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Gingerbread Buckeyes Recipe

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4.1 from 54 reviews

These Gingerbread Buckeyes are a festive, no-bake treat combining the warm flavors of ginger and cinnamon with creamy peanut butter and sweet molasses. Made with wholesome chickpeas for added texture and nutrition, these bite-sized delights are coated in rich semi-sweet chocolate and finished with a sparkling sprinkle of turbinado sugar. Perfect for holiday gatherings or as a wholesome snack, they offer a unique twist on classic buckeyes with a gingerbread flair.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

  • 1 cup canned chickpeas (drained, thoroughly rinsed, and patted dry)
  • 3/4 cup natural creamy peanut butter (ingredients: peanuts and salt only)
  • 1/3 cup powdered sugar
  • 1/4 tsp sea salt
  • 2 Tbsp molasses
  • 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 tsp ground ginger
  • 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (vegan/dairy free, e.g., Enjoy Life brand)
  • Turbinado sugar for garnish

Instructions

  1. Prepare the dough: Place the drained and rinsed chickpeas in a food processor and blend until finely ground, approximately 15 seconds. Add the peanut butter, powdered sugar, molasses, cinnamon, ginger, and sea salt. Continue blending for about 1 minute, stopping occasionally to scrape down the sides, until the mixture forms a smooth, cohesive ball of dough.
  2. Form balls and chill: Roll the dough into 12 to 14 balls, each about 1.5 tablespoons in size. Place the balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Chill in the refrigerator for 15 to 20 minutes, or until slightly firm.
  3. Melt the chocolate: Place the semi-sweet chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat the chocolate in 30-second increments, stirring well after each interval, for a total of 90 to 120 seconds, until melted and smooth.
  4. Dip and garnish: Dip each chilled buckeye ball into the melted chocolate, then place them back on the parchment-lined baking sheet. While the chocolate is still wet, sprinkle the tops with turbinado sugar for a festive sparkle. Optionally, drizzle any leftover melted chocolate over the buckeyes for extra decoration.
  5. Set the chocolate: Refrigerate the dipped buckeyes for at least 15 minutes, or until the chocolate coating hardens completely. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

Notes

  • Ensure the peanut butter is natural with only peanuts and salt to avoid additives.
  • Chilling the dough balls before dipping helps the chocolate coating set better.
  • Use a vegan/dairy-free chocolate brand like Enjoy Life for a vegan-friendly option.
  • Turbinado sugar adds a nice texture and festive look but can be omitted if preferred.
  • Store leftover buckeyes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.