Jump to Recipe
VeganEgg Free
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}
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.
Author: Michele Rosen
Prep Time: 15 minutes
chill time: 1 hr
Total Time: 15 minutes
Course:Baking/Dessert
Cuisine:Paleo, Vegan
Servings: 24 cookies
Print this Recipe
Did you make this recipe?
4.66 from 35 votes
Ingredients
- 1 1/2cupssmooth almond butter Barney butter bare smooth is the best for this
- 1/2cuppure maple syrup
- 1/4cupcoconut oilrefined, soft but solid (ghee can be used for a non-vegan version)
- 1/3cup + 2 Tbspblanched almond flour
- 1/2tspsea saltfine grain*
- 1tsppure vanilla extract
- 2cupsdark chocolate chips or chopped dark chocolate**
Instructions
In a large bowl, using an electric hand mixer or whisk, cream together the almond butter, maple syrup and coconut oil until very smooth.
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
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.
Freeze the entire baking sheet for another 30 minutes or until firm.
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.
If making your own paleo chocolate, follow the instructions in this recipe.**
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
Calories: 240kcal
Carbohydrates: 16g
Protein: 5g
Fat: 17g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 0mg
Sodium: 66mg
Potassium: 226mg
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 10g
Vitamin C: 0.1mg
Calcium: 116mg
Iron: 0.9mg
Did you make this recipe?
Tag @PaleoRunningMomma on Instagram and hashtag it #PaleoRunningMomma
Shop Products and Ingredients:
Want More Paleo + Vegan Chocolate Treats? Try One of These!
Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Truffles
Gingerbread Chocolate Truffles
Triple Chocolate Fudge Brownies
Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies
Pumpkin Cookie Dough Truffles
Turtle Candy
Mocha Almond Fudge
Note: This post contains Amazon affiliate links. This means that if you click on a link and make a purchase, I will receive a small commission at no cost to you. Thank you for supporting Paleo Running Momma!
You Might Also Like...
Best Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies {Paleo + Vegan}
Previous Post
Next Post
About Michele
More than a little into running and paleo recipes (yoga now too!) but I'm not here to rain on your grains (or anything else) so come along for the ride! I do a little too much of everything (except cleaning), and I enjoy laughing at myself. As long as I'm the one making the jokes, that is. Just kidding. So bring me your angst, your appetite and your frying pan and climb aboard!
Reader Interactions
Reader Reviews & Comments
Natalie says
These look so delicious and perfect for Christmas! I love how easy they are to make ♥Reply
Cindy Zofrea says
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!Reply
Amy says
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
Reply
Michele says
Hope you enjoy them!!
Reply
Jackie says
Do you think I could use gluten free all purpose flour instead of almond flour?
Reply
Lisa says
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!Reply
Kimberly says
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!Reply
Vidmate says
It has compiled all the digital media in the user-friendly interface which is easily accessible to the users.
Reply
Plex says
It is one of the best packages of entertainment one can have
Reply
Ashley G says
Fantastic! Even better than the standard recipe full of yucky ingredients. Easy and quick and a wonderful treat!Reply
C says
Coconut flour instead?
Reply
We especially love this recipe, thanks for sharing it.Reply
Leave a Comment
This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.