Chewy fudge brownie cookies, topped with peanut butter icing, and a milk chocolate drizzle. These Buckeye cookies are perfect for Christmas, or anytime you're craving a chocolate dessert.
Buckeyes are one of my favorite holiday treats. These Buckeye cookies take all those yummy flavors into a chewy delicious cookie. Just like my Reese's Cake and Cupcakes they combine my two favorites chocolate and peanut butter.
They're also one of my Grandparents' favorite treats they used to make for me. Now I make them for them. I love bringing back those fond holiday memories for them!
While the candy is delicious, let's be honest they're a pain to make. Rolling 75 peanut butter balls and then dipping them in chocolate can be very time-consuming. I wanted to capture that classic holiday flavor combination (and those warm fuzzy feelings!) in cookie form. Here is what I came up with! They are perfect for Christmas cookie trays and sharing with friends. Love crazy cookies? Check these Crumbl Copycats and stuffed cookies too.
Why I Love These Cookies
- Chewy Brownie Cookies: These are not your usual chocolate cookies. They are thick, fudgy, and full of rich chocolate flavor.
- Peanut Butter Filling: You can't just add peanut butter and call it a buckeye. Ours is sweetened to taste just like a real buckeye candy.
- Perfect Bite: Take the perfect bite to get a cookie, peanut butter, and chocolate in one heavenly mouthful.
What Is a Buckeye?
Buckeyes featured sweetened peanut butter covered in creamy chocolate. originally developed by the Ohio StateUniversity football team (called you guessed it the Buckeyes) as an alternative to the traditional chocolate-covered peanuts that they would eat before big games.
Ingredient Notes
- Brownie Mix: Use your favorite variety. I like Duncan Hines' Chewy Fudge Brownie Mix. I also use boxed mix in my Chocolate Chip Brownie Cookies.
- Cream Cheese: Quickly soften cream cheese by leaving it to sit on the counter for 20-30 minutes. You can also microwave it for 30-45 seconds.
- Peanut Butter: Use creamy peanut butter that doesn't require stirring. I always use Jif.
- Candy Quik: Look for this in the seasonal or baking aisles. If you don't like Candiquick you could use melted chocolate chips or even a homemade ganache.
How To Make Buckeye Cookies
- Prep Work: Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
- Make Batter: Combine brownie mix, eggs, butter, and cream cheese.
- Bake: Scoop on cookie sheets and bake for 15-20 minutes.
- Make Topping: Combine peanut butter and powdered sugar.
- Top: Press peanut butter into cookies and drizzle with melted chocolate.
Leftovers
Storage: Store in an air-tight container or plastic baggie for up to 5 days.
Freeze: Wrap them in aluminum foil and place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. A great way to get ahead on your Christmas baking!
Tips
- Batter: Your batter will be very thick like a traditional brownie batter. Scoop batter using a greased cookie scoop for easy removal.
- Don't Overmix: Mix until the brownie mix is just combined. Overmixing will lead to a tough dense cookie.
- Don't overbake: We want a soft chewy brownie texture, not a crunchy cookie. Cookies are done with the edges are set and the bottom is lightly browned. It is okay if they look a tad underbaked in the center as they'll continue to cook on the cookie sheet for a few minutes once removed from the oven.
- These are so addictive you might want to consider doubling the recipe.
- Store with a slice of bread to your dish to keep these soft and chewy for days.
Try These Cookies Next
Peanut Butter and Jelly Cookies
📖 Recipe
Buckeye Cookies
Ingredients
- 1 Box Fudge Brownie Mix 19.5 Ounces
- ¼ Cup Butter Melted
- 4 Oz. Cream Cheese Softened
- 1 Egg
- 1 Cup Powdered Sugar
- 1 Cup Creamy Peanut Butter
- 4 Ounces of Chocolate Candiquik
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. In a large bowl mix brownie mix, butter, cream cheese, and egg.
- Use a cookie scoop to scoop dough onto an un-greased cookie sheet.
- In a separate medium bowl mix peanut butter and powdered sugar until completely combined. Roll into "24" 1 inch balls. Set aside.
