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How to Melt Chocolate Chips in the Kitchen

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Melting chocolate can be tricky but I'm going to show you a few simple steps for how to melt chocolate chips in the microwave without all the hassle of a double boiler!

Melting chocolate can be tricky but I'm going to show you a few simple steps for how to melt chocolate chips in the microwave without all the hassle of a double boiler!

This post contains Affiliate Links. Please see the disclaimer here.

If there's one thing I've learned in my years of developing my cooking skills, it's that chocolate can be a temperamental little beast. Sure it's one thing to grab a chocolate bar and eat it. It's quite another trying to melt it. Raise your hand if you've had that moment where you try to have perfectly smooth, melted chocolate, only to end up with and tacky, clay-like consistency- raises both hands furiously in the air!

A bowl of chocolate chips that will turn into melted chocolate.

Here's the thing about chocolate. When you add heat to try and melt it, you have to do it just right so that it stays within a certain temperature to get that smooth and glossy melted chocolate finish. You have to add the heat very slowly to get that melty texture. This is a method referred to as how to temper chocolate.

A bowl of chocolate chips after it's been in the microwave for 30 seconds.

Conversely, when it get's that clay-like consistency, it means your chocolate has seized and will not get that lovely melted texture you're shooting for (it can usually still be blended into a batter for baking but you won't be able to pour it onto anything or use it in a way that it will be outwardly visible).

Melting chocolate chips after it's been in the microwave for another 30 seconds.

There are a variety of ways to temper chocolate, most commonly involving a double boiler and often a thermometer. But I think you're all here because, much like me, you enjoy a more no-frills, keep-it-simple style of cooking. None of us have the room or time for such hassle and equipment.

Melted chocolate chips in a bowl after another 10 seconds in the microwave.

So I'm going to show you how how to melt chocolate in the microwave, or if we're being specific to this case, how to melt chocolate chips in the microwave (because that's what I'm most commonly working with). Keep in mind, you can also use chopped up chocolate, I just prefer to use chocolate chips because, ain't nobody got time for that!

Chocolate that's almost melted in a bowl after aonther 10 seconds in the microwave.

Now I know many sources out there will tell you that melting chocolate chips in the microwave is a bad idea. And from a logical standpoint that makes sense, right? I mean, I just you told earlier in this post how the temperature needs to be closely monitored and controlled.

Fully melted chocolate after another 10 seconds in the microwave.

But there is a way to melt chocolate in the microwave that is a bit more controlled and and will get you the same, perfectly melted results as if you had used a double boiler for melting chocolate. So I'm going to show you how to melt chocolate chips in the microwave the easy way.

Here are the tools you'll need for this tutorial of how to melt chocolate chips in the microwave:

  1. Microwave-safe bowl- I encourage you to go with a bowl that's a bit bigger than you think you need because then you'll be able to stir the chocolate without having to worry about the bowl any of the chocolate coming out of the bowl.
  2. Spatula- I like to use a mini silicone spatula (unless I'm melting a large amount of chocolate, then I use a larger spatula). The reason I chose a spatula over a spoon or whisk is that it allows you to scrape the sides and get every chocolate chip integrated.
A spatula lifting and drizzling melted chocolate chips.
A square image of how to melt chocolate chips in the microwave showing the chocolate once it's melted.

HOW TO MELT CHOCOLATE CHIPS IN THE MICROWAVE

Jessy Freimann
Melting chocolate can be tricky but I’m going to show you a few simple steps for how to melt chocolate chips in the microwave without all the hassle of a double boiler!
4.77 from 13 votes
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 1 min
Cook Time 2 mins
Total Time 3 mins
Course Prep
Cuisine American
Servings 2 servings

Ingredients
  

  • Chocolate chips
  • Microwave-safe bowl
  • Silicone spatula

Instructions
 

  • Place the chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl.
  • Put the bowl of chocolate chips into the microwave and nuke them for 30 second on high power.
  • Remove the bowl from the microwave and stir the chocolate.
  • Place the bowl back into the microwave and nuke it for another 30 seconds on high power.
  • Remove the bowl again and stir the chocolate again.
  • After this, keep microwaving the chocolate chips on high power for 10 second increments, stirring in between every time until the chocolate is smooth and fully melted.
  • Enjoy!

Notes

The amount of 10 second increments you'll need to fully melt the chocolate will vary based on how much chocolate you're using. Keep a close eye on it and give it a good stir each time.
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

One of my favorite recipes that uses melted chocolate chips is this one:

Peanut Butter Brownie Truffles

These Peanut Butter Brownie Truffles are an easy chocolate dessert recipe and an excellent gift to give this for Valentine's Day. This simple recipe is made with rich, fudgy brownies and a peanut buttery surprise in the middle.

I also love this recipe using melted chocolate:

M&M’S® Brownie Truffles

These M&M's Brownie Truffles are an easy chocolate dessert recipe and an excellent gift to give this holiday season. It's a super-simple recipe made with rich, fudgy brownies and a surprise in the middle. These are a pretty addition to any Christmas cookie platter that the whole family will love!

