Crispy Bourbon Buckeyes: Your Ultimate No-Bake Holiday Treat with a Heartwarming Cause

Discover the magic of Crispy Bourbon Buckeyes, a delightful no-bake chocolate and peanut butter confectionery infused with a hint of bourbon and a satisfying crunch. These treats are not just incredibly simple to make; they are the perfect festive indulgence to share with loved ones during the holiday season. The addition of crispy rice cereal provides a playful texture that beautifully contrasts with the rich, creamy peanut butter and decadent chocolate, while a touch of bourbon elevates them into an irresistible adult-friendly dessert. Prepare for the easiest and most flavorful Christmas cookie experience!

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With Thanksgiving feasts now a cherished memory and perhaps a few leftovers still lurking in the fridge, the holiday baking season officially kicks into high gear! This time of year invites us into the kitchen, not just for traditional meals, but for crafting sweet delights that bring warmth and joy to every gathering.

This month, I’m thrilled to bring you an array of fantastic treats, and these particular cookies are leading the charge. While these Crispy Bourbon Buckeyes are technically a no-bake confection, don’t let that fool you into thinking they’re any less spectacular. In fact, their no-bake nature makes them an absolute dream for busy holiday schedules, freeing up precious oven space and reducing stress. They are undeniably perfect for gifting to friends and family, and an ideal addition to any holiday cookie platter.

A Family Tradition with a Crispy Twist

Buckeyes hold a special place in my family’s holiday traditions, particularly on my mom’s side. My grandma was legendary for making them constantly, and she always added a unique touch that set hers apart from all others: Rice Krispies cereal! While it might sound unconventional at first, this simple addition is pure genius. The little puffed rice pieces introduce an incredible, unexpected crunch that adds a whole new dimension of texture. They remain delightfully crisp within the soft, rich peanut butter filling, providing a wonderful textural contrast that prevents the treat from being overly uniform. This crispiness offers a delightful reprieve from the otherwise intensely rich and smooth chocolate and peanut butter combination, making each bite exciting and utterly satisfying.

My Boozy Elevation: The Bourbon Factor

Of course, I couldn’t resist putting my own boozy spin on this cherished family recipe. So, I introduced a generous splash of bourbon. And let’s be honest, bourbon truly does make everything better, doesn’t it? The warm, caramel, and slightly smoky notes of bourbon beautifully complement the sweetness of the peanut butter and the bitterness of the dark chocolate, creating a sophisticated flavor profile that appeals to adult palates. It adds a depth and complexity that transforms a classic treat into something truly extraordinary.

These Crispy Bourbon Buckeyes are, without a doubt, the best “adult” cookie you’ll ever encounter. They’re deliciously boozy, wonderfully rich, and bursting with flavor. Pairing one with your after-dinner coffee or even a festive cocktail makes for an amazing treat any night of the year. The slight warmth from the bourbon and the luxurious taste make them perfect for winding down after a long day or celebrating a special moment. But there’s something truly magical about indulging in them particularly during the holiday season – they just seem to taste even sweeter and more special.

Tips for Crafting Flawless Crispy Bourbon Buckeyes

Creating these delightful no-bake treats is straightforward, but a few tips can help ensure your Crispy Bourbon Buckeyes turn out perfectly every time:

Quality Ingredients Matter: Use a good quality, creamy peanut butter (avoid natural peanut butter that separates too much, as it can alter the texture). Opt for a bourbon you genuinely enjoy drinking, as its flavor will shine through. For the chocolate, dark chocolate complements the richness well, but milk chocolate can be used for a sweeter result.
Perfect Peanut Butter Mixture: Ensure all ingredients for the peanut butter mixture are thoroughly combined. The mixture should be firm enough to roll into balls without being overly sticky. If it’s too soft, add a little more confectioners’ sugar; if too dry, a tiny bit more melted butter or peanut butter can help.
Chilling is Crucial: Don’t skip the chilling step! Freezing the peanut butter balls for at least 30 minutes makes them firm and much easier to dip into chocolate. This prevents them from losing their shape or falling apart in the warm chocolate.
Melting Chocolate Mastery: When melting your chocolate, do so gently. Use a microwave-safe bowl and melt in short increments (15-20 seconds), stirring well after each. This prevents the chocolate from scorching or seizing. If the chocolate seems too thick for dipping, you can add a tiny amount of coconut oil or vegetable shortening (about 1 teaspoon per 10 oz of chocolate) to thin it slightly for a smoother coating.
Dipping Techniques: For the traditional buckeye look, use a toothpick to hold the peanut butter ball, dip it into the melted chocolate, leaving a small “eye” of peanut butter exposed at the top. Allow excess chocolate to drip off before carefully placing it back on the parchment-lined baking sheet. For a full coating, you can use a fork to submerge the entire ball and then tap off excess chocolate.
Storage: Once the chocolate has set, store your Crispy Bourbon Buckeyes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks, or in the freezer for up to 3 months. Let them come to room temperature for a few minutes before serving for the best texture and flavor.

