These Healthy Peanut Butter Buckeyes are easy to make and taste like a chocolate peanut butter cup! This recipe is no-bake and comes together in just 20 minutes!

peanut butter balls drizzled with dark chocolate

Buckeyes peanut butter balls

If you’ve never tried a buckeye, it’s basically a peanut butter ball that is dipped in chocolate. They’re called “buckeyes” because they resemble a nut from a buckeye tree.

Peanut butter buckeyes are particularly popular around Christmas, but honestly, these make an amazing healthy treat any time of year.

Classic buckeyes are made with peanut butter, butter and lots of powdered sugar. But these Healthy Peanut Butter Buckeyes are made with much healthier ingredients like natural peanut butter, almond flour and maple syrup.

Why you’ll love these healthier buckeyes

  • No-bake. While baked goods like ginger molasses cookies are always a classic for the holidays, sometimes it’s nice to have a simple recipe that requires no baking at all. These peanut butter balls are the perfect no-bake recipe for the holidays.
  • Easy to make. This recipe is made directly in one mixing bowl for an easy recipe with minimal cleanup!
  • Vegan, gluten-free and grain-free. If you are in need of a healthier holiday treat that is suitable for many diet types this is the treat for you. Just keep in mind that it isn’t nut free.

How to make this recipe

Step 1

Add the peanut butter, vanilla extract and maple syrup to a large mixing bowl

A clear mixing bowl with peanut butter in it

Step 2

Next add the coconut flour, almond flour and salt.

peanut butter and coconut flour in a clear mixing bowl

Step 3

Mix everything together until it forms a dough. The dough should be sticky enough that it can be easily rolled into balls.

a clear mixing bowl with a wooden spatula and peanut butter dough in it

Step 4

Using your hands, roll out 1 tbsp-sized balls of dough and place them on a baking sheet. If the dough feels too soft to roll into balls, you can also place it in the fridge for 15-30 minutes to firm up before rolling.

Tip: use a tablespoon to measure the dough so all the balls are the same size.

Peanut butter balls on a baking sheet

Step 5

Melt the chocolate in the microwave, then dip each ball 3/4 of the way into the chocolate. You can use a toothpick to stick into each ball to make them easier to dip. You can also optionally drizzle more chocolate on top of each peanut butter ball if you like.

peanut butter bals dipped in chocolate on a baking sheet

How to store these peanut butter balls

These peanut butter buckeyes must be stored in the fridge. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.

Tips for making this recipe perfectly

  • You can use smooth or natural peanut butter for this recipe. Both will work fine. If using natural peanut butter, make sure to mix it well before using it. (Natural peanut butter has a tendency to separate.)
  • The peanut butter dough should be sticky enough to roll into balls but firm enough that they hold their shape nicely. If your dough feels too sticky, add some extra coconut or almond flour.
  • If your dough feels like the right texture but you’re having trouble rolling it into balls, you can place the dough in the fridge for 15-30 minutes. This will firm up the dough and make it easier to work with.
  • Use a toothpick to dip the peanut butter balls into the melted chocolate.
  • If you’d like to cover up the little holes made by the toothpick, you can use a small knife and gently scrape the top of each ball. This will push the dough into the hole to cover it up.

Frequently asked questions

Can I freeze peanut butter buckeyes?

Yes! This recipe freezes well. To freeze place the buckeyes in a freezer-safe container or freezer bag and freeze for up to 3 months. To defrost let thaw on the countertop for 10 peanuts before eating.

Can I make this recipe nut-free?

Yes. If you’d like to make this recipe nut-free you can replace the almond flour with more coconut flour or with oat flour.

Why are my peanut butter balls soft?

If your peanut butter balls are soft it’s likely that you don’t have enough dry ingredients in them, or they have been sitting out of the fridge too long. If they are too soft when making them, try adding an extra couple of tablespoons of almond flour.

More peanut butter treats to ty

A healthy peanut butter buckeye drizzled with dark chocolate

If you tried these Healthy Peanut Butter Buckeyes or any other recipe on the blog let me know how you liked it by leaving a comment/rating below! Be sure to follow along on Pinterest, Instagram and Facebook for even more deliciousness!

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peanut butter balls drizzled with dark chocolate

Healthy Peanut Butter Buckeyes

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.7 from 3 reviews
  • Author: Jessica Hoffman
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 15 balls 1x
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Mix
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Gluten Free
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Description

These Healthy Peanut Butter Buckeyes are easy to make and taste like a chocolate peanut butter cup! This recipe is no-bake and comes together in just 20 minutes!

Ingredients

Units Scale

Instructions

  1. Mix the peanut butter, maple syrup, vanilla extract, coconut flour and almond flour together in a bowl until it forms a dough. If your mixture is too runny, add some extra almond flour. If it’s too thick, add a bit more peanut butter. 
  2. Roll into balls, about 1 tbsp of dough per ball and place on a baking sheet with parchment paper. 
  3. Place in the fridge to set for 10 minutes while you prepare the chocolate.
  4. Use a toothpick to dip each ball into the melted chocolate, covering about 3/4 of the way. You can optionally use any leftover chocolate to drizzle on top.
  5. Place in the fridge for at least 30 minutes to set. 
  6. Store in the fridge. 

Notes

Depending on the brand of peanut butter you use, you may need to add a bit more or less coconut/almond flour. (Some peanut butter can be more liquidy and others can be thicker.) Adjust as needed. 

The peanut butter dough should be sticky enough to roll into balls but firm enough that they hold their shape nicely. If your dough feels too sticky, add some extra coconut or almond flour.

If the dough feels too soft to roll into balls, place in the fridge for 15-20 minutes to help the dough firm up.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 ball
  • Calories: 110
  • Sugar: 5g
  • Fat: 8g
  • Carbohydrates: 8g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 2g