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Jay says

    Tip: put the steps to melt right at the beginning of the post. People came here looking to read how to melt chocolate right away, not read a 15 paragraph article before getting to the steps.
    Reply

    • Jessy Freimann says

      Tip: Use the Jump To Recipe button at the top of the page to get right to the steps. Then you won't have to do any reading that might contain tips and tricks pertaining to the very thing you're trying to accomplish and photos of that very process to help make it all easier 🤦‍♀️. I'll keep you in my thoughts and prayers for a quick recovery of the finger you used to operate your mouse on my website- I bet those 7 seconds of scrolling were excruciating 🙏.
      Reply

      • Candace says

        Came to refresh my memory on microwaving chocolate chips. Stayed for the savage comebacks! Lol, my husband and I joke sometimes about having to read someone's life story before getting to the recipe, but honestly that is what a blog is, a bit of entertainment to go with your enlightenment. If we don't have time for the stories, we skip to the bottom of the recipe, but more often than not, the bits before the recipe have all the best info! Tips and tricks, ways the poster may have messed up and learned from it, so we can learn from their mistakes! I especially love it when I am trying a new technique or something I am unfamiliar with. I love when the poster mentions substitutions or variations we can use. And I really appriceate the time someone takes to post a recipe with all the info so that my life is easier and my endeavors are more successful!
        Reply

        • Jessy Freimann says

          Candace, you made my day- thank you <3 :) Yeah, that dude caught me on a day where I wasn't having it. That said, I totally understand wanting to skip past the content and get to the recipe, so I try to make sure the jump to recipe button is available (although I do try to share anything I can in the post to make things as easy as possible for everyone). Happy cooking!
          Reply

      • Jan Gates says

        Why will it not let me give you 5 stars, so multiply the 3 by 2? I looked and looked for someone to give me all those details and knowledge. Seriously I needed to know and my recipe just said melt the chocolate. I had already tried just melting and got the dreaded clay sludge that hardened quickly. Now I know more
        Reply

        • Jessy Freimann says

          I'm sorry- I have no idea- I'll look into that, but thank you for your feedback :)
          Reply

      • Clinton says

        Perfect comeback. You do you. I really enjoyed reading the whole thing.
        Reply

        • Jessy Freimann says

          Thanks Clinton <3
          Reply

      • Erica DePenna says

        Epic comeback! 5 stars for the recipe and 5 stars for the comeback!
        Reply

        • Jessy Freimann says

          Bahahaha- Thank you Erica! I figured one nonsense comment deserved another :)
          Reply

      • Judy says

        I know this is an older post but here I am reading it the day before Thanksgiving 2021. I love the way you write and am eager to try to melt some chocolate chips tonight!
        Reply

        • Jessy Freimann says

          Awwww thank you <3 Happy holidays!
          Reply

      • Christi says

        This post, like you, is amazing.
        Reply

        • Jessy Freimann says

          Love you!
          Reply

      • Tara says

        Hahahahaha some people are so rude. I needed to read those 15 paragraphs! I needed guidance lol I’m struggling with melting chocolate chips. Thank you
        Reply

        • Jessy Freimann says

          Haha thank you! So glad it helped!
          Reply

    • Carole says

      Thank you!!!! Every article on the internet gives five paragraphs of drivel before getting to the point!!!!
      Reply

      • Jessy Freimann says

        I'd encourage you to look for the jump-to-recipe button. It's usually at the top of the page and most recipe blogs have them for this exact purpose- although most recipe blogs also fill those paragraphs with helpful tips as well.
        Reply

  2. Mindy says

    Thank you! I was about to develop a complex while trying to melt chocolate chips in a double boiler. I am off to the kitchen to find out if these uncooperative chocolate chips have learned anything while I drank my cuppa and enjoyed your webpage. Mindy
    Reply

    • Jessy Freimann says

      Thanks Mindy- I feel that in my soul! I cannot tell you how many times I've messed up melting chocolate in a double broiler! Have a great day!
      Reply

  3. David says

    Thanks for the short read on tips from your experiences to help us. I like Jay am a bit moody at times but thankfully kept my silliness in my own head! Guess some fellows would just love a blah that pulls up a recipe looking straight out of a card catalogue instead of personal blog. But at least he wasn’t in too much rush, comments take longer than that scroll...
    Reply

    • Jessy Freimann says

      You're right, comments do take longer. Although I would love to be able to just post a recipe and some images and call it a day (that would be much less work for me) that's not how blogging works, at least not if you actually want to be able to find my recipes because of how google handles things. Either way, I hope it was helpful!
      Reply

  4. Dee says

    THANK YOU! It works great. Im a newbie at this. I had no luck with Six Sisters which said to put 2 cuos chicolate chios and 3/4 butter, microwave for 2 min 30 sec, stir and continue til smooth. It did not work out like that :(( So glad I found ur blog cuz ur way works!!
    Reply

    • Dee says

      ooops spelling error: 2 cups chocolate chips
      Reply

    • Jessy Freimann says

      So glad to have helped :)
      Reply

  5. Ann says

    Keep up the good work.Jessy
    Reply

    • Jessy Freimann says

      Thanks Ann!
      Reply

  6. Trish says

    Question. So I see ppl adding things like condensed milk or canola/veg oil to their melted chips... why? Is it necessary? Or is it just for a cosmetic purpose, like to make it look shiney?
    Reply

