Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
- 2 tablespoons vegetable shortening
Special equipment needed:
- Mixing bowl
- Electric mixer
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Cookie scoop or tablespoon
- Wax paper
- Double boiler or microwave-safe bowl
Step-by-step instructions:
1. In a mixing bowl, cream together the peanut butter, butter, and vanilla extract using an electric mixer until smooth.
2. Gradually add in the powdered sugar and salt, mixing until well combined.
3. Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, shape the mixture into 1-inch balls and place them on a wax paper-lined baking sheet.
4. Place the baking sheet in the freezer for 30 minutes to firm up the balls.
5. In a double boiler or microwave-safe bowl, melt the chocolate chips and vegetable shortening together until smooth.
6. Using a toothpick or fork, dip each peanut butter ball into the melted chocolate, tapping off any excess chocolate.
7. Place the chocolate-coated balls back onto the wax paper-lined baking sheet and let them cool until the chocolate has hardened.
8. Store the peanut butter buckeye balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
Time:
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 10 minutes
Chilling time: 30 minutes
5. Temperature:
Freezer: 0°F (-18°C)
Refrigerator: 40°F (4°C)
Serving size:
This recipe makes approximately 36 peanut butter buckeye balls.
Nutritional information:
Serving size: 1 ball
Calories: 160
Total Fat: 9g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 5mg
Sodium: 60mg
Total Carbohydrates: 20g
Dietary Fiber: 1g
Sugars: 18g
Protein: 2g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Creamy peanut butter can be substituted with crunchy peanut butter or almond butter.
- Unsalted butter can be substituted with salted butter, but adjust the amount of salt added accordingly.
- Semisweet chocolate chips can be substituted with milk chocolate chips or dark chocolate chips.
- Vegetable shortening can be substituted with coconut oil or butter.
Variations:
- Add chopped nuts or mini chocolate chips to the peanut butter mixture for added texture.
- Use white chocolate or colored candy melts instead of semisweet chocolate for a different look.
- Roll the peanut butter balls in crushed graham crackers or sprinkles before dipping them in chocolate.
Tips and tricks:
- Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to ensure that each peanut butter ball is the same size.
- Freeze the peanut butter balls before dipping them in chocolate to prevent them from falling apart.
- Use a toothpick or fork to dip the peanut butter balls in chocolate and tap off any excess chocolate to prevent them from being too thick.
- Store the peanut butter buckeye balls in the refrigerator to keep them from melting.
Storage instructions:
Store the peanut butter buckeye balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
Reheating instructions:
These peanut butter buckeye balls are best served chilled and do not need to be reheated.
Presentation ideas:
Arrange the peanut butter buckeye balls on a platter or in a decorative container for a festive presentation.
Garnishes:
Sprinkle crushed peanuts or sea salt on top of the chocolate coating for added flavor and texture.
Pairings:
Serve these peanut butter buckeye balls with a glass of cold milk or a cup of hot cocoa.
Suggested side dishes:
These peanut butter buckeye balls are a sweet treat and do not require any side dishes.
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the peanut butter mixture is too dry, add a tablespoon of milk or cream to moisten it.
- If the chocolate coating is too thick, add a tablespoon of vegetable shortening to thin it out.
Food safety advice:
Store these peanut butter buckeye balls in the refrigerator to prevent bacteria growth.
Food history:
Peanut butter buckeye balls are a popular treat in the Midwest, particularly in Ohio where they are named after the state tree, the buckeye.
Flavor profiles:
These peanut butter buckeye balls are sweet and creamy with a rich chocolate coating.
Serving suggestions:
Serve these peanut butter buckeye balls as a dessert or snack at parties or gatherings.
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