Ingredients:
- 1 cup (2 sticks, 227g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ½ cups (300g) creamy peanut butter (not natural style!), at room temperature
- 6 cups (720g) confectioners' sugar, sifted
- 1 teaspoon (5ml) vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon (2.5ml) salt
- 12 ounces (340g) semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 2 tablespoons (30ml) vegetable shortening (or coconut oil)
Instructions:
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and peanut butter using an electric mixer until smooth and fluffy.
- Gradually add the sifted confectioners' sugar to the butter mixture, mixing on low speed until well combined. Mix in the vanilla extract and salt.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to firm up the dough. This will make it easier to roll.
- Roll the chilled dough into 1-inch balls. Place the balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- In a double boiler or microwave-safe bowl, melt the chocolate chips and shortening (or coconut oil) together, stirring frequently until smooth. If microwaving, heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, to prevent burning.
- Insert a toothpick into each peanut butter ball. Dip the balls into the melted chocolate, leaving a small portion of the peanut butter showing at the top (to resemble a Buckeye).
- Place the dipped balls back on the parchment-lined baking sheet. Remove the toothpicks and smooth over the hole with a spoon or spatula. Refrigerate until the chocolate is set, about 15-20 minutes.