Absolutely perfect for your fall shin-dig, Halloween party, or Thanksgiving table (OR, in my case, just anytime and anywhere – I LOVE peanut butter), these Fall Harvest Peanut Butter Buckeye Balls simply melt in your mouth. THE BEST!!
And, just too cute for words.
Bring on Fall, y’all! (FYI, I despise the “y’all saying from those who are not from and do not reside in TX – I apologize profusely).
I grew up with Peanut Butter Balls at Christmas time.
It wasn’t until I was an adult that I learned that these magically delicious bite-sized chocolate-dipped peanut butter balls are often referred to as “Buckeyes.”
Named for their resemblance to the poisonous nut of the Ohio buckeye tree, the state tree of Ohio, this candy is particularly popular in Ohio and neighboring states.
Well, this information is quite irrelevant to me, and a bit odd that a lovely decadence would be named after something poisonous – AND, I feel like these treats are eaten anywhere and everywhere (or should be), NOT just in Ohio.
In any case, bring out the beaters and the peanut butter – no longer just for Christmas, peanut butter balls and Buckeyes are now pumpkins for fall! 🍂🧡🎃🍁
Fall Harvest Buckeye Balls
1 1/2 cups peanut butter (NOT, all-natural, the result and consistency will not be the same)
1/2 cup butter, room temperature
1 tsp. vanilla extract
orange food coloring (how orange do you want the pumpkins?)
3 cups powdered sugar
chocolate chips and/or pumpkin seeds
Add the peanut butter, butter, vanilla, food coloring (your call on how orange you want the pumpkin balls), and powdered sugar to the bowl of a stand mixer and beat it until it forms a stiff dough. Roll the dough into balls made with at least 1 tablespoon of dough (just a little smaller than a golf ball).
Place the balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet and refrigerate for at least an hour.
Using a toothpick, gently indent the sides of the peanut butter balls to create the ribs of a pumpkin. Gently flatten the bottom of each ball.
Top with one chocolate chip or pumpkin seed to create a decorative stem.
Store in the fridge or pop right into your mouth!
