Buckeyes are among the easiest candies to make, and with no baking! Relatively simple, these beauties can be made if you have a bit of time on your hands. If not- check out my cheat on the bars that taste just as amazing, but are more of a mix and pat in a pan & frost.
Peanut Butter Balls was one of my husbands first requests for the holidays when we got marrieds several years ago. Since, they have also made it to the holiday “must-make” list each year. Here is my version with a little “secret” for flavor.
Mix 2 Cups of cream peanut butter, many people say don’t use natural, I do, it only works IF they stay cool or frozen once mixed. If you are unsure if you will be able to do that, use a regular peanut butter, or you will have a goopy mess!
Okay, sorry about the info express… Cream your peanut butter with 1/2 Cup of softened salted butter, 3 Tablespoons of dark brown sugar. Mix. Add 1 & 1/5 teaspoons of vanilla extract. When creamy and smooth add your powdered sugar. ~If sifted it stays extra smooth to perfection~ if not- no one will know unless you’re entering into a baking contest 😉 One cup at a time mix 3 & 1/4 Cups of powdered sugar into your mixture. With a large spoon, roll balls into the palm of you hands and place on a wax sheet of paper. Place your wax sheet of peanut butter balls in the freezer for 15 minutes.
Meanwhile, melt 12 oz of chocolate melting wafers.
Once ready, pull out the peanut butter balls from the freezer and with a tooth pick, dip each peanut butter ball into the melted chocolate and place back on the wax paper to dry. Allow chocolate to harden and ENJOY!
** Another variation of this recipe my kids love is the almond bark. We often make a double batch of peanut butter balls and make half our traditional buckeyes. The remainder, my children dip in white almond bark and make “snowballs” and put fine decorating sugars on them for the holidays.
Happy Baking! Enjoy!