Peanut Butter Buckeye Cookies have a special place in my heart, reminding me of cozy afternoons spent in my grandmother’s kitchen. She always made the best Ohio Buckeye Cookies, and I remember the sweet, nutty aroma filling our home. This recipe takes that beloved candy and transforms it into an incredibly chewy cookie, perfect for satisfying any sweet tooth. If you’re looking for an easy Peanut Butter Buckeye Cookies recipe that’s sure to impress, you’ve found it! Get ready for a truly decadent treat that’s surprisingly simple to whip up. Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love These Peanut Butter Buckeye Cookies
These cookies are an absolute dream for any dessert lover! You’ll adore the incredible taste combination that perfectly balances rich chocolate with creamy peanut butter. They’re surprisingly quick to make, making them a fantastic option for a weeknight treat. Plus, they’re a budget-friendly way to satisfy a crowd. These are truly chewy Buckeye Peanut Butter Cookies that bring smiles to everyone. They’re also a wonderful family-friendly activity, and the delightful Peanut Butter Chocolate Buckeye Cookies flavor is a guaranteed hit with kids and adults alike. You’ll be making these crowd-pleasers again and again!
Ingredients for Homemade Buckeye Peanut Butter Cookies
Gathering the right ingredients is key to achieving that perfect flavor and texture. You’ll need the essentials for this classic Peanut Butter Buckeye Cookies recipe. For the cookie base, we’ll use ½ cup unsalted butter, melted, and 2 cups chocolate chips for that deep chocolate flavor. The dry ingredients include 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour, ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder, 1 ½ tsp baking powder, and ¼ tsp salt. For sweetness and structure, we have 1 ¼ cup light brown sugar, 3 large eggs, and 1 ½ tsp vanilla extract. The star peanut butter filling requires 1 ¼ cup creamy peanut butter, 6 Tbsp unsalted butter (softened), 1 tsp vanilla extract, a pinch of salt, and 1 ½ cup confectioners sugar. Finally, for the glossy topping, you’ll need 1 ½ cup chocolate chips and ½ cup heavy whipping cream.
How to Make Peanut Butter Buckeye Cookies
Let’s dive into creating these amazing cookies! It’s a straightforward process, perfect for anyone looking for a simple Buckeye cookie recipe.
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a couple of baking sheets with parchment paper. This is crucial for easy removal and cleanup.
- Step 2: Melt the chocolate for the cookie base. Combine ½ cup unsalted butter with 2 cups chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until completely smooth and glossy. Let it cool slightly – you don’t want it too hot when you mix it into the dough.
- Step 3: In a medium bowl, whisk together your dry ingredients: 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour, ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder, 1 ½ tsp baking powder, and ¼ tsp salt. This ensures everything is evenly distributed.
- Step 4: In a large mixing bowl, beat the 1 ¼ cup light brown sugar, 3 large eggs, and 1 ½ tsp vanilla extract until the mixture is light and fluffy. This usually takes about 2 minutes and makes a big difference in texture.
- Step 5: Pour the slightly cooled chocolate mixture from Step 2 into the wet ingredients and mix until everything is beautifully combined.
- Step 6: Gradually add the dry ingredients from Step 3 to the wet mixture, mixing just until incorporated. Be careful not to overmix; we want tender cookies!
- Step 7: Chill the cookie dough for at least 30 minutes. This makes it much easier to handle and shape, preventing the cookies from spreading too much.
- Step 8: While the dough chills, prepare the peanut butter filling. Beat together 1 ¼ cup creamy peanut butter, 6 Tbsp unsalted butter, 1 tsp vanilla extract, a pinch of salt, and 1 ½ cup confectioners sugar until it’s smooth and holds its shape. It should feel like a firm dough.
- Step 9: Once the dough is chilled, scoop it into 1½-inch balls. Place them on your prepared baking sheets. Use the back of a measuring spoon to make a nice indentation in the center of each cookie.
- Step 10: Bake for 10-12 minutes. You’re looking for the edges to be set, but the centers should still appear slightly soft. They’ll continue to firm up as they cool. Let them cool on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes before carefully transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This is an important step as how to make Buckeye Peanut Butter Cookies successfully relies on cooling.
