I first was introduced to Buckeyes–chocolate covered peanut butter balls, by another name–by college friends. I went to undergrad in Ohio and found out very soon into my freshman year that Buckyes are the state treat, named in obvious tribute to the Ohio State Buckeyes. I became pretty obsessed with Buckeyes [the candy, not the team] pretty much immediately and made them frequently for friends and family back home. I mean, what’s not to love about chocolate and peanut butter?
Fast forward a few years to when I met Ben. The first thing I ever learned about him was his allegiance to Ohio State. Good, I thought. He’ll like Buckeyes. How could he not?
You can imagine my dismay when I learned on our first date that he wasn’t a fan of peanut butter. Or ranch dressing, but that’s a matter for another time. I couldn’t imagine life without peanut butter, so I held my breath and asked the question, “how do you feel about Buckeyes?”
Fortunately, he answered correctly. Turns out the combination of peanut butter and chocolate works for Ben and makes peanut butter palatable. If it didn’t… well, let’s just say our third anniversary might not be happening soon.
Just kidding.
I never thought I would say this, being the diehard Buckeye fan that I am, as evidinced in the aforementioned early dating conversation… but as of this past fall, I have found an even better version of Buckeyes than the original.
Think a creamy peanut butter center, sandwiched between two crisp pretzels, topped off with a refreshing dunk in semi-sweet chocolate. Sound good? Meet Pretzel Buckeyes, my new love and yours. They have an absolutely addicting salty-sweet combination that can’t be beat!
And if your [human] love doesn’t like ’em… well, more for you! These are reallyreallyreally good, but I don’t recommend ending relationships over them. 🙂
Pretzel Buckeyes [from Sweet Pea’s Kitchen]
click to print
Ingredients:
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 2 tablespoons butter, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar + extra
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- Pretzels
- 12 ounce bag semi-sweet chocolate chips
The Pajama Chef 
I too love buckeyes and grew up in Ohio….. But I have to tell you the treat is not named after Ohio State University…. It is named after the buckeye trees that grow in Ohio… The “nut” that falls off the trees look like the candy…. dark brown on the outside with a tan middle. They say it is good luck to carry one with you!!! Thanks for the recipe. They ones I grew up didn’t have the pretzel but I bet it is delicious!!! :0)
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Oh, I know it’s technically named for the tree but I think most Buckeyes fans (of the school) would argue on the contrary. 🙂 But thanks for the clarification for those who aren’t familiar with Ohio! My husband has a buckeyes necklace that he wears for the games.
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These look so super awesome! Adam loves the PB + chocolate combo . . . maybe I’ll make these as a snack for his upcoming birthday.
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you definitely should!
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luv buckeyes! not the school, mind you
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I have seen these and wanted to make them! They look fantastic. My husband is crazy about peanut butter, but pb and pretzels…even better! They look great!
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These buckeyes look fabulous, Sarah. So easy, too! Thanks for sharing. You have a great blog and I’m happy to have found you!
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thanks Georgia! i’ll have to check out your blog too 🙂
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The guy I’m currently kinda dating doesn’t like PB either. I don’t understand it at all…but the way I see it is that it means I’ll never come home to an empty jar! I adore buckeyes and everythign is better in sweet and salty form!
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These look delicious, but since I went to IU, I can’t support the “buckeye” name. I make peanut butter balls and call them such because the the “b” word isn’t allowed in our house. 🙂
If B didn’t like peanut butter or ranch it would have definitely been a deal breaker. Just kidding. Kinda.
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