How to Make Peanut Butter Candy Recipes

I started learning how to make peanut butter candy recipes when a was a young child. When I was about 6, I asked Mom to make me some candy. I did not care what kind, I just wanted candy. Mom took me to the kitchen and taught me to mix up some peanut butter candy. It was only a mixture of peanut butter with powdered sugar. After blending it, Mom showed me how to roll it in wax paper to place in the refrigerator. It was simple enough but I still remember how good it tasted to me back then. 

How to Make Peanut Butter Candy RecipesHow to Make Peanut Butter Candy Recipes

I made this easy recipe many times for my children as they were growing up. Sometimes I added a little butter and sometimes when I had peanuts on hand, I rolled the candy in the peanuts. As the candy gets cold, it gets firm and can be cut into serving pieces. Of course, tiny bites are really enjoyed by all children during the mixing. 

My Mom's Homemade Peanut Butter CandyHow to Make Peanut Butter Candy Recipes like my Mom
My Mom's Peanut Butter Candy Ready to UncutMy Mom's Peanut Butter Candy Ready to Uncut

After I learned how to make peanut candy recipes like the one Mom taught me, I found some do not need an actual recipe. Depending on how much you want to make, you can vary the ingredients. This is especially true with some of the “no cook” recipes. For Mom’s old recipe, sometimes I start with ½ cup of peanut butter, ¼ cup softened butter and 1 teaspoon of vanilla. To this blend I add enough powdered sugar (about 1 cup) to make a “dough like” consistency. If you want chocolate simply add about 1 tablespoon of Hershey’s cocoa powder to mixture.

My Mom's Peanut Butter Candy Rolled in a LogMy Mom's Peanut Butter Candy Rolled in a Log
Adding Peanuts to the Dough LogAdding Peanuts to the Dough Log

Since I first learned how to make peanut butter candy recipes, I have collected a lot of recipes. Most are made with peanut butter and it usually does not matter whether it is creamy or crunchy. I do have a few recipes made with peanut butter chips which can be purchased from the grocery. Another recipe which Mom would make for all of us was Hershey’s recipe for fudge. Only after she cooked it she would add a big scoop of peanut butter before pouring into the pan. I am adding it below.


A long time after I learned how to make peanut butter candy recipes, I learned how to make one of the most popular candies in the country. Buckeye balls (Also called peanut butter balls) originated in my home state of Ohio. They represent the buckeyes which grow on the trees for which we are so famous. Most people dip the peanut butter balls totally in chocolate but we from Ohio leave them partially uncovered. The peanut butter shows on part and the chocolate on part which make them look like buckeyes. They are easy to mix but time consuming to dip. They are still worth the effort because they are soooo delicious!


NOTE: When I make fudge in pans I like to line the pan with foil so that I can lift the candy out onto the cutting board. Simply line the pan leaving extra foil to use as handles on the sides and butter the foil lightly.

NOTE:  Soft ball is between 234 F degrees to 240 F degrees or mixture forms soft ball when dropped into cold water.

CHOCOLATE PEANUT BUTTER FUDGE RECIPE

Chocolate Peanut Butter Fudge RecipeChocolate Peanut Butter Fudge Recipe

This is how to make peanut butter candy recipes with chips and the added creaminess of marshmallow cream.

  • 3 Cups brown sugar
  • 1 Cup white sugar
  • 1 Cup evaporated milk
  • ½ Cup butter
  • 1 Jar (7 ounces) marshmallow cream
  • 1 Package (6 ounces) semi sweet chocolate chips
  • 1 Package (6 ounces) peanut butter chips
  • 1 Cup chopped nuts

Combine the sugars, milk and butter in a large saucepan.

Bring sugar mixture to a boil over medium high heat.

Cook mixture to about 240 F degrees or soft ball stage stirring occasionally.

Remove pan from heat; stir in marshmallows, chocolate chips, peanut butter chips and nuts.

Pour into 9 x 13 inch buttered pan; cool and cut into squares.