- Step 11: Once the cookies are totally cool, carefully fill each indentation with a dollop of the peanut butter mixture.
- Step 12: Finally, make the ganache. Heat ½ cup heavy whipping cream until it just starts to simmer. Pour it over 1 ½ cup chocolate chips in a heatproof bowl. Let it sit for 2 minutes, then stir until it’s smooth and glossy. Let the ganache cool for about 5-7 minutes before spooning it over the peanut butter filling on each cookie. Let the ganache set completely before storing.
Pro Tips for the Best Peanut Butter Buckeye Cookies
To ensure your cookies are absolutely perfect, here are a few insider tips I’ve picked up:
- Make sure your cookie dough is well-chilled before scooping. This is crucial for preventing them from spreading too much in the oven, helping them keep that lovely shape.
- Don’t overbake! You want the edges to be set but the centers to still look a little soft when they come out. They’ll continue to bake slightly on the hot pan.
- For the peanut butter filling, aim for a consistency similar to play-dough. If it’s too sticky, add a bit more powdered sugar; if too stiff, a tiny splash of milk can help.
- Always use good quality chocolate chips for both the cookie base and the ganache topping. It really makes a difference in flavor and meltability.
What’s the secret to perfect Peanut Butter Buckeye Cookies?
The real secret to achieving that classic Buckeye candy flavor in a cookie lies in the balance of the rich chocolate cookie base and the smooth, sweet peanut butter filling. My grandmother’s classic Buckeye cookie recipe always emphasized chilling the dough, which is key for texture. Also, ensuring your peanut butter filling isn’t too soft is vital!
Can I make Peanut Butter Buckeye Cookies ahead of time?
Yes, you absolutely can! You can prepare the cookie dough balls and the peanut butter filling up to 24 hours in advance. Store the dough balls covered in the refrigerator, and keep the peanut butter filling in an airtight container. Just assemble and bake/top when you’re ready to serve.
How do I avoid common mistakes with Peanut Butter Buckeye Cookies?
A common pitfall is overbaking, which can result in dry cookies. Watch them closely! Another mistake is adding the peanut butter filling while the cookies are still warm, causing it to melt. Always let your cookies cool completely before filling and topping them.
Best Ways to Serve Peanut Butter Buckeye Cookies
These delightful cookies are perfect on their own, but they also shine when paired with other treats. Imagine serving these alongside a tall glass of cold milk – it’s a classic combo that never disappoints! For a more decadent experience, consider enjoying them with a cup of hot coffee or a rich hot chocolate. They also make a fantastic addition to a dessert platter, especially when served alongside other chocolatey favorites or even some simple Peanut Butter Fudge Cookies for a double dose of peanut butter goodness. They’re truly versatile and always a crowd-pleaser!
Nutrition Facts for Peanut Butter Buckeye Cookies
Here’s a breakdown of the estimated nutritional information per cookie:
- Calories: 210
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Protein: 3g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 80mg
Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used in your Peanut Butter Buckeye Cookies.
How to Store and Reheat Peanut Butter Buckeye Cookies
Properly storing your delicious Peanut Butter Buckeye Cookies ensures they stay fresh and delightful for days. Once your cookies have completely cooled and the ganache has set firm, you can store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. If you need to keep them longer, the freezer is your best friend! For excellent Peanut Butter Buckeye Cookies storage, wrap each cookie individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep well for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply bring them back to room temperature for about 30 minutes before enjoying. You can also gently warm them in a low oven (around 250°F or 120°C) for a few minutes for an extra gooey experience!
Frequently Asked Questions About Peanut Butter Buckeye Cookies
What are Peanut Butter Buckeye Cookies?
Peanut Butter Buckeye Cookies are a delightful baked version of the classic Ohio candy. They typically feature a rich chocolate cookie base, often with a cookie-like texture, topped with a creamy peanut butter filling and sometimes a smooth chocolate ganache. They capture the iconic flavor combination that makes the original Buckeye candy so beloved.
