Creating Ultimate Buckeye Cookies is straightforward if you follow these simple steps:

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Mix Peanut Butter and Butter: In a large bowl, beat together the peanut butter and softened butter until creamy.
3. Add Sugars: Gradually add granulated sugar and brown sugar, mixing until well combined.
4. Incorporate Eggs and Vanilla: Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
5. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
6. Combine Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
7. Scoop Cookies: Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
8. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
9. Cool: Remove from the oven and allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes. Transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
10. Melt Chocolate: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine chocolate chips and shortening. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between until fully melted and smooth.
11. Coat Cookies: Dip the cooled cookies halfway into the melted chocolate, allowing excess chocolate to drip off. Place them back on the wire rack to set.
12. Let Set: Allow the chocolate to harden completely before serving.

By following these steps, you’ll create a batch of Ultimate Buckeye Cookies that will be the highlight of your Christmas festivities.