- Bake cookies for 15-20 minutes
- When your cookies are done immediately press a peanut butter ball into the center of each cookie. Cool cookies on pan for around 5 minutes.
- Melt Candiquik in a microwave safe bowl for 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently. Spoon around ½ tablespoon of chocolate over each cookie.
Notes
- Brownie Mix: Use your favorite variety. I like Duncan Hines' Chewy Fudge Brownie Mix.
- Cream Cheese: Quickly soften cream cheese by leaving it to sit on the counter for 20-30 minutes. You can also microwave it for 30-45 seconds.
- Peanut Butter: Use creamy peanut butter that doesn't require stirring. I always use Jif.
- Candy Quik: Look for this in the seasonal or baking aisles. If you don't like Candiquick you could use melted chocolate chips or even ganache.
- Batter: Your batter will be very thick like a traditional brownie batter. Scoop batter using a greased cookie scoop for easy removal.
- Don't Overmix: Mix until the brownie mix is just combined. Overmixing will lead to a tough dense cookie.
- Don't overbake: We want a soft chewy brownie texture, not a crunchy cookie. Cookies are done with the edges are set and the bottom is lightly browned. It is okay if they look a tad underbaked in the center as they'll continue to cook on the cookie sheet for a few minutes once removed from the oven.
- These are so addictive you might want to consider doubling the recipe.
- Store with a slice of bread to your dish to keep these soft and chewy for days.
Sandra says
These cookies are seriously amazing! Everyone at my house loved these!
Catalina says
wow! These cookies are on my next to make list!
Erin | Dinners, Dishes and Dessert says
These Buckeye Cookies are mouth-watering!
Amanda says
I love buckeyes but these look so much better and more full of flavor!
Beth says
Those have my mouth watering. I've said it before, and I'll say it again: the only thing better than cookies is cookies with filling!
Jane says
Sinfully addictive.
Jamie @ Love Bakes Good Cakes says
Thanks for sharing at Freedom Fridays - scheduled a pin! 🙂
admin says
Thanks for pinning Jamie!
Laura@Baking in Pyjamas says
Visiting from Show me Saturday link party. I've never had a buckeye before, I'm not even sure what they are but if they resemble these cookies in any way I know I'd love them, these look so yummy! I would love for you to stop by and share this and other recipes with us over at Sweet and Savoury Sunday. Have a great day!
admin says
Thanks Laura! Cookies are my weakness.
Michelle@TheRibbonRetreat says
I am so excited I found your blog. I have had so much fun looking around at all of your yummy recipes. I also love the looks of these Buckeye Cookies! They look amazing, and I can't wait to try them! Thanks for sharing! PINNED!
admin says
Aww thanks so much for your kind words and for pinning Michelle.
Jamie | anderson + grant says
I can only imagine the feeling of biting down into this delicious looking cookie....oooey, gooey, and good. Such a great way to get the buckeye taste without all the work and mess!
I'd love if you would share this recipe at my link party today if you get a chance. Have a wonderful day!
admin says
You are making me crave them all over again Jamie, thank you! 🙂
Kirsten @ Treat Yourself Sweeter says
I've never had a buckeye cookie before- they aren't popular or regular thing here in Oz, but these look really really good!!
Jocelyn@Brucrewlife says
Buckeyes are one of my favorites! Yours look fantastic! 😉
admin says
Mine too, thanks Jocelyn!
Gayle @ Pumpkin 'N Spice says
These cookies look amazing! I love the creamy center. Definitely can't go wrong with a classic like this! 🙂
admin says
Thanks so much Gayle! You can never go wrong with anything creamy in my book either.
Jocelyn (Grandbaby cakes) says
These cookies will be in my dreams tonight. They are fantastic!
admin says
Aw thanks so much Jocelyn what a sweet thing to say! May visions of buckeyes dance in your head!
Thalia @ butter and brioche says
never had a buckeye cookie before, definitely missing out on something delicious. they look so chocolately and amazing...
admin says
You totally are Thalia! Thank you! 🙂