Buckeye balls are a delightful treat that combines the rich flavors of peanut butter and chocolate. These bite-sized confections are perfect for any occasion, offering a sweet and satisfying experience with every bite. Named after the nut of the Ohio buckeye tree, they are a favorite in many households, especially during the holiday season.
Most of the ingredients for this recipe are common pantry staples, but you may need to pick up shortening if you don't already have it. Shortening helps to smooth out the chocolate coating, giving it a glossy finish. If you don't have semisweet chocolate chips, you can substitute with any other type of chocolate chips you prefer.
Ingredients for Buckeye Balls Recipe
Peanut butter: Creamy and smooth, this is the base of the buckeye balls, providing a rich and nutty flavor.
Butter: Softened to blend easily with the peanut butter, adding richness and a smooth texture.
Vanilla extract: Enhances the flavor of the peanut butter mixture, adding a subtle sweetness.
Powdered sugar: Sweetens and stiffens the peanut butter mixture, making it easier to shape into balls.
Semisweet chocolate chips: Melted to create the chocolate coating for the buckeye balls.
Shortening: Mixed with the chocolate chips to create a smooth, glossy coating.
Technique Tip for This Recipe
When melting chocolate chips and shortening together, use a microwave-safe bowl and heat in short intervals of 15-20 seconds, stirring in between each interval. This prevents the chocolate from overheating and seizing. If you prefer, you can also use a double boiler for more controlled melting.
Suggested Side Dishes
Alternative Ingredients
creamy peanut butter - Substitute with almond butter: Almond butter has a similar texture and flavor profile, making it a great alternative for those with peanut allergies or preferences.
creamy peanut butter - Substitute with sunflower seed butter: This is another allergy-friendly option that mimics the creamy consistency and nutty taste of peanut butter.
softened butter - Substitute with margarine: Margarine can be used as a direct replacement for butter, providing a similar texture and moisture content.
softened butter - Substitute with coconut oil: Coconut oil can replace butter, especially if you prefer a dairy-free option. It adds a slight coconut flavor which can complement the chocolate.
vanilla extract - Substitute with almond extract: Almond extract offers a different but pleasant flavor that can enhance the overall taste of the buckeye balls.
vanilla extract - Substitute with maple syrup: Maple syrup can add a unique sweetness and depth of flavor, though it may slightly alter the texture.
powdered sugar - Substitute with coconut sugar: Coconut sugar can be ground into a powder to mimic the texture of powdered sugar and offers a lower glycemic index.
powdered sugar - Substitute with stevia: Stevia is a natural sweetener that can be used in smaller quantities for a lower-calorie option, though it may affect the texture.
semisweet chocolate chips - Substitute with dark chocolate chips: Dark chocolate chips provide a richer flavor and can be a healthier option with less sugar.
semisweet chocolate chips - Substitute with milk chocolate chips: Milk chocolate chips can be used for a sweeter, creamier coating.
shortening - Substitute with coconut oil: Coconut oil can replace shortening, offering a similar texture and a slight coconut flavor.
shortening - Substitute with butter: Butter can be used instead of shortening, providing a richer flavor, though it may slightly alter the texture.
Other Alternative Recipes
How to Store or Freeze
To keep your buckeye balls fresh and delicious, store them in an airtight container. This will prevent them from absorbing any unwanted odors or moisture from the fridge.
If you plan to enjoy them within a week, place the container in the refrigerator. The cool temperature will help maintain their shape and texture.
For longer storage, consider freezing your buckeye balls. Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. This step ensures they won't stick together.
Once frozen, transfer the buckeye balls to a freezer-safe bag or container. Label it with the date to keep track of their freshness.
When you're ready to indulge, simply remove the desired number of buckeye balls from the freezer. Allow them to thaw in the refrigerator for a few hours or at room temperature for about 30 minutes.
To maintain their delightful texture, avoid refreezing buckeye balls after they've been thawed. Enjoy them fresh from the fridge or freezer for the best experience.
How to Reheat Leftovers
For a quick and easy method, place the buckeye balls on a microwave-safe plate and microwave them on low power for about 10-15 seconds. This will soften the chocolate slightly without melting it completely.
If you prefer a more controlled reheating process, use a double boiler. Fill the bottom pot with water and bring it to a simmer. Place the buckeye balls in the top pot and gently heat them, stirring occasionally until they reach the desired temperature.
Another effective method is to use an oven. Preheat your oven to 200°F (93°C). Place the buckeye balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and warm them for about 5-7 minutes. This will gently heat them without altering their texture too much.
For those who enjoy a slightly chilled treat, you can let the buckeye balls sit at room temperature for about 10-15 minutes. This will take the chill off without making them too warm.
If you have an air fryer, set it to the lowest temperature setting, usually around 200°F (93°C). Place the buckeye balls in the basket and heat them for about 3-5 minutes. This method ensures even reheating without overcooking.
Lastly, you can use a toaster oven. Set it to a low temperature, around 200°F (93°C), and place the buckeye balls on a tray. Heat them for about 5 minutes, checking frequently to ensure they don't overheat.
Best Tools for This Recipe
Mixing bowl: A large bowl used to combine the peanut butter, butter, and vanilla extract, and to gradually add the powdered sugar.
Hand mixer: An electric mixer used to blend the peanut butter, butter, and vanilla extract until smooth.
Measuring cups: Used to measure out the peanut butter, butter, and powdered sugar accurately.
Measuring spoons: Used to measure the vanilla extract and shortening.
Baking sheet: A flat sheet used to place the peanut butter balls on for chilling.
Parchment paper: Non-stick paper used to line the baking sheet to prevent the peanut butter balls from sticking.
Toothpicks: Small sticks inserted into each peanut butter ball to make dipping in chocolate easier.
Microwave-safe bowl: A bowl that can be safely used in the microwave to melt the chocolate chips and shortening.
Spoon: Used for stirring the melted chocolate and shortening until smooth.
Refrigerator: Used to chill the peanut butter balls and set the chocolate coating.
How to Save Time on Making This Recipe
Use a stand mixer: A stand mixer can blend the peanut butter, butter, and vanilla extract more quickly and evenly than a hand mixer.
Pre-measure ingredients: Have all ingredients pre-measured and ready to go before you start mixing to save time.
Chill in the freezer: Speed up the chilling process by placing the peanut butter balls in the freezer for 15 minutes instead of the refrigerator for 30 minutes.
Microwave chocolate in intervals: Melt chocolate chips and shortening in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, to ensure smooth melting without burning.
Buckeye Balls Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup Peanut Butter creamy
- ½ cup Butter softened
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
- 3 cups Powdered Sugar
- 2 cups Semisweet Chocolate Chips
- 2 tablespoons Shortening
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine peanut butter, softened butter, and vanilla extract. Beat with a hand mixer until well blended.
- Gradually add powdered sugar, beating until mixture is smooth and stiff.
- Shape into 1-inch balls and place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Insert a toothpick into each ball.
- Chill in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes.
- In a microwave-safe bowl, melt chocolate chips and shortening together, stirring until smooth.
- Dip each peanut butter ball into the melted chocolate, leaving a small portion of peanut butter visible at the top to resemble a buckeye. Place back on the parchment paper.
- Refrigerate until chocolate is set. Remove toothpicks before serving.
Nutritional Value
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