Looking for an amazing (and easy!) Paleo Buckeyes recipe? This one covers all the bases! It's easy, healthy, and even tastier than the "real" versions we all grew up with. This is our family's hands-down favorite paleo Christmas cookie!
I have an aunt who is an absolute goddess of all things baking. We're not kin by blood, but I swear - whatever baking knack I might have probably came from her.
As a kid, one of the highlights of the Christmas season for me, was the much-anticipated yearly platter of cookies that she'd bake up. It was always a different assortment of various heavenly treats. But I think I was about 5 when I started praying that each year's platter would contain her famous buckeyes. Even then, I think I knew this probably bordered on heresy. But cookies are cookies.
I'll never be so brash as to claim any buckeye of mine could withstand a showdown with those mythic orbs from my youth. But these are awfully darn good. And of course, they're paleo. So they're peanut-free, grain-free, and sweetened with honey. And they're still darn good.
There's a lot of variation in size, when it comes to buckeyes. I've seen people make these things golf-ball sized or larger. But personally, I like to err on the petite side. I think it maximizes the perfect ratio of dark chocolate to buttery goodness.
Speaking of butter, I call for cashew butter in the recipe, because I think it's pretty hard to beat for taste and texture. Unless (oh, baby!) you feel like splurging on some good raw macadamia nut butter. Now there's a sumptuous holiday treat! But if cashew's not your thing, and macadamia is too pricey, then good old almond butter works absolutely fine.
Best-Ever Paleo Buckeyes Recipe
Equipment
- baking sheet
- parchment paper
- toothpick or skewer
- spoon
Ingredients
- 1 cup cashew butter
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons plus 2 teaspoons coconut flour
- 2 tablespoons plus 2 teaspoons golden flax meal
- 6 ounces good dark chocolate
Instructions
- Cream together cashew butter, honey, coconut flour, and flaxseed meal.
- Roll mixture into 1" balls, and refrigerate at least 20 minutes.
- Meanwhile, line a baking sheet with foil or parchment paper.
- Melt chocolate over a double-boiler, then allow to cool a bit. For a nice thick coating, I like to wait until it's cool enough to comfortably dip a finger into - about 95 degrees, if you want to get really specific.
- Using a toothpick or skewer, dip refrigerated balls of butter mixture into chocolate, coating all but a small circle. Place on lined baking sheet, being careful not to allow candies to touch.
- Chill until set - about 30 minutes. In theory, the powers-that-be declare that candies of this nature will store nicely for at least three days in the fridge. We have yet to test the veracity of this.
Nutrition
Pin for later:
Jenna says
Amazing!!! sprinkled with coconut sugar. ❤️
Katie Walsh Beck says
How awesome to turn these paleo! Something everyone can enjoy! These have always been on my kids' list of favorite treats!
Anne says
My mother used to make buckeyes when I was a kid. Thanks for sharing a healthier version of an old favorite!
Christina Shoemaker says
Oh my what a yummy recipe that's clearly a crowd pleaser!! I really love that you used cashew butter!
ChihYu Smith says
They are so adorable! I love that it's healthy and delicious too!
Emily @ Recipes to Nourish says
Buckeyes are THE best!!! My whole family loves them. I've never made them with cashew butter, can't wait to try this version.
Carol Little R.H. @studiobotanica says
I've never ever heard of buckeyes but do I ever want to make these at Christmas time. I've pinned and will make for sure! THanks for the great recipe idea!
Lindsey Dietz says
My best friend's husband is from Ohio, so I'm all too familiar with buckeyes! But I love your version so much better!
Karen @ Seasonal Cravings says
OMG this was always my favorite Christmas treat. So many memories! I am so making these lovelies for my kiddos!
Raia Todd says
I definitely need these in my life. Haha! They look amazing!
Megan Stevens says
These look classic! I'd love to make them with macadamia nut butter!! Yummy!
Kari - Get Inspired Everyday! says
Cashew butter is my go-to replacement for peanut butter too, I just love it's buttery flavor! These look so good and incredibly decadent!
Jean says
I absolutely love buckeyes and I can't believe these are Paleo! Such a delicious looking treat.
Anna says
Thanks for the kind words Jean! It's hard to believe they're Paleo when you're eating them, too! ; )
linda spiker says
What a fun dessert! Love your paleo spin!
Joni Gomes says
I love this recipe! cashew butter is so delicious and with chocolate..it's a winner!
Renee Kohley says
Such a fun use of cashew butter! I grew up eating buckeyes and missed them when I gave up processed sugar. These look just like what I grew up eating!
Tessa Simpson says
OOO yum!! Add some collagen and you could call them health food, right??!! Cashew butter is our FAV!! Just made a big batch!
April J Harris says
I love family recipes and I love how you have made this one healthier! Your Buckeyes look wonderful. Sharing on the Hearth and Soul Facebook page!
Anna says
April, thank you so much! LOVE your Hearth and Soul linky party, by the way!
April J Harris says
Thank you, Anna 🙂 Hope to see you again this week! The party starts in just a few hours!
Anna says
I will be there with bells on! = )