These Paleo + Vegan Almond Butter Buckeye Cookies are a dream! No bake almond butter cookie dough balls dipped in chocolate make this holiday favorite a hit with everyone. Gluten-free, dairy-free.
For the past 30 minutes I’ve been trying to decide whether buckeyes are a type of cookie or candy.
Some sources call them buckeye candy and some buckeye cookies and I’m going to have to accept that they’re both.
I mean, they are the best of both worlds, I guess! A chewy cookie dough center wrapped in a rich chocolate shell. It really doesn’t matter what they are, technically, because these babies are flipping delicious no matter how you label them.
Traditionally of course, the center of these is peanut butter, but since we’re going the paleo route (no legumes!) I replaced the peanut butter with a super creamy almond butter. And didn’t look back, because nut butter + chocolate is just all around awesome.
The nut butter I recommend is the bare smooth from Barney Butter because it has a consistency and creaminess that’s really similar to a no-stir peanut butter. Seriously, if you haven’t yet tried it, it’s amazing stuff and you simply must!
This isn’t in any way sponsored by the way, I’m just addicted to the texture of this almond butter and can’t go a day without it in my house! Good thing they have same day shipping because, ahem, I’ve done it more than once.
In addition to the nut butter, the center involves a small amount of almond flour, maple syrup, coconut oil, and vanilla. Super simple, super yummy. Try not to eat half of the dough before dipping!
For the chocolate shell, simply used melted Enjoy Life Dark Chocolate morsels. However, for the strictly no-cane-sugar crowd, you can use your own chopped dark chocolate. This one from Hu is sweetened with coconut sugar only!
If you have more time and want to make the coating yourself, I also have a great recipe that I used for my chocolate chip cookie dough truffles that will work well!
It’s so hard to stare at these photos and NOT want to bite my screen! I think I’ll have to make another batch of these SOON! Even though I made 24 the first time, they were gone within 2 days.
Maybe not something we should be proud of, but we can just assume it was my husband who went to town rather than the kids. Or me.
I hope you’re ready for a simple, outrageously yummy treat that no one will guess is paleo! Grab some chocolate and almond butter and let’s make the best almond butter buckeye cookies!
Buckeye Cookies {Paleo + Vegan}
Buckeye Cookies {Paleo, Vegan}
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups smooth almond butter Barney butter bare smooth is the best for this
- 1/2 cup pure maple syrup
- 1/4 cup coconut oil refined, soft but solid (ghee can be used for a non-vegan version)
- 1/3 cup + 2 Tbsp blanched almond flour
- 1/2 tsp sea salt fine grain*
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 2 cups dark chocolate chips or chopped dark chocolate**
Instructions
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In a large bowl, using an electric hand mixer or whisk, cream together the almond butter, maple syrup and coconut oil until very smooth.
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Stir in the almond flour, salt and vanilla and mix well. Chill the mixture in the freezer for 30 mins or until firm enough to roll into balls
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Roll into 22-25 balls and place on a parchment or wax paper-lined baking sheet. Put a toothpick in each one for easier dipping.
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Freeze the entire baking sheet for another 30 minutes or until firm.
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Meanwhile, make your dipping chocolate. If using chocolate chips or chopped chocolate, simply place in a microwavable bowl and melt on increments of 30 seconds, stirring in between, until fully melted.
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If making your own paleo chocolate, follow the instructions in this recipe.**
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Once balls are firm, remove from freezer and carefully dip each one in the chocolate and coat about 2/3 of the way as shown in the photos. Place back on the baking sheet and repeat for all. Once done, refrigerate or freeze until firm and serve right away. Remove the toothpicks before serving if desired. If serving later on, store in the refrigerator, covered, until ready. Enjoy!
Recipe Notes
**For a homemade chocolate coating, use the chocolate recipe for my chocolate chip cookie dough truffles.
Nutrition
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Want More Paleo + Vegan Chocolate Treats? Try One of These!
Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Truffles
Gingerbread Chocolate Truffles
Triple Chocolate Fudge Brownies
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These look so delicious and perfect for Christmas! I love how easy they are to make ♥
Love this receipt!! Easy to make, tastes as good as it looks. If you haven’t tried it yet what are you waiting for?!! You won’t be disappointed! Another Rock Star Receipt by Michele!
Buckeyes are my absolute favorite, favorite Christmas treat! In my opinion, Christmas wouldn’t be Christmas without them!!! I can’t wait to make!!! Thank you for all you do, Michele! xoxo
Hope you enjoy them!!
Do you think I could use gluten free all purpose flour instead of almond flour?
Best Buckeyes I have ever had! I used a different almond butter that I had on hand, and it turned out (although not quite as pretty as the pictures). The taste and clean ingredients makes this recipe a winner! Just finished eating my first batch, and I’m planning on making another right away! Thanks!
Make these!!!! I made these today with a cinnamon almond butter I had and used 100% Chocolate. Followed the directions for the balls as written and it made 25 good size treats (1” or so in diameter). For the chocolate I melted 12 small rectangles (I think that was how many I had) with maybe 1 teaspoon coconut oil. The taste was wonderful with the cinnamon just giving another layer of flavor. I would probably add cinnamon to plain almond butter in the future. I like 100% Chocolate, but I know some don’t like the bitterness, but to be honest I could not taste the bitterness to the chocolate as I anticipated. I will definitely make these again. Thank you!
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Fantastic! Even better than the standard recipe full of yucky ingredients. Easy and quick and a wonderful treat!
Coconut flour instead?
We especially love this recipe, thanks for sharing it.