Difficulty: Easy

Yield: approximately 2 1/2 dozen
Nutritional Information Per Serving (Serving Size: 1 of 30 servings)
Calories: 142 | Total Fat: 9 g | Saturated Fat: 4 g
Carbohydrates: 15 g | Dietary Fiber: 1 g | Sugar: 13 g
Protein: 2 g | Cholesterol: 6 mg | Sodium: 18 mg

Total Time: 1 hr 10 min (includes chilling)
Hands-On Time: 20 min

Who can resist these irresistible chocolate-dipped peanut butter buckeyes, inspired by the seeds of Ohio's official state tree? Creamy peanut butter centers encased in rich chocolate make them a must-make treat that captures nature's sweetnessperfect for holiday gifting or anytime indulgence!

Ingredients

2 1/2 cups powdered sugar, sifted
1 cup creamy peanut butter
6 tablespoons melted unsalted butter
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
8 ounces dark chocolate or semisweet chocolate, finely chopped
1 teaspoon vegetable shortening

Instructions

Cover a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a medium bowl, beat together the powdered sugar, peanut butter, melted butter, vanilla, and salt with an electric mixer until smooth and blended. Scoop approximately 2 teaspoons of mixture per ball, roll into small balls, and place on the prepared sheet. Chill in the refrigerator until firm, about 20 minutes.
In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the chopped chocolate and shortening. Microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring after each, until melted and glossy, about 2 minutes total.
Insert a toothpick into the top center of a chilled peanut butter ball. Dip into the warm chocolate, leaving a small circle of peanut butter exposed at the top to mimic a real buckeye. Let excess chocolate drip off, then return to the baking sheet. Repeat with remaining balls.
Chill until set, about 30 minutes. Use an offset spatula to smooth the toothpick holes. Serve at room temperature for the best flavor, or enjoy chilled. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.