Why are Buckeye Peanut Butter Cookies Popular?
The popularity of Buckeye Peanut Butter Cookies stems from their irresistible flavor pairing of chocolate and peanut butter, a universally loved combination. They tap into nostalgia for many, especially in Ohio, and offer a satisfyingly chewy texture. Plus, they’re a fantastic way to enjoy the classic candy’s taste in a new, convenient cookie format that’s perfect for sharing.
Can I make Peanut Butter Buckeye Cookies gluten-free?
Yes, you can absolutely make Gluten-Free Peanut Butter Buckeye Cookies! Simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a good quality gluten-free all-purpose flour blend that contains xanthan gum. You might need to adjust the liquid slightly, but generally, a 1:1 substitution works well for most recipes.
Are these cookies similar to no-bake buckeye cookies?
While both are inspired by the classic Buckeye candy, these Peanut Butter Buckeye Cookies are baked, giving them a chewy cookie texture. No-bake Buckeye cookies typically involve rolling peanut butter mixture into balls and dipping them in chocolate, without any baking involved. This recipe offers a different, yet equally delicious, way to enjoy those iconic flavors.
Variations of Peanut Butter Buckeye Cookies You Can Try
Once you’ve mastered the classic, why not get creative? There are so many fun ways to put your own spin on these beloved treats. For those with dietary needs, creating Gluten-Free Peanut Butter Buckeye Cookies is a breeze; just swap out the all-purpose flour for a good quality gluten-free blend. If you’re looking for a quicker option or prefer not to bake, you can easily adapt this recipe to make no-bake Buckeye cookies by rolling the peanut butter mixture into balls and dipping them in melted chocolate. You could also add a touch of espresso powder to the chocolate cookie dough for a mocha twist, or even swirl in some caramel into the peanut butter filling for an extra layer of decadence. Experimenting with different types of chocolate chips, like dark or milk chocolate, can also offer a delightful variation.
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Peanut Butter Buckeye Cookies: 1 Amazing Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These decadent Peanut Butter Buckeye Cookies transform the classic Ohio confection into an irresistible baked treat. Each cookie features a chewy chocolate base, a velvety peanut butter filling, and a glossy chocolate ganache topping.
Ingredients
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- 2 cups chocolate chips
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 ½ tsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp salt
- 1 ¼ cup light brown sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 ½ tsp vanilla extract
- 1 ¼ cup creamy peanut butter
- 6 Tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- 1 ½ cup confectioners sugar
- 1 ½ cup chocolate chips
- ½ cup heavy whipping cream
Instructions
- Melt the chocolate for the cookie base by combining ½ cup unsalted butter with 2 cups chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until completely smooth. Set aside to cool slightly.
- Whisk together the dry ingredients in a medium bowl: flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
- Beat the brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla in a large mixing bowl until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes.
- Pour in the cooled chocolate mixture and mix until well combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients, mixing just until incorporated.
- Chill the cookie dough for at least 30 minutes.
- Prepare the peanut butter filling while the dough chills. Beat together the peanut butter, butter, vanilla extract, salt, and confectioners sugar until smooth and well combined.
- Scoop the chilled cookie dough into 1½-inch balls onto parchment-lined baking sheets. Make an indentation in each with the back of a measuring spoon.
- Bake at 350°F for 10-12 minutes until the edges are set but centers still appear slightly soft. Cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
- Fill each cookie indentation with the peanut butter mixture once cookies are completely cooled.
- Make the ganache by heating the heavy cream until just simmering, then pouring over the chocolate chips. Let stand for 2 minutes, then stir until completely smooth and glossy.
- Top each cookie with a spoonful of ganache, allowing it to naturally spread and cover the peanut butter filling.
- Let the ganache set completely before storing the cookies.
Notes
- Cool cookies completely before adding the peanut butter mixture.
- Adjust confectioners sugar in the peanut butter layer for a play-dough-like consistency.
- Let the ganache cool for 5-7 minutes before topping cookies for the best consistency.
- Use good quality chocolate chips for best flavor and texture.
- Use the back of a measuring teaspoon to create uniform wells for the filling.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 80mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg