The Best Buckeyes

Buckeye-making is a core family tradition in the Buck household. This recipe came from my grandma, who lives in Ohio. We love making huge batches around Christmas time and taking them to our neighbors.

Makes: about 50 buckeyes

Start to Finish: 40 minutes

Ingredients:

·      1 1/2 cups creamy peanut butter (Jif works the best)

·      3 cups confectioners’ sugar

·      1/2 cup melted butter

·      12 oz semi-sweet chocolate chips

·      Fondue fork for dipping     

Instructions:

1. In a large mixing bowl, pour melted butter over confectioners’ sugar and peanut butter. Mix until completely combined and chill in the refrigerator for 10 minutes. While the dough is chilling, prepare 2 large cookie sheets with wax paper and set aside.

2. Roll dough into 1 tablespoon balls and place on prepared cookie sheet. Freeze for 15 minutes.

3. While the buckeyes are chilling, melt the chocolate in the microwave in 30 second increments, stirring in between, until the chocolate is completely melted. You can also melt the chocolate in a double boiler.

4. Take the buckeyes out of the freezer. Using a fondue fork, dip each ball in chocolate. Leave ½ to ¾ an inch showing.

5. Return the buckeyes to the refrigerator, then smudge out the little “eyes” when the chocolate is hardened.

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Storage

Buckeyes can be stored in the refrigerator or the freezer in an airtight container for up to a month. Separate the layers with sheets of parchment or wax paper to prevent sticking.

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Troubleshooting

Problem: Chocolate is too thick

Solution: Heat the chocolate again for 15 seconds and stir. You can also add a little bit of shortening or coconut oil to improve the consistency.

Problem: Peanut butter balls are getting stuck in the chocolate

Solution: When this happens, stick the peanut butter balls in the freezer for another 10 minutes. Sometimes I have to do this in the middle of a batch if the dough gets too warm.

Problem: There are white spots in the dough.

Solution: Sometimes the confectioners’ sugar clumps and forms annoying white spots. Use a wooden spoon to smash any sugar spots you find. It helps to use a flour sifter to sift the confectioners’ sugar.