Sunbutter Buckeyes Recipe (2024)

The holidays are all about sweet treats, and this Sunbutter buckeyes recipe is a perfect nut-free variation of this traditional peanut butter classic. Sunbutter is an easy alternative to peanut butter because of its very similar flavor and texture. If you or any of your loved ones have a nut allergy, these are the perfect holiday treat!

Nut-Free Buckeyes

Having a nut allergy usually means gettingto enjoy about 10% of normal holiday treats because I swear they’re all made with peanut butter or nuts. I decided to turn one of my favorite holiday treats that I can no longer enjoy into a safe, nut-free alternative for all of my fellow nut allergy people. Enter the nut-free buckeye made with sunflower butter.

To me, sunflower butter smells and tastes just like peanut butter with maybe a hint of sunflower flavor. My family members that can enjoy peanut butter disagree with me, but they did agree that these were just as tasty as the original!

Ingredients needed

To make your own nut-free Sunbutter buckeyes, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 1 16 oz. jar of sunflower butter
• 1 lb. powdered sugar
• 2 sticks of unsalted butter
• 1 bag semi-sweet chocolate chips

How to make Sunbutter buckeyes

1. Soften the butter ahead of time at room temperature.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the sunflower butter and softened butter, then mix on low until creamy.
3. Add in the powdered sugar and mix again until creamy.
4. Using your hands, roll the dough into medium-sized balls and place onto a lined baking sheet.
5. Place in the freezer for about 30 minutes.
6. Melt the chocolate chips in the microwave or a double-boiler.
7. Remove the balls from the freezer. Then, using a toothpick, dip the balls into the chocolate covering about 3/4 of the ball. Place them back onto the lined baking sheet.
8. Let sit for 15 minutes before serving.

Recipe FAQs and Variations

What are Buckeye Balls?

Buckeyes are a popular sweet treat named after the fruit of the Ohio state tree – the Buckeye, which is a dark brown nut with a light brown top. Buckeye balls are traditionally a peanut butter ball that’s dipped in chocolate, leaving just the top uncovered to resemble the buckeye nut.

Do Buckeyes need to be refrigerated?

If using shelf-stable Sunbutter or peanut butter, you do not need to refrigerate the Buckeyes. Store them at room temperature in an air-tight container for up to two weeks.

Can you freeze Buckeye balls?

Yes! You can make a batch ahead of time and freeze for up to three months — thaw before serving.

Recommended kitchen resources for this recipe

Wanderlust and Wellness participatesin the Amazon affiliate program. Please see myaffiliate disclaimer. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Enjoy these additional nut-free holiday treats!

• Salted Caramel Thumbprint Cookies – soft shortbread cookies with a gooey caramel center
• Hot Cocoa Sandwich Cookies – soft chocolate crinkle cookies with a marshmallow center
• Red Velvet Cake with Butter Roux Frosting – a holiday classic cake
• Orange Cranberry Shortbread Cookies – another delicious holiday shortbread cookie

Sunbutter Buckeyes Recipe

Sunbutter Buckeyes Recipe

Yield: 12

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

This Sunbutter buckeyes recipe is an easy nut-free alternative to the traditional peanut butter treat.

Ingredients

• 1 16 oz. jar of sunflower butter
• 1 lb. powdered sugar
• 2 sticks of unsalted butter
• 1 bag semi-sweet chocolate chips

Instructions

1. Soften the butter ahead of time at room temperature.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the sunflower butter and softened butter, then mix on low until creamy.
3. Add in the powdered sugar and mix again until creamy.
4. Using your hands, roll the dough into medium-sized balls and place onto a lined baking sheet.
5. Place in the freezer for about 30 minutes.
6. Melt the chocolate chips in the microwave or a double-boiler.
7. Remove the balls from the freezer. Then, using a toothpick, dip the balls into the chocolate covering about 3/4 of the ball. Place them back onto the lined baking sheet.
8. Let sit for 15 minutes before serving.

Notes

• Use Sunbutter as a safe nut-free alternative to peanut butter
• Nutritional Disclaimer

Did you make this recipe?

Please leave a comment on the blog or share a photo on Instagram

See Also

Paintbrush Cookies Redux Recipe on Food52Skinny Muddy Buddies - The Recipe CriticCheesy Green Bean Casserole Recipe {with video}Roasted and Reverse Seared Prime Rib Recipe