Discover a delightful treat that is always in high demand at the annual Christmas fund-raiser of Merry Kay Opitz’s church in Elkhorn, Wisconsin—the Chocolate-Covered Buckeyes. These delectable candies are a perfect fusion of creamy peanut butter and rich chocolate, making them a true crowd-pleaser. With just 15 minutes of preparation and some chilling time, you can create approximately 5½ dozen of these delightful goodies.
INGREDIENTS:
- 5½ cups confectioners’ sugar
- 1⅔ cups peanut butter
- 1 cup butter, melted
- 4 cups (24 ounces) semisweet chocolate chips
- 1 teaspoon shortening
PREPARATIONS:
- In a large bowl, beat the confectioners’ sugar, peanut butter, and melted butter until the mixture becomes smooth and well combined. Shape the mixture into 1-inch balls and set them aside.
- In a microwave, melt the semisweet chocolate chips and shortening. Stir the mixture until it becomes smooth. Dip each peanut butter ball into the chocolate, allowing the excess to drip off. Place the coated balls on a wire rack over waxed paper. Refrigerate them for 15 minutes or until they firm up. Cover the candies and store them in the refrigerator.
YIELD: Makes about 5½ dozen buckeyes.
CHILLING TIME: Refrigerate for 15 minutes or until firm.
SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS:
- Take care to thoroughly combine the confectioners’ sugar, peanut butter, and melted butter to achieve a smooth consistency for the filling.
- When melting the chocolate chips and shortening, use short intervals in the microwave and stir frequently to prevent overheating.
TIPS:
- To enhance the visual appeal, use a toothpick to create a small indentation on top of each buckeye before dipping them in chocolate, resembling the nut from the buckeye tree.
- Consider using chunky peanut butter for a delightful texture and nutty flavor.
Chocolate-Covered Buckeyes are a delightful treat that will leave your taste buds yearning for more. These beloved candies, cherished at Merry Kay Opitz’s church in Elkhorn, Wisconsin, combine the creaminess of peanut butter with the decadence of semisweet chocolate chips, creating a sweet symphony of flavors.
The simple and straightforward preparation process allows you to whip up a generous batch of about 5½ dozen buckeyes in no time. Whether you’re preparing these treats for a holiday gathering, a special event, or simply to satisfy your sweet cravings, they are sure to be a hit among family and friends.
The combination of peanut butter and chocolate is a timeless classic, and these buckeyes embrace this pairing perfectly. The smooth and rich peanut butter filling complements the luscious chocolate coating, creating a harmonious balance of flavors.
These candies are not only delightful to the taste buds but also reminiscent of the state tree of Ohio—the buckeye tree. Designed to resemble the inedible nut from the buckeye tree, these treats add a touch of charm and fun to any occasion.
While they are a fantastic addition to Christmas festivities, you can enjoy Chocolate-Covered Buckeyes all year round. From special occasions to everyday indulgence, these candies are guaranteed to put smiles on faces.
In conclusion, Chocolate-Covered Buckeyes are a must-try treat for anyone with a sweet tooth. The ease of preparation, delightful flavors, and nod to Ohio’s state tree make them a wonderful addition to any dessert repertoire. Whether you’re making them for a special event or simply to satisfy your cravings, these buckeyes are sure to be a hit.
