently tap off any excess chocolate and return the Buckeyes to the baking sheet.

Repeat this process for all the peanut butter balls until they’re all dipped in chocolate. Once they are all done, refrigerate them again for another 10-15 minutes, or until the chocolate has hardened.

Put all the Buckeyes into an airtight container and store them in the fridge until you’re ready to enjoy. You can also wrap them up in festive cellophane bags to give as treats to friends and family!

Ingredients for Buckeye

If you’re looking to make delicious Buckeye, you must have all the necessary ingredients. In this section, we will discuss all the ingredients you require to make perfect and delicious Buckeye. So, let’s take a look!

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Buckeye

Now that we have all the ingredients ready, let’s start preparing our Buckeye. Here is the step-by-step guide to making Buckeye:

Step 1: Mix Peanut Butter and Butter Together

Mix 1 cup of smooth peanut butter and 1/2 cup of unsalted butter thoroughly in a large mixing bowl until it becomes creamy and smooth.

Step 2: Add Confectionery Sugar and Vanilla Extract

Slowly add confectionery sugar into the peanut butter and butter mixture, until all the sugar is added. Scrape the sides of the bowl often to ensure that all the ingredients are mixed well. Once the mixture is smooth, add 1 tsp of vanilla extract and mix well.

Step 3: Prepare Buckeye Dough

Scoop a tablespoon of the Buckeye mixture and roll it into a small ball between your palms. Do the same with the rest of the Buckeye mixture and place all of the balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Chill the balls in the fridge for at least 30 minutes.

Step 4: Melt Chocolate Chips and Shortening

In a microwave-safe bowl, melt 2 cups of chocolate chips with 1 tablespoon of shortening in 30-second increments, stirring in between each increment until the chocolate is melted and smooth.

Step 5: Dip Buckeye Balls in Chocolate Mixture

Take the chilled Buckeye balls from the fridge and using a toothpick, dip them into the chocolate mixture. Make sure to leave a small circle of the peanut butter mixture visible on the top of the ball. Place the dipped Buckeye balls back on the parchment paper to cool and harden.

Conclusion

Congratulations! You have successfully made your delicious Buckeye! Serve it chilled or at room temperature and enjoy its creamy and chocolaty taste. With our step-by-step guide and ingredients list, even a beginner can make perfect Buckeye. So, start making your Buckeye today and share the love!

Time to Dig In and Enjoy Your Homemade Buckeyes!

Now that you know how to make these irresistible treats, it’s time to indulge. Enjoy your homemade buckeyes with your family and friends, or maybe just by yourself (we won’t judge!). Thanks for reading and trying out this recipe. We hope you had fun and learned something new. Be sure to come back for more delicious and easy-to-follow recipes that are sure to brighten up your day!