Recipe Card
Hook – Quick Description:
Rich, creamy peanut butter centers dipped in smooth chocolate — a lighter take on the classic Buckeye candy, perfect for portion-controlled indulgence.
Servings & Timing:
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Chill Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: ~55 minutes
Yield: ~36 balls (1-inch each)
Dietary Badges:
🌾 Gluten-Free
🍬 Portion-Friendly Treat
WW-Friendly (points vary by plan & substitutions)
Ingredients (Checklist Style):
For the Filling:
Creamy peanut butter
Unsalted butter, softened
Vanilla extract
Salt
Powdered sugar (enough for firmness)
For the Coating:
Semi-sweet or milk chocolate chips
Shortening or coconut oil (for smooth dipping)
Instructions (Concise & Numbered):
In a large bowl, mix peanut butter, butter, vanilla, and salt until smooth.
Gradually stir in powdered sugar until dough is firm enough to roll.
Roll into 1-inch balls, place on parchment-lined sheet, and chill 30 minutes.
Melt chocolate with shortening in microwave or double boiler until smooth.
Dip each ball in chocolate (leaving a small circle exposed if making Buckeyes).
Return to sheet and chill until chocolate sets.
Store in airtight container in fridge up to 2 weeks, or freeze longer.
Additional Notes:
Use natural peanut butter for fewer additives, but mixture may need more powdered sugar to set.
A small cookie scoop makes rolling easier and portions consistent.
For WW points, choose reduced-fat peanut butter and sugar-free chocolate if desired.
Brief Introduction
These WW Chocolate Peanut Butter Balls (better known as Buckeyes) are a beloved holiday candy — but they’re so easy to make anytime you crave a chocolate-peanut butter fix. By portioning them into 1-inch balls, you get built-in moderation, making them a WW-friendly sweet when tracked mindfully. Smooth, creamy, and decadent — they’re proof you don’t need to give up dessert on your health journey.
Step-by-Step Cooking Guide
Mixing the Filling
Beat together peanut butter, softened butter, vanilla, and salt until smooth.
Gradually add powdered sugar until mixture is thick but pliable.
Tip: Mixture should be dry enough to hold shape, but not crumbly.
Shaping the Balls
Use a small cookie scoop or spoon to form 1-inch portions.
Roll between palms until smooth.
Place on a lined baking sheet and chill until firm (30 minutes).
Dipping in Chocolate
Melt chocolate chips with shortening/coconut oil until glossy.
Use a toothpick or fork to dip balls into chocolate.
Leave a small circle of peanut butter exposed on top for traditional Buckeye look.
Setting the Candy
Place dipped balls back onto parchment.
Chill until chocolate hardens completely.
Store refrigerated or frozen until ready to serve.
Ingredient Details & Substitutions
Peanut Butter: Reduced-fat or powdered peanut butter (reconstituted) lowers WW points. Almond or sunflower seed butter also work.
Butter: Can substitute with light margarine or coconut oil for a dairy-free option.
Powdered Sugar: Use a sugar substitute (like powdered erythritol or monk fruit) for a lower-carb version.
Chocolate: Semi-sweet or milk chocolate are classic; sugar-free chocolate chips keep it more WW-friendly.
Variations & Serving Suggestions
Crunchy Twist: Stir crushed rice cakes, crushed bran flakes, or chopped nuts into the filling.
Holiday Touch: Drizzle with white chocolate for a festive look.
Protein Boost: Mix in a tablespoon of protein powder for extra nutrition.
Serving Ideas:
Enjoy as a bite-sized dessert.
Serve on a holiday candy platter.
Package in mini cupcake liners for gifts.
Storage & Make-Ahead
Storage: Keep in airtight container in fridge up to 2 weeks.
Freezing: Store in freezer-safe bag/container up to 3 months. Thaw in fridge before serving.
Make-Ahead: Great for prepping during holidays — dip, chill, and store until party time.
Nutrition Facts (Estimated, per 1 of 36 balls with regular ingredients)
Calories: ~120 kcal
Protein: 2g
Carbs: 9g
Fat: 8g
WW Points: ~4–5 points each (varies by plan & substitutions)
FAQs
Q: Can I make these without powdered sugar?
A: Yes — use almond flour or sugar-free sweetener as a binding substitute, but texture will be less traditional.
Q: Can I use crunchy peanut butter?
A: Absolutely! It adds texture to the filling.
Q: Why add shortening to the chocolate?
A: It thins the chocolate for smoother dipping and shinier finish. Coconut oil works too.
Q: Do I need to refrigerate them?
A: Yes — especially if using natural peanut butter or sugar-free chocolate.
Personal Story (Optional)
These Buckeyes remind me of holiday baking marathons with family — rolling peanut butter balls at the table while chocolate melted on the stove. For a WW-friendly spin, I now make smaller portions and sometimes swap in sugar-free chocolate. The joy is the same, but the balance makes them an anytime treat instead of just once a year.
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