Buckeye Peanut Butter Cookies (Print View)

No-bake peanut butter balls partially dipped in chocolate, inspired by the classic Ohio buckeye nut treat.

# What You'll Need:

→ Peanut Butter Filling

01 - 1 1/2 cups creamy peanut butter
02 - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
03 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
04 - 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
05 - 3 1/2 cups powdered sugar

→ Chocolate Coating

06 - 10 oz semisweet or dark chocolate chips
07 - 1 tablespoon coconut oil or vegetable shortening (optional, for smoothness)

# Step-by-Step Directions:

01 - In a large mixing bowl, beat together the peanut butter, softened butter, vanilla extract, and salt until smooth and creamy.
02 - Gradually add powdered sugar, mixing until a thick, pliable dough forms.
03 - Scoop out heaping teaspoonfuls of the peanut butter mixture and roll into 1-inch balls. Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
04 - Chill the peanut butter balls in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or until firm.
05 - In a microwave-safe bowl, melt chocolate chips with coconut oil (if using) in 30-second increments, stirring until smooth.
06 - Using a toothpick, dip each peanut butter ball into the melted chocolate, leaving the top portion uncovered to resemble a buckeye.
07 - Return the coated balls to the baking sheet and remove the toothpick, smoothing over the hole if desired.
08 - Refrigerate the cookies until the chocolate is set, about 20 minutes.
09 - Serve chilled or at room temperature. Store leftover cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • No oven required, which means you can make these in a cramped apartment kitchen in the middle of summer without breaking a sweat.
  • The salty-sweet balance hits differently than regular candy, and people always ask where you bought them.
02 -
  • If the peanut butter dough feels too sticky to roll, refrigerate the whole bowl for fifteen minutes and dust your hands with powdered sugar.
  • Moisture is the enemy of melted chocolate, so make sure your bowl and utensils are completely dry before you begin.
03 -
  • Test your first dip on one ball before committing the whole tray, adjusting the chocolate thickness with more oil if it drags or clumps.
  • Wear disposable gloves while rolling to keep the filling from warming and sticking to your palms.

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