Allergy-Friendly Buckeyes: Peanut-Free, Milk-Free, Egg-Free, Soy-Free, Wheat-Free, Gluten-Free, Nut-Free

Original “buckeyes” are peanut butter balls partially dipped in chocolate. When you make them, you leave a small patch of peanut butter at the top to resemble the nut of the Ohio buckeye tree. This version can be made free of the top 9 allergens. Our friend Elena shows us how to make an allergy-friendly version you can adapt using safe ingredients for your child with food allergies.

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Peanut-Free, Milk-Free Chocolate Buckeye Candy

Ingredients

• 3 Tbsp softened margarine or softened (or melted) coconut oil
• 1/2 cup sunflower seed butter (or your favorite seed or nut butter)
• 1 cup sifted powdered sugar
• 1 cup (approximately) semi-sweet chocolate chips
  
  

Instructions

Using a stand mixer or by hand, combine margarine, sunflower seed butter and powdered sugar. If the mixture is too sticky to handle, mix in one spoonful of powdered sugar at a time until the consistency is a bit firmer and doesn’t make a mess all over your hands.

Divide dough into small balls. Refrigerate (or freeze) for a while so that they aren't so sticky.

Place chocolate chips in a microwave-safe cup. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring each time until smooth.

Dip balls partially into melted chocolate and place on waxed paper. Chill until firm.

For an Easter version, divide the dough balls into small egg shapes. After dipping each candy into the chocolate and chilling, wrap in colored foil.

Makes about 30 candies.

Substitutions and Notes

• Solid fat: Margarines free from milk and soy are available. It's best to use "stick" margarine. Coconut oil is solid at room temperature and can be used in this recipe. You can use butter if not avoiding milk.
  
  
• Seed/nut butter: Many are interchangeable, so use one that is safe for your allergies. Commercially available seed and nut butters may contain soy. If avoiding soy, you can make your own sunflower seed butter using safe sunflower seed kernels.
  
  
• Powdered sugar: If you need to avoid corn, try to find a powdered sugar made without cornstarch. Or you can make your own powdered sugar in a food processor or blender.
  
  
• Semi-sweet chocolate chips: Several companies make chocolate chips and chunks that are allergy-friendly (no milk, soy, peanuts, nuts, etc.). If you need to avoid chocolate, try rolling the balls in powdered sugar instead.
  
  

Updated February 2021