These Buckeye Brownie Bites are a delicious mashup of two classic desserts – brownies and peanut butter buckeyes! They’ll add a festive touch to your Christmas celebrations.
As we move through this holiday season, I can’t help but get excited about sharing my baking with family on Christmas Day (I’m hosting!). One recipe that’s been a surprise standout in my current repertoire is Buckeye Brownie Bites. How do I love them? Let me count the ways!
First, they combine two wonderful desserts – brownies and buckeyes – into one perfect bite. Second, they’re a true crowd-pleaser. Everyone loves the soft, chewy brownie and creamy peanut butter middle. Third, one recipe makes 32 brownie bites. That’s a bunch! Which means there’s plenty to share. Last (but certainly not least) they are excellent for holiday gifting. If you’re looking for something to bring to a Christmas party, then this could be your go-to.
Make the Brownie Batter.
Begin with 1/2 cup (1 stick) of unsalted butter and 1/2 cup of semisweet chocolate chips. Place them in a large microwave-safe bowl an heat on high for 1 minute. Stir until well combined and let cool slightly.
Next, add some vanilla extract, brown sugar, and eggs. Beat together with an electric mixer. I used a hand mixer. Which is perfect for a small job like this.
Add the flour and baking powder, and mix until just combined.
You’ll need a mini cupcake pan. I use and recommend this one that bakes two dozen at once! Use a cookie scoop to fill the cups about 3/4 full. If you don’t have a cookie scoop, use a tablespoon instead.
Bake the brownie cups for about 15 minutes. While they are still warm, use the back of a teaspoon measure to create divots in the tops. The mini buckeyes will rest in those concave areas. While the brownies cool, make the buckeyes.
Make the Buckeyes.
Combine peanut butter, powdered sugar, and a little butter in a mixing bowl. Again, I used and hand mixer because it’s a small job. Beat together until smooth and creamy. The dough shouldn’t be very sticky. If it is sticky, then refrigerate it for 10 minutes.
Honestly, I wondered how tedious this would be when I first started. But the work went quickly! Roll the peanut butter mixture into teaspoon-sized balls. The mixture should yield about 32 peanut butter balls. Chill them in the refrigerator or freezer for 10 minutes so they’re nice and firm.
Next, whip up a small bowl of ganache with heavy cream and semisweet chips. I do this in the microwave because it’s really fast. Skewer each peanut butter ball with a toothpick and dip about 3/4 of the ball in the ganache.
Use the toothpick to transfer the buckeye to the cooled brownie cups.
Add some festive, Christmassy nonpareils before the chocolate ganache sets. You can remove the toothpicks, but I left them in. If you have some extra time and red ribbon, you can tie little ribbon flags on each toothpick.
This is such a fun dessert mashup of classic buckeyes and brownies. Such big flavors for a miniature dessert!
The duo of rich, cakey brownie with the creamy texture of peanut butter buckeyes is an experience you won’t want to miss. Whether you’re creating a thoughtful homemade gift basket or looking for something to bring for Christmas dessert, these little treats will make the holiday season even more special.
Related recipe: Toasted Sesame Peanut Butter Balls
Buckeye Brownie Bites
Equipment
- 32 miniature cupcake liners
- Toothpicks
Ingredients
Brownie bites
- 1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup light brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
Buckeyes
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons butter at room temperature
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Chocolate ganache and decors
- 1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons nonpareils in holiday colors
Instructions
Brownie bites
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line a mini cupcake pan with the miniature paper liners.
- In a microwave-safe bowl, combine 1/2 cup of semisweet chocolate chips with 1/2 cup butter. Place in the microwave and heat on high for 1 minute. Remove the bowl from the microwave and stir until the chocolate and butter are completely melted and combined. Add the vanilla extract, brown sugar, and the eggs. Beat with an electric hand mixer until thoroughly combined.
- Add in the flour and baking powder. Mix until well combined. Spoon the batter into the mini cupcake liners about 3/4 full. Bake for 13-15 minutes. Transfer the brownies to a wire rack to cool completely.
Buckeyes
- Using an electric hand mixer, blend together the ingredients for the peanut butter balls in a large bowl. Beat until smooth. Scoop the mixture by the level teaspoons and roll into about 32 small balls. Place the balls on a baking sheet and refrigerate 10 minutes.
Chocolate ganache
- In a small microwave-safe glass bowl, combine the chocolate chips and heavy cream. Heat at 100% power in the microwave for 1 minute. Allow the mixture to stand for 1 minute, then whisk together until a thick shiny ganache forms. Let cool slightly.
Assemble
- Skewer each chilled peanut butter ball with a toothpick and dip each 3/4 into the chocolate ganache. Transfer each dipped buckeye to a brownie bite. (Remove the toothpick or keep them in – it’s up to you!) Sprinkle with the nonpareils while the chocolate is still tacky. Allow brownie bites to set at room temperature, about 30 minutes, or speed setting by refrigerating them for 10-15 minutes.
