On the 11^th Day of Christmas Cookies I made the cookie that started it all- The Buckeye, a true crowd pleaser.   Years ago a friend included me in her yearly Cookie Extravaganza and I was in charge of the Buckeyes.  It was a full day of baking, from early in the morning to late at night, I might have complained a bit, a lot actually, but there is always a smile on my face when I think about these days.   The Annual Cookie Extravaganza was the inspiration for the 12 Days of Christmas Cookies for sure, and how could I not deliver on my responsibility of the Buckeyes!

Ohio's Treasure, the Buckeye!

Is Peanut Butter and Chocolate ever wrong?     

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups creamy peanut butter
• 1/2 cup butter, softened
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 4 cups sifted confectioners’ sugar
• 6 ounces semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 2 tablespoons shortening

Buckeyes

Directions

1. Line a baking sheet with waxed paper; set aside.

2. In a mixing bowl, combine peanut butter, butter, vanilla, and confectioners’ sugar blending until the dough is smooth.  Shape into balls using 2 teaspoons of dough for each ball. Place on prepared pan, and refrigerate.

3. Melt chocolate and shortening together in a metal bowl over a pan of lightly simmering water. Stir occasionally until smooth, and remove from heat.

4. Remove balls from refrigerator. Insert a wooden toothpick into a ball, and dip into melted chocolate. Return to wax paper, chocolate side down, and remove toothpick. Repeat with remaining balls. Refrigerate for 30 minutes to set.

Makes about 5 dozen pieces of deliciousness

Forget the Reece's Cups!

My yearly tribute to The Cookie Extravaganza and all the Cookie Girls out there!