Easy Chocolate Football Buckeyes

The air is crisp, the grill is hot, and the game is on! Here in Texas, that means it’s time for a Super Bowl party, and no party is complete without a little something sweet. These Chocolate Football Buckeyes are always a touchdown with my family. The creamy peanut butter filling and rich chocolate coating make them irresistible, and they’re so fun to decorate like little footballs! I’ve made this recipe countless times, and it’s always a crowd-pleaser. Get ready to score big with this fun and delicious treat!

Why This Recipe Works

As a busy mom, I need recipes that are easy, delicious, and don’t require me to spend all day in the kitchen. These Chocolate Football Buckeyes check all the boxes! They’re perfect for the Super Bowl or any occasion where you need a fun and festive dessert.

• Easy to Make: With just a few simple steps, these Buckeyes come together quickly, even with little helpers in the kitchen.
• Kid-Friendly: My kids love helping shape the peanut butter balls and decorating them with chocolate laces. It’s a fun activity that gets them involved.
• Make-Ahead Option: You can easily make these Buckeyes a day or two in advance, so you’re not scrambling right before the big game.

Ingredients

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup creamy peanut butter
• 3 cups powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 12 ounces semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 2 tablespoons shortening
• White decorating icing

Ingredient Notes

Peanut Butter: I prefer using creamy peanut butter for a smooth texture. Avoid natural peanut butter, as it tends to be too oily and can affect the consistency of the filling.

Shortening: Adding shortening to the melted chocolate helps create a smoother, more glossy coating and prevents it from seizing. You can also use coconut oil.

Chocolate Chips: Semi-sweet chocolate chips offer a nice balance of sweetness and chocolate flavor, but you can also use milk chocolate or dark chocolate depending on your preference.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Cream the Butter and Peanut Butter. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and peanut butter until smooth and well combined. I like to use an electric mixer for this step, but you can also do it by hand.

Step 2: Add the Dry Ingredients. Gradually add the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and salt to the butter and peanut butter mixture. Mix on low speed until everything is well incorporated. The mixture will be thick.

Step 3: Shape the Buckeyes. Roll the peanut butter mixture into 1-inch balls. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. This is where the kids can help! They love rolling the little peanut butter balls.

Step 4: Chill the Buckeyes. Place the baking sheet in the freezer for at least 30 minutes. This helps the Buckeyes firm up, making them easier to dip in chocolate. After testing this several times, I learned that chilling them is key to preventing them from falling apart.

Step 5: Melt the Chocolate. In a double boiler or microwave-safe bowl, melt the chocolate chips and shortening together until smooth. If using the microwave, heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, to prevent burning.

Step 6: Dip the Buckeyes. Remove the Buckeyes from the freezer and dip each one into the melted chocolate, leaving a small portion of the peanut butter exposed at the top to resemble a Buckeye nut. You can use a toothpick or dipping tool to make this easier. Gently tap off any excess chocolate.

Step 7: Decorate. Place the dipped Buckeyes back on the parchment-lined baking sheet. Before the chocolate sets, use white decorating icing to draw football laces on top of each Buckeye.

Step 8: Chill Again. Return the baking sheet to the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or until the chocolate is completely set.

Expert Tips from My Kitchen

• Don’t Overmix: When adding the powdered sugar, mix on low speed to prevent a cloud of sugar from flying everywhere.
• Chill Time Matters: Make sure the peanut butter balls are thoroughly chilled before dipping. This will prevent them from melting into the chocolate.
• Smooth Chocolate: If your chocolate seems too thick, add a little more shortening, one teaspoon at a time, until it reaches the desired consistency.
• Kid-Friendly Tip: Let the kids help with decorating! They can use different colored icing or sprinkles to personalize their Buckeyes.
• Perfect Presentation: For a cleaner look, use a dipping tool to dip the Buckeyes in chocolate.
• Make Ahead Magic: Prepare the peanut butter balls up to 2 days in advance and store them in the refrigerator. Dip them in chocolate just before serving.

Storage & Meal Prep

Storage: Store the Chocolate Football Buckeyes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. They can also be frozen for up to a month.

Make-Ahead: The peanut butter balls can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The chocolate dipping can also be prepared in advance and reheated gently before dipping.

Substitutions & Variations

Dairy-Free: Use dairy-free chocolate chips and margarine instead of butter to make these Buckeyes dairy-free. I haven’t personally tested this but have read it works well.

Dark Chocolate: For a richer flavor, use dark chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet chocolate chips.

Peppermint Twist: Add a few drops of peppermint extract to the melted chocolate for a festive holiday flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this ahead of time?

Absolutely! These Buckeyes are perfect for making ahead. You can prepare the peanut butter balls up to two days in advance and store them in the refrigerator. Then, dip them in chocolate right before your Super Bowl party.

How do I keep the chocolate from seizing?

The key to preventing the chocolate from seizing is to melt it slowly and avoid getting any water in it. Using a double boiler is ideal. If using a microwave, heat in short intervals and stir frequently. Adding shortening also helps.

Can I use natural peanut butter?

I don’t recommend using natural peanut butter for this recipe. Natural peanut butter tends to be oilier, which can affect the consistency of the filling. Creamy, processed peanut butter works best.

How do I store leftover Buckeyes?

Store leftover Buckeyes in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to a week. You can also freeze them for longer storage.

Are these Buckeyes kid-friendly?

Yes, these Buckeyes are very kid-friendly! My kids love helping to roll the peanut butter balls and decorating them with chocolate laces. It’s a fun and tasty activity for the whole family.

Can I use a different type of chocolate?

Definitely! Feel free to experiment with different types of chocolate, such as milk chocolate, dark chocolate, or even white chocolate. Just be sure to adjust the sweetness accordingly.

Why are my buckeyes cracking?

Cracking usually happens if the temperature difference between the peanut butter balls and the melted chocolate is too extreme. Make sure the peanut butter balls are thoroughly chilled, but not frozen solid. Also, avoid using very hot melted chocolate. Let it cool slightly before dipping.

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