Chocolate Peanut Butter Fudge in PanChocolate Peanut Butter Fudge in Pan
Chocolate Peanut Butter Fudge in Removing FoilChocolate Peanut Butter Fudge Removing Foil
Chocolate Peanut Butter Fudge CutChocolate Peanut Butter Fudge Cut

PEANUT BUTTER BAR CANDY RECIPE

  • 2 Cups sugar
  • 1 cup milk
  • 3 Tablespoons peanut butter
  • 1 Teaspoon vanilla
  • Chocolate coating (melted)

Place the sugar, milk and peanut butter in a saucepan over medium heat.

Cook stirring constantly until candy thermometer reaches 245F degrees (Soft ball stage).

Remove from heat and add vanilla; beat until mixture begins to harden.

Pour into a buttered pan; when cold cover with melted chocolate.

When chocolate firms cut into candy bars.

HOW TO MAKE PEANUT BUTTER CANDY RECIPE

Peanut Butter Candy RecipePeanut Butter Candy Recipe

Learn how to make peanut butter candy recipes with marshmallow cream and no chocolate.

  • 2 Cups brown sugar
  • 1 Cup canned evaporated milk
  • 1 Cup peanut butter
  • 1 Cup marshmallow cream

Combine brown sugar and cream in a saucepan; bring to a boil and cook to soft ball stage (234 F degrees).

Add peanut butter and marshmallow cream; beat until thick.

Spread into a buttered 8 to 9 inch square pan; cool and cut into squares.

Peanut Butter Candy Removing from FoilPeanut Butter Candy Removing from Foil

EASY NO COOK PEANUT BUTTER ROLL

Learn how to make peanut butter candy recipes which require no cooking.

  • 1 Container vanilla cake icing
  • 1 Teaspoon vanilla
  • Powdered sugar
  • Peanut butter (Softened at room temperature)

In a bowl combine icing, vanilla and enough powdered sugar to make “dough” consistency.

Sift powdered sugar over smooth work surface; turn icing mixture out onto surface.

Gently roll “dough” to about ¼ inch thick rectangle; add more sifted powdered sugar to keep from sticking.

Carefully spread peanut butter over rectangle; roll up (Jelly roll style) into a long log.

Roll up in wax paper and refrigerate until firm; cut into serving size pieces.

Store in cool place in air tight container with wax paper between layers.

TWO TONE FUDGE RECIPE

I made this two tone fudge after I learned how to make peanut butter candy recipes. 

  • ½ Cup butter
  • 2 Cups brown sugar
  • 1 Cup granulated sugar
  • 1 Cup evaporated milk
  • 1 Teaspoon vanilla
  • 1 Cup chopped nuts (Divided)
  • 1 Jar (7 ½ ounces) marshmallow cream
  • 1 Package (6 ounces) peanut butter chips
  • 1 Package (6 ounces) chocolate chips

Combine butter, sugars and milk in medium saucepan over moderate heat.

Bring to full boil stirring constantly; stirring OCCASIONALLY boil for 12 minutes.

Remove from heat; add marshmallow cream and vanilla stirring until smooth.

Remove 2 cups of the hot mixture; stir in peanut butter chips and ½ cup of nuts until melted.

Pour and spread peanut butter mixture into a buttered 9 inch square pan.

To remaining hot mixture add chocolate chips and ½ cup of nuts; stir until melted.\

Pour chocolate mixture evenly over the peanut butter mixture; chill until firm.

Cut into squares; makes about 2 ½ pounds.

CHOCOLATE PEANUT BUTTER FUDGE RECIPE

  • 3 Cups sugar
  • ½ Teaspoon salt
  • 1 Cup whole milk
  • ½ Cup butter
  • 3 Tablespoons creamy peanut butter
  • 1 Teaspoon vanilla
  • 8 Squares (1 ounce each) semi sweet chocolate
  • 1 Teaspoon shortening
  • Chopped peanuts

Combine sugar, salt, milk and butter in a medium saucepan.

Cook over medium heat stirring constantly until sugar dissolves; cover and cook for 3 minutes.

Remove cover and cook WITHOUT stirring until candy thermometer reaches 236F degrees.

Remove from heat and add peanut butter and vanilla.

