11 Chocolate Buckeyes Recipes for Holidays
As the holidays roll around, few treats transport me back to my childhood quite like chocolate buckeyes. I remember standing on a step stool in my grandma’s kitchen, my hands sticky with peanut butter and chocolate, rolling those perfect little balls that looked just like the shiny nuts they were named after. We’d make batches for neighbors, and the house would smell like melted chocolate heaven—pure magic that made the winter days sparkle.
Lately, I’ve been experimenting in my own kitchen, tweaking the classic recipe for holiday parties and gifting. With twists like peppermint for that festive cheer or boozy hints for adult gatherings, these buckeyes have become my go-to for impressing guests. They’re no-bake, customizable, and always a crowd-pleaser—perfect for today’s busy holiday hustle when you want something indulgent without the fuss.
Classic Peanut Butter Chocolate Buckeyes
These timeless buckeyes are the foundation of holiday joy: creamy peanut butter centers coated in rich milk chocolate, leaving just a peek of peanut butter showing like a buckeye nut. Ingredients (makes about 30): 1 ½ cups creamy peanut butter, ½ cup unsalted butter (softened), 1 tsp vanilla extract, 3 cups powdered sugar, 12 oz milk chocolate chips, 2 tbsp shortening. Steps: Mix peanut butter, butter, vanilla, and powdered sugar into a dough; chill 30 minutes. Roll into 1-inch balls and chill again. Melt chocolate and shortening; dip balls leaving tops exposed. Chill until set. They’re packed with protein from peanut butter, making them a satisfying treat that balances holiday indulgences with a touch of nourishment.
Peppermint Chocolate Buckeyes
Infuse holiday cheer with crushed candy canes for a minty crunch that pairs perfectly with chocolate. Ingredients (makes about 30): 1 ½ cups peanut butter, ½ cup butter, 3 cups powdered sugar, 1 tsp peppermint extract, 12 oz dark chocolate chips, 2 tbsp shortening, ½ cup crushed peppermint candies. Steps: Combine peanut butter, butter, sugar, and extract; roll and chill balls. Dip in melted chocolate-shortening mix, then sprinkle with peppermint while wet. These boost digestion with peppermint’s natural soothing properties, ideal after rich holiday meals.
Coconut Chocolate Buckeyes
Tropical vibes meet holidays with shredded coconut folded into the filling and toasted on top for texture. Ingredients (makes about 30): 1 cup peanut butter, ½ cup butter, 2 ½ cups powdered sugar, 1 cup shredded coconut, 12 oz semisweet chocolate, 2 tbsp shortening. Steps: Blend all except chocolate into dough; roll balls and chill. Dip and top with toasted coconut. Coconut adds healthy fats for sustained energy during festive frenzy.
Pretzel Chocolate Buckeyes
Salty-sweet bliss with crushed pretzels mixed in for crunch, evoking salty holiday snacks. Ingredients (makes about 30): 1 ½ cups peanut butter, ½ cup butter, 3 cups powdered sugar, 1 cup crushed pretzels, 12 oz milk chocolate, 2 tbsp shortening. Steps: Mix ingredients into dough; form balls and freeze briefly. Dip in chocolate. The pretzel contrast enhances flavor satisfaction, curbing sweet cravings smartly.
Almond Butter Chocolate Buckeyes
A nutty upgrade using almond butter for a sophisticated, allergy-friendly twist. Ingredients (makes about 30): 1 ½ cups almond butter, ½ cup butter, 3 cups powdered sugar, 1 tsp almond extract, 12 oz dark chocolate, 2 tbsp shortening. Steps: Combine and chill dough; roll and dip balls. Almonds provide vitamin E for skin glow amid holiday stress.
Reese’s Stuffed Chocolate Buckeyes
Double the peanut butter love by stuffing mini Reese’s cups inside. Ingredients (makes about 30): 1 cup peanut butter, ½ cup butter, 2 cups powdered sugar, 30 mini Reese’s cups (frozen), 12 oz chocolate chips, 2 tbsp shortening. Steps: Wrap dough around frozen candies; chill and dip. Extra peanut butter means more antioxidants from peanuts.
White Chocolate Drizzled Buckeyes
Classic buckeyes finished with a festive white chocolate drizzle for swirl appeal. Ingredients (makes about 30): Standard peanut butter dough (as classic), 12 oz milk chocolate, 4 oz white chocolate (melted). Steps: Dip in milk chocolate, drizzle white while wet. White chocolate adds calcium for bone health in treat form.
Spiced Holiday Chocolate Buckeyes
Warm cinnamon and nutmeg evoke gingerbread vibes in every bite. Ingredients (makes about 30): 1 ½ cups peanut butter, ½ cup butter, 3 cups powdered sugar, 1 tsp cinnamon, ½ tsp nutmeg, 12 oz chocolate, 2 tbsp shortening. Steps: Spice the dough, roll, chill, dip. Spices aid digestion and add antioxidants.
Nutella Chocolate Buckeyes
Hazelnut Nutella swirls into the center for Italian-inspired decadence. Ingredients (makes about 30): 1 cup peanut butter, ½ cup Nutella, ½ cup butter, 2 ½ cups powdered sugar, 12 oz dark chocolate, 2 tbsp shortening. Steps: Marble Nutella into dough; roll and dip. Hazelnuts offer heart-healthy fats.
Bourbon Chocolate Buckeyes
Adult-only indulgence with a splash of bourbon for depth. Ingredients (makes about 30): 1 ½ cups peanut butter, ½ cup butter, 3 cups powdered sugar, 2 tbsp bourbon, 12 oz semisweet chocolate, 2 tbsp shortening. Steps: Add bourbon to dough; proceed as classic. Bourbon’s vanilla notes enhance relaxation.
Vegan Chocolate Buckeyes
Plant-based perfection using coconut oil and dairy-free chocolate. Ingredients (makes about 30): 1 ½ cups peanut butter, ½ cup coconut oil, 3 cups powdered sugar, 12 oz vegan chocolate chips, 2 tbsp coconut oil (for dipping). Steps: Mix, chill, dip in melted vegan chocolate. Fully vegan with fiber-rich benefits.
These 11 chocolate buckeyes recipes are your holiday shortcut to wow-worthy treats—easy to make ahead, share, or gift. Whip up a batch (or three!) and watch the festivities light up; your taste buds (and guests) will thank you!