Baking for a Cause: The Sweetest Season and Cookies for Kids’ Cancer

I am beyond excited to share these particular Crispy Bourbon Buckeyes with you because they represent something far greater than just an amazing cookie. These treats were made as part of a wonderful effort for a truly noble cause! This week, I am joining forces with my fellow blogging friends from all corners of the internet in a collaborative initiative to raise vital funds for Cookies for Kids’ Cancer!

Cookies for Kids’ Cancer is a highly respected 501(c)3 non-profit organization that is singularly dedicated to funding groundbreaking research for new, innovative, and less-toxic treatments for childhood cancer. Since its inception in 2008, this incredible organization has generously granted nearly $15 million to pediatric cancer research. This substantial funding has supported 100 research grants to leading pediatric cancer centers across the country, directly contributing to advancements in the fight against childhood cancer. From these 100 grants, an astounding 37 treatments are now available to children battling cancer TODAY – a testament to the powerful impact of their work.

The heartwarming story behind Cookies for Kids’ Cancer began in 2007 when 2-year-old Liam Witt was diagnosed with childhood cancer. His parents, Larry and Gretchen, were profoundly shocked and deeply saddened to learn about the severe lack of effective treatments for pediatric cancers, primarily due to insufficient funding. They made a solemn pledge to dedicate themselves to supporting the funding of research for safer, more effective treatments that could help children battling this devastating disease. With the unwavering support of 250 volunteers, Liam’s mom, Gretchen, baked and sold an astonishing 96,000 cookies, successfully raising over $400,000 for research. As word of their heroic efforts spread, people nationwide began reaching out, asking, “How can I help?” From that monumental cookie bake, the Cookies for Kids’ Cancer organization was officially born.

Considering that cancer remains the #1 cause of death by disease among children in the U.S., it is absolutely crucial for us to come together and support this incredible non-profit in its mission to succeed. Our fundraising efforts commenced with a bake sale, where all participating bloggers generously donated their creations, including these Crispy Bourbon Buckeyes. However, you don’t need to be a blogger or even bake to contribute to pediatric cancer research. You can engage in virtually ANYTHING to help raise funds – whether it’s organizing a bake sale, a sports challenge, a penny drive, a swim-a-thon, a flag football tournament, sponsoring a 5K race, hosting a cookie swap, or any other creative idea you can imagine. Every single amount raised, no matter how small, can offer invaluable hope to children bravely battling cancer. You can make a direct donation by clicking here and visiting the Cookies for Kids’ Cancer website. Your support truly makes a difference.

Keep an eye out for the #sweetestseasoncookies hashtag all week long to discover all the amazing cookie goodness shared by my talented blogger friends. Happy holidays, everyone!

Table of Contents

This Recipe’s Must Haves

- Nordic Ware Natural Aluminum Commercial Baker’s Half Sheet
- Stainless Steel Mixing Bowls
- Vremi 5 Piece Bamboo Spoons Cooking Utensils

Pin this Crispy Bourbon Buckeyes recipe for later!

Crispy Bourbon Buckeyes

Traditional buckeyes are taken up a notch with the addition of crispy cereal and bourbon for an unforgettable holiday treat!

Prep Time:
5 minutes

Cook Time:
5 minutes

Additional Time:
1 hour

Total Time:
1 hour 10 minutes

★★★★★

5 from 1 vote

Ingredients

2 cups + 2 Tbsp confectioners’ sugar
1 cup + 2 Tbsp sweetened smooth peanut butter
4 Tbsp unsalted butter melted
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 1/2 oz bourbon
1/2 tsp kosher salt
1/2 cup Rice Krispies cereal
10 oz dark chocolate

Instructions

Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine confectioners’ sugar, peanut butter, melted butter, vanilla extract, bourbon, and kosher salt. Mix together with the paddle attachment on medium speed until the mixture is completely smooth and well incorporated, which should take approximately 1 minute. Once smooth, gently fold in the Rice Krispies cereal by hand until evenly distributed.
Portion out the peanut butter mixture into 1 tablespoon-sized balls. Roll each portion between your palms to form smooth, round circles. Place these balls onto the prepared parchment-lined baking sheet, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and chill in the freezer until they are firm enough to handle for dipping, typically about 30 minutes.
While the peanut butter balls are chilling, prepare your chocolate coating. In a small, microwave-safe bowl, melt the dark chocolate in 15-second increments. Stir thoroughly after each interval until the chocolate is completely melted and smooth. Be careful not to overheat the chocolate to prevent scorching.
Once the peanut butter balls are firm and the chocolate is melted, it’s time to coat the buckeyes. You can choose to cover them completely for a rich chocolate shell, dip them to coat approximately 3/4 of each ball (leaving a small “eye” of peanut butter exposed, which is traditional for buckeyes), or simply drizzle chocolate artistically on top. Use a toothpick or a small fork for dipping to achieve the desired effect.
After coating the buckeyes, return them to the refrigerator. Chill them until the chocolate coating is completely set and firm, which will take approximately 30 minutes. Once set, they are ready to serve or store.

Category:
Cookies, Holiday Desserts, No-Bake Treats