1. In a bowl, combine peanut butter, margarine, vanilla, and salt in large bowl; beat with an electric mixer on LOW until blended. Add 2 cups powdered sugar; beat until blended. Beat in additional 1 cup powdered sugar until mixture, when shaped into a ball, will stay on a toothpick. Shape into 1-inch balls. Refrigerate.
2. In a microwave-save bowl, place chocolate chips and shortening; microwave on MEDIUM for 30 seconds. Stir. Repeat until mixture is smooth. Reheat as needed while coating peanut butter balls.
3. Insert toothpick in peanut butter ball. Dip 3/4 of ball into chocolate, leaving top uncovered to resemble a buckeye. Remove excess. Place on wax paper-lined tray. Remove toothpick. Smooth over holes. Refrigerate until firm.
Source of recipe: This is my mom's recipe, which was quite easy to veganize! Enjoy them at christmas!