Did you know that before buckeye candy became Columbus’ signature treat, it started as a happy accident in a home kitchen? Here’s how the iconic dessert came to be.

History of the Buckeye Candy

Gail Tabor, a former reporter for the Columbus Citizen Journal, is widely credited with creating the buckeye candy in 1964.

While making chocolate-covered peanut butter balls at home, Tabor noticed that one wasn’t fully coated in chocolate, leaving part of the peanut butter center exposed. When she lifted it up with a toothpick, she noticed it resembled a buckeye nut — giving the candy its now-famous name.

At the time, she had no idea what her creation would become. Tabor shared the treats with friends and family and passed the recipe along to just one acquaintance before moving away in 1971. That acquaintance later submitted the recipe to an Ohio State alumni publication, which spread it far beyond her kitchen.

 

Winans buckeyes

Buckeyes from Winans

 

The Original Buckeye Candy Recipe

If you want to try making buckeyes the way Tabor did, here’s the original recipe:

Ingredients:

  • 4 pounds powdered sugar
  • 1 pound butter
  • 6 or more tablespoons peanut butter
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla
  • 12 ounces chocolate chips
  • 1 block canning wax

 

Instructions:

  • Combine powdered sugar, butter, peanut butter, and vanilla. Add a small amount of milk if needed to reach a rollable consistency. Shape into small balls.
  • In a double boiler, melt the chocolate chips and canning wax together, stirring thoroughly so the wax stays evenly incorporated.
  • Using a toothpick, dip each peanut butter ball into the chocolate, leaving a small portion uncovered to resemble a buckeye. Place in the refrigerator until the chocolate hardens. Store in plastic bags in the freezer.

 

Columbus Buckeye Treat Trail

Today, Columbus is nuts about the buckeye desserts. You can get your fix along the Buckeye Treat Trail.

This self-guided trail features local bakeries and shops serving their own take on buckeye treats. Check in at participating locations to earn points and unlock prizes.

Once you earn four points, you can redeem an “It’s More than Meets the Buckeye” T-shirt. Reach 10 points, and you’ll score a custom Buckeye Treat Trail candle from Penn & Beech.

Each month, one passholder is also selected to receive a one-year membership to Chadwick Arboretum, a 30-acre nature preserve on the campus of The Ohio State University.

All check-ins and prize redemptions must be completed by August 31, 2026.

 

Anthony-Thomas Candy Co.

Anthony-Thomas Candy Co.

 

How It Works

  • Sign up for your free mobile passport
  • Receive it instantly via text and email (no app required)
  • Save it to your phone’s home screen
  • Visit participating locations and check in using GPS
  • Earn points and redeem prizes

 

Participating Locations

 

Share your experience using #BuckeyeTreats.