Easy Buckeye Cookies

This recipe for Buckeye Cookies is about to change the way you think about this classic treat!

Instead of the traditional no-bake version, this cookie recipe starts with a box of chocolate cake mix for a soft, chewy base that pairs perfectly with creamy peanut butter filling and a drizzle of chocolate on top.

Follow along step-by-step for a recipe that’s quick and full of that irresistible peanut butter and chocolate combo.

They’re a fun twist on a favorite, bringing all the nostalgic flavors you love into a cookie that’s easy enough for busy weeknights but impressive enough for the holidays.

What is a Buckeye Cookie?

This treat is inspired by the classic Buckeye candy, made with rich chocolate and creamy peanut butter. Instead of being rolled into candies, the same flavors are baked into a soft cookie base, topped with peanut butter and finished with a drizzle of chocolate.

What do buckeyes taste like?

They have a rich, nutty peanut butter center balanced by a smooth, sweet chocolate coating. The combination is creamy, slightly salty, and perfectly sweet—similar to a peanut butter cup, but with a more homemade flavor and texture.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy shortcut – Using a box of cake mix keeps things simple without sacrificing flavor.
• Classic combo – Chocolate and peanut butter never fail to impress.
• Crowd-pleaser – These cookies are perfect for parties, holidays, or bake sales.
• Foolproof – With just a handful of ingredients, even beginner bakers can nail this recipe.
• Make-ahead friendly – The cookies store well, so you can bake them ahead of time for stress-free entertaining.

What is in a buckeye cookie?

• Chocolate fudge cake mix – creates a rich, chocolatey cookie base with minimal effort.
• Vegetable oil – keeps the cookies soft and moist.
• Eggs – help bind the dough and add structure.
• Flour – gives the cookies a little extra stability.
• Peanut butter – provides the creamy, nutty filling.
• Powdered sugar – sweetens and firms up the peanut butter mixture.
• Semi-sweet chocolate chips – melt into a smooth topping for just the right sweetness.

Easy Instructions for Perfect Buckeye Cookies

• Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment.
• Mix cake mix, oil, eggs, and flour until a soft dough forms.
• Scoop into 1-inch balls, place on the sheet, and press a small well in the center of each.
• Bake for 10 minutes.
• While baking, combine peanut butter and powdered sugar, then roll into small balls.
• Let the cookies cool slightly before adding the peanut butter centers so they hold their shape. Place one in each cookie’s center after baking and press gently.
• Melt chocolate chips in the microwave, stir well between microwaving intervals to keep it smooth and glossy. Spoon over the peanut butter centers.
• Chill for 30 minutes until set.

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Fix baking fails fast with this handy troubleshooting guide.

If you love fun twists on classic cookies, you’ll want to check out these ideas too!

• Try Vanilla Cake Mix cookies for an easy, customizable treat that’s soft, chewy, and ready in minutes.
• Bake up Vanilla Crinkle Cookies with a Cake Mix for a festive cookie with a crackly sugar coating.
• Learn How to Keep Cookies Fresh so every batch stays soft, chewy, and delicious for days.

Buckeye Cookies recipe

Soft, chewy chocolate cookies made from cake mix are filled with sweet peanut butter and topped with melted chocolate for a fun twist on the classic Buckeye treat. These cookies are simple to make, full of rich flavor, and guaranteed to be a hit at any gathering.

Print Pin Rate

Course: desserts

Cuisine: American

Keyword: Buckeye Cookies, what is a buckeye cookie

Prep Time: 15 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes minutes

Additional Time: 30 minutes minutes

Total Time: 55 minutes minutes

Servings: 24

Author: momma lew

Ingredients

• 1 box chocolate fudge cake mix
• ½ cup vegetable oil
• 2 large eggs
• ¼ cup flour
• ½ cup peanut butter
• ½ cup powdered sugar
• ½ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

Instructions

• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper.
• Add cake mix, oil, eggs, and flour to a large bowl, and stir with a wooden spoon until a soft dough forms.
• Use a cookie scoop to gather the cookie dough into 1-inch balls and place rounded scoops 2 inches apart on the cookie sheet.
• Use the back of a rounded measuring teaspoon to make a hollow well in the center of each scoop of dough.
• Transfer the pan to the oven and bake for 10 minutes.
• Combine peanut butter and powdered sugar together, and form the peanut butter mixture into 24 small balls, about 1 teaspoon each with a small cookie scoop.
• Once the cookies are done baking, remove from the oven, and pop a circle of peanut butter into the center well that you made. Gently push the ball down to flatten it.
• Add the chocolate chips to a small microwave-safe bowl and microwave on high heat in 30-second increments. Remove and stir well, then heat for an additional 15 seconds. Stir very well until all chocolate is melted. 
• Use a small spoon to top each flattened peanut butter ball with chocolate.
• Refrigerate for 30 minutes to allow chocolate to set.

Notes

Keep the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week.