Buckeye-Style Peanut Butter Turtles

It really doesn't get any better than a buckeye-inspired dessert recipe. Or does it? Because these chocolate covered peanut butter bites have a salty, nutty, gooey turtle topping, making this classic chocolate treat even better. Peanut butter turtles are simple to make, but are guaranteed to disappear fast!

Prep Time 20

Cook Time 10

Total Time 30

Servings

Author Melissa Erdelac

Ingredients

1 cup creamy peanut butter
1 ⅔ cup powdered sugar
¼ cup unsalted butter softened
1 tablespoon brown sugar
¾ teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 teaspoon vegetable oil or shortening
20 squares unwrapped caramels (about ½ 11 ounce bag)
1 tablespoon milk
¾ cup chopped pecans
optional flaky sea salt for sprinkling

Instructions

In a large bowl mix together peanut butter, butter, vanilla extract, brown sugar, and powdered sugar using a hand held mixer or stand mixer until smooth.
1 cup creamy peanut butter, 1 ⅔ cup powdered sugar, ¼ cup unsalted butter, 1 tablespoon brown sugar, ¾ teaspoon vanilla extract
Scoop out a tablespoon and roll into a smooth 1" ball. Arrange the balls on a wax paper-lined baking sheet. Place in baking sheet in freezer for 15 minutes once all the dough has been shaped.
In a microwave safe bowl place chocolate chips and vegetable oil. Microwave on high for 30 seconds - 1 minute until melted and smooth, stirring occasionally.
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips, 1 teaspoon vegetable oil or shortening
Spear a toothpick into the top of each frozen peanut butter ball and holding the toothpick, dip each ball into the melted chocolate about halfway up. Set dipped peanut butter ball back on the wax-paper lined baking sheet, removing the toothpick. Once all the peanut butter balls have been dipped, set aside.
Place unwrapped caramel squares and milk into another microwave safe bowl. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, or until caramels are melted and smooth, stirring occasionally. Add the chopped pecans and stir to combine.
20 squares unwrapped caramels , 1 tablespoon milk, ¾ cup chopped pecans
Spoon a small amount of turtle topping on each peanut butter ball. Sprinkle immediately with optional sea salt. Put baking sheet in refrigerator for 5-10 minutes to set chocolate and caramel. Store at room temperature in an airtight container.

Notes

Buckeye recipe adapted from Sugar Spun Run

Nutrition