This easy Buckeye balls recipe only requires 6 simple ingredients, no baking needed, and they also make a great gift. This chocolatey peanut butter sweet treat is rich, creamy, and totally satisfying.
1 ½cupssemi-sweet chocolate chipsor a combination of semi and milk chocolate chips
1 ½tablespoonshortening
Instructions
In a mixing bowl, cream together butter and peanut butter until combined.
Add in the powdered sugar and vanilla and beat until smooth and combined into a dough.
Use a 2 tablespoon cookie dough scoop to form balls of dough and place them on a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper.
Place the dough into the freezer for 10-15 minutes to firm it up a bit so it is easier to handle. You can also coat your hands with some butter.
Roll the scoops of peanut butter dough into smooth balls.
Chill in the freezer for at least 30 minutes (they can be left in the freezer up to several days.
Place the chocolate chips in a heatproof bowl. Dollop the shortening over the top. Heat and stir in 30-second increments in the microwave until the chocolate is smooth and melted completely.
Using a toothpick, lift one peanut butter ball at a time and swirl it in the melted chocolate, covering most of the ball, but leaving a circle at the top exposed.. Tap excess chocolate off of the ball and place it back onto the parchment paper.
Allow chocolate to harden at room temperature.
Buckeye balls can be kept at room temperature, in the refrigerator, or freezer. The chocolate may discolor after a day or two, but the flavor will continue to be great up to 3 months in the freezer.
Notes
Notes: The shortening added to the melted chocolate makes it easier for coating and helps to lessen “bloom” on the chocolate (or the discoloration of the chocolate surface). It also makes it soft and will melt or imprint easily if touched.You can reheat chocolate in short bursts to keep it smooth and easy to use for coating the hearts.