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Buckeye (candy) facts for kids

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Buckeyes
Buckeyes Peanut Butter Balls(cropped).jpg
Buckeye
Type Confectionery
Place of origin United States
Region or state Ohio
Main ingredients Peanut butter, chocolate
Food energy
(per serving)
100 kcal (419 kJ)

Buckeyes are a super popular candy from the United States. They are mostly made from creamy peanut butter and rich chocolate. These treats are especially loved in the state of Ohio.

What Are Buckeyes?

Buckeyes are a special kind of candy. They have a soft, sweet peanut butter center. This center is like a smooth peanut butter fudge. The peanut butter ball is then partly dipped in melted chocolate. This leaves a small circle of peanut butter showing.

This makes the candy look a bit like an eye. Some other candies are called peanut butter balls. Those are usually completely covered in chocolate. Buckeyes are unique because you can still see some of the peanut butter.

Why Are They Called Buckeyes?

Aesculus glabra seeds
Dried buckeye nuts

Buckeyes get their name from a tree. The tree is called the Ohio buckeye tree. This tree is the official state tree of Ohio. The nuts from this tree are also called buckeyes. They are round and brown with a lighter spot.

The candy looks a lot like these tree nuts. The nuts from the Ohio buckeye tree are poisonous. But don't worry, the candy is perfectly safe and delicious to eat!

Where Are Buckeyes Popular?

Buckeyes are very popular in Ohio. They are also well-known in states near Ohio. Many people in Ohio enjoy making buckeyes at home. It's a fun activity, especially around holidays.

You can also buy buckeyes in stores. Many candy shops sell them. You might even find them in special mail-order catalogs.

How Are Buckeyes Made?

Buckeyes are a fairly new candy. People didn't know about them before the 1960s or 1970s. They were first made by people cooking in their own kitchens. There isn't one inventor for this yummy treat.

A common recipe for buckeyes includes a few simple ingredients:

  • Peanut butter (you can use creamy or crunchy)
  • Butter
  • Powdered sugar
  • Chocolate chips

First, the peanut butter and butter are mixed together. Then, powdered sugar is slowly added. This makes a thick dough. This dough is then rolled into small balls. Finally, these balls are dipped into melted chocolate. Remember to leave a little bit of peanut butter showing!

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