Description

This Double-Dipped Dark Chocolate Swirl buckeyes recipe combines creamy peanut butter with rich dark chocolate, offering a delightful no-bake treat perfect for family gatherings. It’s a quick, easy, and visually appealing dessert, especially suitable for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale

1.5 cups creamy peanut butter
3 cups powdered sugar
0.5 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
12 ounces dark chocolate chips or chunks
2 tablespoons shortening or coconut oil
2 ounces white chocolate chips (optional)

Instructions

Prepare Peanut Butter Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, peanut butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla until the mixture is completely smooth and cohesive, taking about 5-7 minutes of mixing. The texture should resemble firm cookie dough.
Chill Mixture: Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate the peanut butter mixture for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours. This chill time helps it become firm to touch, making it much easier to roll.
Roll Into Balls: Scoop small portions (about 1 tablespoon or 15g) of the chilled mixture and roll them into smooth, uniform balls between your palms. Insert a clean toothpick into the top of each ball. Arrange them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Prepare Dipping Chocolate: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the dark chocolate chips and shortening or coconut oil. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring thoroughly after each, until the chocolate is fully melted and glossy, typically 1.5-2 minutes total. If your chocolate seems too thick, stir in an additional 0.5 teaspoon of shortening or coconut oil until it loosens.
Dip Buckeyes: Holding a buckeye by its toothpick, dip it into the melted dark chocolate, leaving a small (eye) of peanut butter visible at the top. Gently tap the toothpick against the bowl(s) rim to remove any excess chocolate, ensuring a neat, even coating.
Add Swirl: While the dark chocolate is still wet, melt the optional white chocolate in a separate small bowl. Dip a clean toothpick or skewer into the melted white chocolate and gently swirl it onto the top of the dark chocolate-dipped buckeye for a beautiful marbled effect.
Chill to Set: Place the dipped buckeyes back onto the parchment-lined baking sheet. Refrigerate them for another 20-30 minutes until the chocolate coating is completely firm and hard to the touch. Once set, carefully remove the toothpicks before serving.

Notes

For healthier options, use natural unsweetened peanut butter (adjust powdered sugar) or stevia-based powdered sugar substitute. Use dairy-free margarine for a dairy-free treat. Pure vanilla extract is recommended. Ghirardelli or Guittard 70% dark chocolate offers good depth. Shortening or coconut oil ensures a smooth, dippable chocolate and prevents seizing; add more if chocolate is too thick. Use a small cookie scoop for consistent sizes and faster rolling.

Prep Time: 45 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: No-Bake, Chilling, Dipping
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 buckeye (approx 30g)
Calories: 110 calories
Sugar: 12 g
Sodium: 60 mg
Fat: 9 g
Saturated Fat: 4 g
Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 14 g
Fiber: 1 g
Protein: 3 g
Cholesterol: 7 mg

Keywords: easy dessert, peanut butter, dark chocolate, no-bake, chocolate swirl, buckeyes, quick recipe, family-friendly, sweet treat, holiday candy