Indulge in the irresistible allure of Chubby Hubby Buckeye Peanut Butter Truffles, where creamy peanut butter meets rich chocolate in a bite-sized delight. These decadent treats are a perfect balance of sweet and salty, with a velvety smooth center encased in a glossy chocolate shell. Ready in just 20 minutes of prep, they’re an easy yet impressive dessert that will have everyone reaching for more.
With a 1-hour chill time, these truffles develop a firm, satisfying texture that melts luxuriously in your mouth. Each bite delivers a symphony of flavors—nutty, chocolatey, and slightly sweet—making them ideal for gifting or savoring solo. At just 84 calories per truffle, you can enjoy guilt-free indulgence that feels as good as it tastes.
Ingredients for Chubby Hubby Buckeye Peanut Butter Truffles
- 1 ½ cups pretzel pieces (crushed into small bits; gluten-free pretzels work too)
- ½ cup creamy peanut butter (natural or regular, but avoid oily varieties)
- 1 Tablespoon unsalted butter (room temperature; salted butter can be used, but omit the dash of salt)
- 2 Tablespoons light brown sugar (packed; dark brown sugar can be substituted for a deeper flavor)
- Dash of salt (omit if using salted butter)
- 3 Tablespoons powdered sugar (sifted for smoother texture)
- 1 cup milk chocolate chips (or semi-sweet chocolate chips for a richer taste)
- 1 Tablespoon vegetable shortening (helps chocolate melt smoothly; coconut oil can be substituted)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Crush the pretzels: Place pretzel pieces in a resealable plastic bag and crush into very small bits using a rolling pin or the bottom of a heavy cup. (Tip: Let kids help with this step!)
- Mix the filling: In a small bowl, combine peanut butter, butter, brown sugar, and salt. Mix until smooth and fully blended. Add the crushed pretzel bits and mix well. Stir in powdered sugar until completely combined.
- Shape the truffles: Line a small baking sheet with wax paper. Scoop about 2 teaspoons of the peanut butter mixture and gently roll into a ball using your fingertips. Place on the wax paper and repeat with the remaining mixture. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
- Melt the chocolate: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine chocolate chips and vegetable shortening. Microwave at 50% power in 30-second increments, stirring after each, until melted and smooth.
- Dip the truffles: Working one at a time, dip each peanut butter-pretzel ball into the melted chocolate. Use a fork to roll it around, ensuring it’s fully coated. Let excess chocolate drip off, then place back on the wax paper. Repeat with all truffles.
- Chill and garnish: Return the baking sheet to the refrigerator and chill for at least 30 minutes. If desired, drizzle with melted peanut butter and sprinkle with crushed pretzels for decoration.
- Store: Keep truffles in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Creative Topping Ideas for Extra Flair
Take your Chubby Hubby Buckeye Peanut Butter Truffles to the next level with fun toppings! Try drizzling melted _white chocolate_ or _dark chocolate_ over the truffles for a marbled effect. For a salty-sweet twist, sprinkle _crushed pretzels_ or _sea salt flakes_ on top before the chocolate sets. You can also roll the truffles in _finely chopped nuts_ or _sprinkles_ for added texture and color.
Perfect Pairings: Serving Suggestions
These truffles are a delightful treat on their own, but they pair wonderfully with a glass of _cold milk_, _hot cocoa_, or even a _cup of coffee_. For a dessert platter, serve them alongside _chocolate-dipped strawberries_ or _mini cheesecakes_. They also make a great addition to holiday cookie trays or gift boxes!
Storage Tips to Keep Them Fresh
Store your truffles in an _airtight container_ in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. If you need to keep them longer, they can be frozen for up to 2 months. To freeze, place the truffles in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Thaw in the fridge before serving.
Time-Saving Hacks for Busy Bakers
Short on time? Use _pre-crushed pretzels_ or _pretzel crumbs_ to skip the crushing step. You can also prepare the peanut butter mixture a day ahead and refrigerate it until you’re ready to shape and dip. For quicker chilling, pop the truffles in the _freezer_ for 15 minutes instead of the fridge.
Equipment Tips for Smooth Truffle-Making
For easy dipping, use a _fork_ or a _chocolate dipping tool_ to coat the truffles evenly. A _small cookie scoop_ (about 1-2 teaspoons) ensures uniform-sized truffles. If you don’t have wax paper, _parchment paper_ works just as well for lining your baking sheet.
Chubby Hubby Buckeye Peanut Butter Truffles
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups pretzel pieces
- ½ cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 Tablespoon unsalted butter, room temperature
- 2 Tablespoons light brown sugar
- dash of salt
- 3 Tablespoons powdered sugar
- 1 cup milk chocolate chips, or semi sweet chocolate chips
- 1 Tablespoon vegetable shortening
Instructions
- Place the pretzel pieces in a resealable plastic bag and crush into very small bits (a rolling pin works great for this- put your kids to work!).
- In a small bowl, mix the peanut butter, butter, brown sugar and salt together. Mix until all of the ingredients are completely blended and smooth.
- Add the pretzel bits to the peanut butter mixture and mix well. Add the powdered sugar and mix until completely combined.
- Line a small baking sheet with wax paper. Get about 2 teaspoons of the peanut butter mixture and gently shape into a ball with your fingertips. Place the ball on the wax paper-lined cookie sheet and repeat with the remaining peanut butter mixture.
- Place the baking sheet into the refrigerator and chill for at least 30 minutes.
- When ready to dip the truffles, microwave the chocolate chips and vegetable shortening together in a small bowl at 50% power in 30-second increments, stirring after each, until completely melted and smooth.
- Working one at a time, dip one peanut butter-pretzel ball into the melted chocolate and use a fork to roll it around, ensuring that it is completely coated with chocolate. Let any extra chocolate drip off and place back on the wax paper-lined sheet.
- Repeat with all of the peanut butter-pretzel balls. Return the baking sheet to the refrigerator and again chill for at least 30 minutes.
- Garnish with a drizzle of melted peanut butter and crushed pretzels, if desired. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.