Beat with mixer on medium speed until thickened; pour into a buttered 8 inch square pan.

Score fudge into 1 inch squares with sharp knife; cut in the squares.

Melt shortening and chocolate in microwave for 1 ½ minutes on high or until melted stirring 2 times.

Dip candy squares into melted chocolate; sprinkle with chopped peanuts and let stand until firm.

Makes about 60 pieces.

NO BAKE GRANOLA BALLS

Learn how to make peanut butter candy recipes with mini chocolate chips and granola for delicious flavor and texture.

  • 1 Cup powdered sugar
  • 1 Cup peanut butter
  • 1/3 cup milk
  • 1 Teaspoon vanilla
  • 1 Cup quick cooking oats
  • 1 ½ Cups granola cereal
  • 1 ¼ Cups mini chocolate chips

In a large bowl combine powdered sugar, peanut butter, milk and vanilla; mix well.

Stir in oats, granola and chocolate chips; mix until completely blended.

Roll and press mixture into 1 inch balls; place on wax paper lined cookie sheets.

Let stand until firm; store in tightly covered container in refrigerator.

NOVAKS RECIPE

  • 2 Cups sugar
  • ¼ Cup Hershey’s cocoa powder
  • ½ Cup milk
  • ½ Cup butter
  • 3 Cups oatmeal
  • ½ Cup peanut butter
  • 1 Teaspoon vanilla

Combine and mix together in a saucepan the sugar, cocoa powder, milk and butter.

Bring mixture to a boil and cook for 1 ½ minutes; remove from heat. 

Stir in oatmeal, peanut butter and vanilla; drop by teaspoonfuls onto wax paper lined tray.

Let cool until set.

BUCKEYE RECIPE

Buckeye RecipeBuckeye Recipe

When you learn how to make peanut butter candy recipes try these Buckeyes or peanut butter balls.

  • ½ Cup softened butter
  • 1 ½ Cups peanut butter
  • 1 Pound powdered sugar
  • 1 Tablespoon vanilla
  • 1 Package (12 ounces) chocolate chips
  • ½ Cake paraffin

Cream butter with peanut butter; add sugar and vanilla and blend thoroughly.

Shape into 1 inch balls and place on wax paper lined tray; refrigerate 30 minutes.

Melt the chocolate chips and paraffin together in top of double boiler.

Dip balls into chocolate covering all but a small circle on top; cool on wax paper.

NOTE: You can use a candy dipper or toothpicks to dip the balls.

Make about 75 balls.

Dipping BuckeyesDipping Buckeyes

PEANUT BUTTER TAFFY RECIPE

Peanut Butter Taffy RecipePeanut Butter Taffy Recipe

Taffy is one of my more recent candies since I have learned how to make peanut butter candy recipes.

  • ¾ Cup sugar
  • 1 Cup maple syrup
  • ½ Cup corn syrup
  • ¼ Teaspoon salt
  • 1/3 cup water
  • ¼ cup peanut butter
  • 2 Tablespoons butter

Combine sugar, syrups, salt and water in a saucepan over low heat.

Cook and stir mixture constantly until sugar dissolves.

RAISE heat to medium and cook to 266F degrees; NO STIRRING.

Remove form heat and stir in butter; pour into buttered pan.

When cool enough to handle stretch candy out; spread with peanut butter.

Fold candy over and pull to mix in peanut butter; cut into pieces and wrap in wax paper. 

Pulling the Peanut Butter TaffyPulling the Peanut Butter Taffy
Peanut Butter Taffy Cut into PiecesPeanut Butter Taffy Cut into Pieces

HERSHEYS COCOA FUDGE RECIPE

Hersheys Cocoa Fudge RecipeHersheys Cocoa Fudge Recipe

When you learn how to make peanut butter candy recipes you will find Hershey's cocoa is convenient and economical. 

  • 3 Cups sugar
  • Pinch salt
  • 2/3 Cup Hershey’s cocoa powder
  • 1 ½ Cups milk
  • 2 Tablespoons butter
  • 1 Teaspoon vanilla
  • Scoop peanut butter (MOM always added about ½ cup to this recipe)

Combine sugar, salt, cocoa powder and milk in medium saucepan.

