Potato Flake Buckeyes are a fluffier, lighter version of the classic candy with a not-so-secret ingredient. The potato flakes (I use Hungry Jack) are completely unexpected and make for a fun conversation starter. Everyone tries to see if they can taste the potato in the candy.
In this case, the potato flakes temper the sweetness of the peanut butter mixture and add bulk, making the dough extremely easy to work with. I had no problem rolling these guys into really smooth balls. However, I did make a few little changes to the original recipe. It calls for almond extract, but I prefer vanilla. It uses 2 ½ cups sugar, but I cut it down to 2 cups for more peanut butter flavor. The ratio of chocolate to shortening was perfect and the buckeyes had a nice, smooth, coating. Dipping them with a toothpick did leave a little hole in the center, but I covered up the toothpick holes with little dabs of peanut butter
This post was originally part of a Hungry Jack giveaway. The giveaway is over, but you can still have fun perusing the Hungry Jack recipe collection for more interesting ways to use potato flakes. They make breads and rolls light, add a little bulk to brownies, and they're even used in some cookie and candy recipes.
I
Recipe
Hungry Jack Potato Flake Buckeyes
Ingredients
- ½ cup Hungry Jack® Instant Mashed Potato Flakes
- ¼ cup water
- 1 cup Jif® Creamy Peanut Butter
- 1 tablespoon butter melted
- ¼ teaspoon vanilla or almond extract
- 2 to 2 ½ cups powdered sugar I used 2
- 1 cup semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips or 6 ounces of melting chocolate
- 1 tablespoon Crisco® All-Vegetable Shortening
Instructions
- Combine potato flakes and water in large bowl. Allow to stand 2 minutes or until potato flakes are fully hydrated.
- Beat in peanut butter, butter and almond extract with an electric mixer on low speed until blended. Add powdered sugar 1 cup at a time, beating until smooth. Make 36 1-inch balls using 2 teaspoonfuls of mixture for each ball.
- Melt chocolate chips and shortening in a microwave-safe bowl at 50% power, stirring every 30 seconds. Dip peanut butter balls partially into chocolate, keeping the top uncovered. Chill until chocolate has hardened.
Gloria says
You are a brave soul to put potatoes into something like this! They look delicious! Are you able to detect the potato flavor?
Marsha M. SOCAL says
If I'm in a hurry, I use Hungry Jack too. If you use half & half, and real butter, fresh ground pepper, and a little Kosher salt, they are some good!!
Cookie Sleuth says
I had no idea about the potato flakes! Crazy!
Ela says
Hi Anna, now I'm thinking maybe sweet potato or pumpkin might be good with this too and maybe add some cinnamon and other spices.
Jenny Brunker says
Very interesting.
I've never heard of these before. I'm sure not the most Atkins friendly item, but hey - we're talking about tasty cookies.
@Erin - I also dig the peanut butter.
Erin says
Buckeyes made out of potatoes? I have to say that I find it odd, but it has peantu butter in it so can it really be bad?
Karen says
Mannnn, I see so many goodies I want to make for Christmas! And my family is getting so that they think they should limit the amount of yummy stuff anyone will eat any more. Sigh. I hope there are lots of parties to go to this year. Ha.
I have made something similar to these but without the peanut butter. I thought I could taste the potato and so didn't think it was the best treat ever. This sounds great.