Peanut Butter Buckeyes :: The Perfect Holiday Treat

{edited: this post was initially shared here!}

If your family is anything like my family, Christmas is synonymous with sweet, delectable treats. Between holiday gatherings, cookie swaps, company parties and the piece de resistance, the Big Christmas Dinner, our Christmas season is chock full of little slices of confectioners' heaven. 

A baker at heart, each year I try my hand at whipping up something new to share with family and friends. This recipe brings together two of my most favorite desserts, chocolate and peanut butter. You may recognize this recipe as one for a dessert known as "Buckeyes" and with just a little bit of alteration, a lollipop stick and a pretty red bow, this tasty treat will be ready to share with family and friends in no time. 

Makes 25 "cookies"

Hands on time - 30 minutes

Total time - 1 hour 30 minutes

Ingredients

3/4 cup creamy peanut butter

1 stick unsalted butter, softened

2 1/2 cups confectioners' sugar

1/2 tsp vanilla extract

1/4 tsp kosher salt

1/2lb. semi sweet chocolate chunks (for melting)

What You'll Do

(Prep your lollipop sticks by tying the bows on them prior to inserting them in the peanut butter balls)

1. With an electric mixer, combine the peanut butter and butter and mix on medium until creamy. Reduce mixer speed to low and mix together the confectioners' sugar, vanilla extract and salt. (Combination will be crumbly)

2. Roll heaping tablespoon-fulls of dough into balls and place on a parchment or wax paper-lined baking sheet. Insert lollipop sticks. Freeze until firm, about 20-30 minutes.

3. In the meantime, in a microwave safe bowl, melt your chocolate according to instructions on package. Typically 10-15 seconds at a time until desired consistency. Stir as indicated.

4. Dip peanut butter balls in chocolate until about 2/3rd's covered. Place them back onto the lined baking sheet and put them back in the freezer until chocolate is set, about 15 minutes.

5. Enjoy! These pair exceptionally well with both an ice cold glass of milk or a piping hot cup of coffee with a hint of Bailey's. (Not like I would know or anything...)

Storage: Keep refrigerated between sheets of wax paper in an airtight container for up to 3 weeks.

Isn't that red bow just the sweetest? I think it adds the perfect festive touch to this scrumptious treat! Happy Holidays and Merry Christmas from my family to yours! 

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