    • Jessy Freimann says

      Hi Trish- this is a good question! My Grandma always taught me to add a little butter or oil to help make the chocolate shiny (chocolate can be very temperamental when you're melting it and if it doesn't stay within a certain temperature range, it can take on an "undesirable" look and texture. As far as condensed milk, I've never heard of adding that to chocolate, except for when making fudge- it would likely change the texture and flavor. I hope this helps!
      Reply

  7. Elizabeth Moore says

    Finally!!!!!!!! The drizzle I've always wanted!!!! Wish I could send you a pic of my Too Much Chocolate Cake with semi-sweet chocolate chip icing. Xo
    Reply

    • Jessy Freimann says

      Woohoo! I'm so glad it was helpful! Please feel free to tag me on social if you use it- that cake sounds amazing!!
      Reply

  8. Carol says

    Hey, Jessy! I've been that person who's gotten the horrible "clay-like" results when I first started melting chocolate in the microwave. I just sprinkled the mess with cooking oil, added some boiling water, and stirred until smooth. I just kept doing that until it was of pouring consistency. Have you ever tried that---maybe you haven't needed to. ; )
    Reply

    • Jessy Freimann says

      Hi Carol- that darn chocolate can be so temperamental! I've definitely had my fair share of textural difficulties with chocolate (I think the worst is always white chocolate!). I have not tried that but thank you for sharing because I'll definitely give it a shot next time my chocolate gets finicky :)
      Reply

  9. Phyllis says

    Work very well. Thank you.
    Reply

    • Jessy Freimann says

      So glad it helped!
      Reply

  10. Mary says

    Thank you for the instructions ... and the tips in your blog. Some people just like to complain!! I made some chocolate chip cookies and feel I did not put in enough chips so I melted more chips per your instructions and drizzled more on. Thank you ... you saved the day :). Keep up the good work ... and your sense of humor!!
    Reply

    • Jessy Freimann says

      Thanks Mary- so glad it worked out for you :)
      Reply

  11. Christy says

    Maybe my microwave is either a higher or lower wattage than yours, but I followed your steps perfectly and my chocolate chips turned to the clay sludge. :(
    Reply

    • Jessy Freimann says

      Hi Christy- It may take some trial and error since each microwave is different. That texture indicates your chocolate was out of temper (the temperature zone for melting chocolate). I'd reduce the microwave time and be sure to stir in between. And make sure no moisture touches your the chocolate- so if you accidentally rest your spoon on some water on your counter then stir it, the water will cause it to seize.
      Reply

  12. Heather says

    Great info!! I have been microwaving chocolate chips for a long time and do a similar process. It works great for drizzling, etc. I haven’t gotten the sludge, but I have tried using molds lately and have been getting so frustrated by the white dots that I inevitably end up getting. It still tastes fine, but doesn’t look quite as nice. I have tried microwaving it for the bare minimum, but it happens almost every time. Any suggestions? Also, I was loving your response to the comment about all the info in the beginning of your article.
    Reply

    • Jessy Freimann says

      Hi Heather- so sorry I missed this! I'm not sure I understand what you mean by molds. It sounds like you chocolate was out of temper (the temperature zone for melting chocolate). I'd reduce the microwave time and be sure to stir in between. It may take some trial and error since each microwave is different. And make sure no moisture touches your the chocolate- so if you accidentally rest your spoon on some water on your counter then stir it, the water will cause it to seize. Keep me updated!
      Reply

  13. Vicki says

    THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU!!! This worked perfectly! Better than my last disaster where I got that disastrous clay deal! Did I say thank you if not THANK YOU! I would have given you 10 stars if I could have...happy holidays!!
    Reply

    • Jessy Freimann says

      Thank you so much Vicki- I'm glad it worked out! I've definitely had my fair share of chocolate clay!
      Reply

  14. Julie says

    So I ran across this blog AFTER my 3rd attempt to melt chocolate chips. Yup. All 3 batches turned to thick ick. I have since eaten too much of it but with what’s left I’ll add oil and hot water and stir like crazy like one poster said. Oh - I’m trying to make ‘easy mint Oreo truffles’ said some wizard on YouTube. 😳 Ps: ignore the crabby man behind the curtain. 😂
    Reply

    • Jessy Freimann says

      So sorry- melting chocolate is NOT easy! Keep at it <3 and thanks for the support- we can't please everyone!
      Reply

  15. Tori says

    I just wanted to let you know that you are a genius! I also wanted to let everyone know that this technique works amazing when making fudge as well! I have a recipe for four ingredient white chocolate fudge all I did was add the 3 other ingredients along with the chocolate chips in the microwave using your method, poured it into my silicone sheet with Christmas shapes and PRESTO! Amazing fudge and it only took about five minutes to make! Pure genius, I tell you!
    Reply

    • Jessy Freimann says

      Awwwww thanks so much Tori- I'm so glad to have helped!
      Reply

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