Peanut Butter Buckeyes

By carvalhohm

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 C peanut butter (creamy)
• 1/2 C unsalted butter, softened
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2-3 C confectioner’s sugar
• 6 oz. semi-sweet chocolate
• 2 T vegetable shortening

Details

Adapted from viewsfromtheville.com

Preparation

Step 1

Line a baking sheet with waxed paper or parchment paper (or a Silpat mat – maybe Santa will bring me one this year!) and set aside.

In a medium bowl combine peanut butter, butter, vanilla, and two cups of confectioner’s sugar with your hands until a smooth, stiff dough forms. Add additional confectioner’s sugar, up to three total cups, if needed to form desired consistency. Roll into a ball using 2 tsp. of dough per ball.

Place each on the lined baking sheet; use a toothpick to create a small hole in the top of each peanut butter ball. Place in the freezer for 30-45 minutes, until well-chilled.

Melt shortening and chocolate together either in a double-boiler or the microwave. (If using the microwave, melt in 30-second bursts, stirring well after each; don’t over-heat.)

Remove chilled peanut butter balls from freezer. Dip each one into the melted chocolate leaving just a small bare circle around the hole in the top. Repeat until all peanut butter balls are dipped, then place in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to set.