Nilla Wafer Buckeyes are a no-bake treat featuring rich, creamy peanut butter filling sandwiched between crisp vanilla wafers and dipped in chocolate for the perfect sweet-and-salty bite!

If you love the combo of peanut butter and chocolate, then these recipes are for you! Buckeye Rice Krispie Treats, Buckeye Pretzel Bites, Buckeye Dip, Buckeye Graham Crackers, and Buckeye Brownie Bites!

Why you’ll love this recipe:

If you thought traditional Buckeyes couldn’t get any better, wait until you try them sandwiched between two Nilla Wafers! This playful spin on a Midwest favorite transforms the classic peanut butter-chocolate combo into a bite-sized treat that’s crunchy, creamy, and seriously addictive. Imagine a soft, rich peanut butter buckeye filling hugged between two crisp, vanilla-kissed cookies — it’s like a no-bake cookie sandwich with the soul of a candy!

The magic here is in the contrast of textures: the smooth, slightly salty peanut butter center paired with the sweet crunch of Nilla Wafers creates a balance that’s both nostalgic and satisfying. And when you dip the edges or drizzle the whole thing in chocolate? Game over. You get that signature buckeye richness in a new format that’s easier to eat, serve, and share!

Perfect for parties, lunchbox treats, or anytime you need a sweet fix without turning on the oven, these Nilla Wafer buckeye sandwiches are a hit with both kids and adults. They store well in the fridge or freezer, making them an easy make-ahead option for the holidays — or, let’s be honest, a midnight snack. With just a few ingredients and zero baking, these cookie sandwiches bring big flavor in a fun little package.

Ingredients you’ll need:

Creamy peanut butter
Butter- softened
Powdered sugar
Vanilla extract
Nilla Wafers
Semi-sweet chocolate chips
Vegetable oil

Classic buckeyes are essentially peanut butter fudge balls dipped in chocolate, made to look like the nut of the Ohio buckeye tree. They’re iconic in the Midwest — especially Ohio — and wildly addictive.

If you’re a fan of the classic buckeye candy — that dreamy combo of peanut butter and chocolate — you’re in for a serious treat. What if I told you there’s a way to make buckeyes even better (and easier)? Enter: Nilla Wafer Buckeyes.

This no-bake dessert takes everything you love about traditional buckeyes and kicks it up a notch with Nilla Wafers, adding a rich vanilla flavor and satisfying crunch. Perfect for holidays, game day snacks, or late-night cravings, these little bites of joy come together in under an hour and disappear even faster.

How to make the best Nilla Wafer Buckeyes:

Space out half of your Nilla Wafers, flat side up, on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat, then set aside.
In a medium mixing bowl, combine creamy peanut butter, softened butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract.
Roll the peanut butter filling into balls roughly 1 tbsp in size, then place one ball on top of each Nilla Wafer. Sandwich with another Nilla Wafer, then set aside.
In a microwave safe bowl, combine chocolate chips with vegetable oil. Microwave in 30 second intervals, stirring in between, until melted and smooth.
Dip each cookie sandwich halfway into the melted chocolate, then return to your prepared baking sheet. Transfer to the fridge to let the chocolate set before enjoying!

Nilla Wafer Buckeyes keep the peanut butter-chocolate combo but sandwich the peanut butter balls in between two Nilla Wafer cookies, adding texture and a hint of vanilla that balances the richness beautifully. Think: creamy, crunchy, sweet, salty, and utterly irresistible!

Nilla Wafer Buckeyes are a crowd-pleasing treat because they combine the universally loved flavors of peanut butter, chocolate, and vanilla into an easy-to-eat, bite-sized dessert that’s both nostalgic and indulgent. Their satisfying mix of creamy and crunchy textures appeals to all ages, they require no baking, and they’re easy to make in large batches — perfect for parties, potlucks, holidays, or casual snacking.

My top tips:

PEANUT BUTTER MIXTURE: If you have an electric mixer, I recommend bringing it out to combine the peanut butter ball mixture. I find the peanut butter mixture is smoother and comes together much easier this way.
SANDWICHING: When sandwiching the peanut butter balls with another Nilla Wafer, you just want to press down lightly so that the dough flattens out a little to fill both cookies.
MELTING CHOCOLATE: It’s best to microwave the chocolate in 30 second intervals to prevent any burning. I also like adding vegetable oil to the chocolate to thin it out a little and make it a better consistency for dipping. You could use coconut oil or another neutral oil for a similar result.
PREPARED BAKING SHEET: Be sure to let the chocolate dipped cookie sandwiches set on a sheet of parchment paper or a silicone mat to prevent sticking. This ensures the chilled chocolate will easily release from the baking sheet when you’re ready to enjoy.
CHILLING: You can let these Nilla Wafer buckeyes set at room temperature, but it will take hours for the chocolate to fully harden. To speed up the process, feel free to place them in the fridge or freezer for 15 minutes to set the chocolate faster.
STORING: I recommend transferring any leftovers into an airtight container and storing in the fridge for up to 1 week. These may also be stored at room temperature – just keep them in a cool place to prevent the chocolate from melting.

Looking for more no bake peanut butter desserts? Check these out!

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