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Chocolate-Covered Peanut Butter Balls (Buckeyes) Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups creamy peanut butter
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 2 cups semisweet or milk chocolate chips
- 2 tablespoons shortening or coconut oil (optional, for smoother chocolate coating)
- 1/4 cup crushed graham crackers or cookie crumbs (optional, for garnish)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Peanut Butter Mixture:
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the peanut butter, softened butter, and vanilla extract together until smooth and creamy.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, mixing well after each addition until a dough forms. The mixture should be stiff but still pliable.
2. Shape the Balls:
- Using a small cookie scoop or your hands, roll the peanut butter mixture into 1-inch balls.
- Place the balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or wax paper.
- Refrigerate the peanut butter balls for at least 30 minutes to firm up.
3. Melt the Chocolate:
- In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the chocolate chips and shortening or coconut oil (if using). Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring after each interval, until the chocolate is completely melted and smooth. Alternatively, you can melt the chocolate in a double boiler over simmering water.
4. Dip the Peanut Butter Balls:
- Using a toothpick or a dipping fork, dip each peanut butter ball into the melted chocolate, covering it completely. Allow any excess chocolate to drip off.
- Place the dipped balls back onto the parchment paper-lined baking sheet.
5. Garnish and Set:
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- If desired, sprinkle the tops of the dipped peanut butter balls with crushed graham crackers or cookie crumbs while the chocolate is still wet.
- Refrigerate the peanut butter balls for about 1 hour, or until the chocolate is set.
6. Serve:
- Once the chocolate is set, transfer the peanut butter balls to an airtight container.
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
Tips:
- For a variation, you can use crunchy peanut butter or add rice cereal for extra texture.
- If you prefer a darker chocolate flavor, you can use dark chocolate chips instead of semisweet or milk chocolate.
- For an added touch, you can drizzle the peanut butter balls with melted white chocolate.
Enjoy your delicious homemade chocolate-covered peanut butter balls!