Buckeyes

Sarah makes these for our building’s holiday party.  They go quickly.

Buckeyes

1 1/2 cups creamy peanut butter
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
1 cup butter, softened
6 cups confectioners’ sugar
4 cups semisweet chocolate chips

In a large bowl, mix peanut butter, vanilla, butter, and confectioners’ sugar.  Roll into 1 inch balls and place on a waxed paper-lined cookie sheet.  Press a toothpick into the top of each ball (to be used later as the handle for dipping) and chill in freezer until firm, about 30 minutes.  Melt chocolate chips in a double boiler, stirring frequently until smooth. Alternatively, you can melt them in a microwave on high for one minute.  Stir and nuke for additional 15 second intervals, stirring after each, until fully melted.  Dip frozen peanut butter balls in melted chocolate, leaving a small portion of peanut butter showing at the top.  Return them to the cookie sheet and refrigerate until serving.  Makes about 60 buckeyes.