Stir constantly while bringing to a boil over medium heat.

WITHOUT STIRRING cook until thermometer reaches 236F degrees or soft ball stage.

Remove from heat and add butter, vanilla and peanut butter.

Cool mixture to 110F degrees; beat until fudge thickens and loses some of its gloss.

Quickly spread in a buttered 8 or 9 inch square baking pan; cool and cut into pieces.

Hersheys Cocoa Fudge UncutHersheys Cocoa Fudge Uncut
Hersheys Cocoa Fudge CutHersheys Cocoa Fudge Cut

POTATO PINWHEEL CANDY RECIPE 

Potato Pinwheel Candy RecipePotato Pinwheel Candy Recipe

Learn how to make peanut butter candy recipes with mashed potatoes.

  • 1 Cup hot mashed potatoes
  • 3 Pounds powdered sugar
  • ¼ Teaspoon salt
  • Creamy peanut butter

Combine and blend mashed potatoes, sugar and salt.

Turn out onto a smooth surface dusted with powdered sugar.

Knead mixture to smooth “dough like” and easy to handle.

Divide dough in half; roll to about 8 inches by 17 inches at ¼ inch thickness between wax paper.

Spread each part with about 1/3 cup of peanut butter; roll up “jelly roll” style.

Place rolls on tray and refrigerate until chilled; slice pinwheels.

NOTE: This candy is great for shipping; layer between sheets of wax paper.

Kneading Potato Pinwheel Candy DoughKneading Potato Pinwheel Candy Dough
Potato Candy Dough Rolled OutPotato Candy Dough Rolled Out
Potato Candy Dough Rolled Out and Spread with Peanut ButterPotato Candy Dough Rolled Out and Spread with Peanut Butter
Rolling Up Potato Candy DoughRolling Up Potato Candy Dough
Potato Candy Dough Rolled Up Ready to CutPotato Candy Dough Rolled Up and Ready to Cut

CRACKER CANDY RECIPE

  • 2 Cups sugar
  • 6 Tablespoons peanut butter
  • ½ Teaspoon vanilla
  • 39 Round crackers finely crushed (HI HO Brand)
  • ¾ cup heavy cream

Place peanut butter and vanilla in a medium bowl; set aside.

In a medium saucepan combine sugar and cream.

Bring sugar mixture to a boil; boil for 3 minutes.

Add the hot mixture to the peanut butter bowl; beat with mixer for 2 minutes.

Remove beaters; stir in cracker crumbs until well blended.

Pour mixture onto a buttered plate; refrigerate until cool.

Cut into squares.

SCOTCHEROOS RECIPE

  • Vegetable cooking spray
  • 1 Cup light corn syrup
  • 1 Cup sugar
  • 1 Cup crunchy peanut butter
  • 6 Cups crisp rice cereal
  • 1 Cup semi sweet chocolate chips
  • 1 Cup butterscotch chips

Spray 13X9 inch baking pan.

In a large saucepan combine corn syrup and sugar.

Over medium heat cook stirring frequently for 5 minutes until sugar dissolves and mixture begins to boil.

Remove from heat; stir in peanut butter mixing well.

Stir in cereal until well coated; press into prepared pan and set aside.

In a small saucepan over low heat melt the chocolate and butterscotch chips together stirring constantly.

Spread evenly over the cereal mixture; let stand until firm.

Cut into about 24 bars to serve.

PEANUT BUTTER BALLS RECIPE

Learn how to make peanut butter candy recipes with coconut and dipped in chocolate.

  • 1 Cup chunky peanut butter
  • ½ Pound powdered sugar
  • 1 Teaspoon vanilla
  • 7 Ounces coconut
  • ½ cup softened butter
  • 11 Ounces semi sweet chocolate chips

Combine and mix peanut butter, sugar, vanilla, coconut and butter together in a large bowl.

Roll into small 1 inch balls and place on wax paper lined cookie sheet; chill.

Melt chocolate chips until smooth in top of double boiler.

Carefully dip balls into chocolate and place on wax paper; let cool to set.

Store in airtight container.