Homemade Chocolate Peanut Butter Buckeyes

Ingredients

• 1 ½ cups (360g) creamy peanut butter 1 ½ cups (360g) creamy peanut butter
• ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
• 3 ½ cups (420g) powdered sugar 3 ½ cups (420g) powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 cups (350g) semisweet chocolate chips 2 cups (350g) semisweet chocolate chips
• 2 tablespoons vegetable shortening 2 tablespoons vegetable shortening

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 120 kcal / 502 KJ
• Fat: 8g (4g saturated)
• Carbohydrates: 12g (10g sugars)
• Protein: 2g
• Fiber: 1g
• Salt: 0.1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the creamy peanut butter, softened butter, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and salt. Mix until well combined and smooth.
2. 2.
   Shape the peanut butter mixture into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter, and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
3. 3.
   Place the baking sheet in the freezer for about 30 minutes to firm up the peanut butter balls.
4. 4.
   In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the chocolate chips and vegetable shortening in 30-second intervals, stirring well after each interval, until smooth and fully melted.
5. 5.
   Using a toothpick or a skewer, dip each peanut butter ball into the melted chocolate, leaving a small portion uncovered to resemble the buckeye nut. Place the dipped buckeyes back on the parchment-lined baking sheet.
6. 6.
   Once all the buckeyes are dipped, refrigerate them for about 30 minutes to allow the chocolate to set.
7. 7.
   Serve the Homemade Chocolate Peanut Butter Buckeyes chilled and enjoy!

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Peanut butter — Use a creamy peanut butter without any added sugar or oil for the best texture and flavor.
• Chocolate chips — Opt for high-quality semisweet chocolate chips or chop a chocolate bar into small pieces for melting. Avoid using chocolate with a low cocoa content, as it may not melt properly.

Tips & Tricks

• To make the buckeyes easier to dip, insert a toothpick or skewer into each peanut butter ball before chilling them in the freezer.
• If the peanut butter mixture is too soft to shape into balls, refrigerate it for 15-30 minutes before rolling.
• For a twist, try using crunchy peanut butter for added texture.
• Experiment with different types of chocolate coatings, such as dark chocolate or white chocolate, for a variety of flavors.
• Store the buckeyes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.

Serving advice

Serve the Homemade Chocolate Peanut Butter Buckeyes chilled as a delightful dessert or sweet treat. They are perfect for parties, potlucks, or as a homemade gift for friends and family.

Presentation advice

Arrange the buckeyes on a decorative platter or in small paper cups for an elegant presentation. Dust them with a sprinkle of powdered sugar or cocoa powder for an extra touch of sophistication.