Using a small cookie scoop or spoon, take about 1 tablespoon of the peanut butter mixture and roll it between your palms to form smooth balls. Place the balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Chill the Balls
Place the tray of peanut butter balls in the refrigerator or freezer for about 30 minutes, until they are firm and easy to handle.
Melt the Chocolate
While the peanut butter balls are chilling, melt the chocolate chips and coconut oil (or shortening) together in a double boiler or microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each Intervals, stirring each time, until the chocolate melts completely and turns smooth.
Dip the Peanut Butter Balls
Using a toothpick, dip each peanut butter ball into the melted chocolate, leaving a small portion of the peanut butter exposed at the top (this mimics the look of a buckeye nut). Gently tap off any excess chocolate and place the balls back onto the parchment-lined tray.
Set the Chocolate
Once all the balls are dipped, return the tray to the fridge or freezer to allow the chocolate to set, about 15-20 minutes.
Serving and Storage Tips
Serving: Buckeyes are best served chilled or at room temperature. They make a great addition to dessert platters or as a snack during any occasion.
Storage: Store Peanut Butter Balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. You can store them in the freezer for a period of three months. To enjoy, simply thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
Tips for Success
Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure the butter is softened to room temperature to help the peanut butter mixture blend smoothly.
Chill Before Dipping: It’s crucial to chill the peanut butter balls before dipping them in the chocolate. This helps the chocolate adhere and prevents the balls from losing their shape.
Chocolate Consistency: Adding a little coconut oil or shortening to the melted chocolate gives it a smoother texture and makes dipping easier.
Toothpick Trick: After dipping, gently twist the toothpick to release the peanut butter ball, and then use your fingers to smooth over any toothpick holes.
Health Benefits
While Peanut Butter Balls are certainly a treat, they do offer some nutritional benefits:
Peanut butter: A great source of protein and healthy fats, peanut butter helps you feel satisfied with just a small serving.
Dark chocolate: If you use dark chocolate, you’ll also get antioxidants and lower sugar content compared to milk chocolate.
For a healthier version, you can reduce the amount of sugar and opt for natural peanut butter without added sugars or oils.
Nutritional Information (per ball, recipe makes about 24)
Calories: 160
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Carbohydrates: 14g
Sugar: 12g
Protein: 3g
Fiber: 1g
Variations and Substitutions
Natural Peanut Butter: For a healthier option, use natural peanut butter, but you may need to add more powdered sugar to achieve the right consistency.
Almond Butter or Other Nut Butters: Substitute peanut butter with almond butter, cashew butter, or sunflower seed butter for a different flavor or allergy-friendly alternative.
Chocolate Coating: Use white chocolate or milk chocolate instead of dark chocolate, or even drizzle with caramel for a sweeter twist.
Crunchy Texture: Add some crushed graham crackers, rice cereal, or chopped nuts to the peanut butter mixture for extra texture.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Is it possible to replace the creamy peanut butter with the crunchy variant?
A: Yes! Crunchy peanut butter will add a nice texture to the peanut butter balls, but you may need to adjust the amount of powdered sugar slightly to ensure the right consistency.
Q2: My peanut butter mixture is too soft to roll—what should I do?
A: If the mixture is too soft, add more powdered sugar, a tablespoon at a time, until it reaches a rollable consistency. You can also chill the mixture for a few minutes to firm it up.
Q3: How do I prevent the chocolate from cracking after dipping?
A: Make sure the peanut butter balls are not too cold when dipping them into the chocolate. If they’re frozen solid, the sudden temperature change can cause the chocolate to crack. Also, avoid over-chilling the chocolate after dipping.
Q4: Can I make these Buckeyes ahead of time?
A: Yes! Buckeyes store well in both the refrigerator and freezer, so you can make them in advance. They’re great for holiday prep or gifting.
Conclusion
Peanut Butter Balls, or Buckeyes, are a simple yet satisfying treat that combines the irresistible flavors of peanut butter and chocolate. With their no-bake preparation, these treats are easy to whip up for any occasion and can be stored for weeks, making them perfect for planning ahead. Whether you stick to the classic version or experiment with your own twists, Buckeyes are guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser every time. Enjoy these delicious bites, and don’t be surprised if they disappear quickly!
