How to Melt Chocolate Chips: 3 Easy Methods

Learn three simple methods for melting chocolate chips. Use these tips to create tasty desserts or add a chocolatey drizzle to your treats.

Whether you are using melted chocolate for dipping fruit or drizzling on baked goods – you need it to be smooth and creamy. Here are 3 easy methods to melt chocolate chips and tips for the best possible results every time.

How to Melt Chocolate Chips in the Microwave

Melting chocolate chips in the microwave is the simplest method, in our opinion. It’s our go-to because it’s quick, easy, and the clean-up is a breeze. But, it can be easier to burn the chocolate if you’re not careful.

Here are the steps for melting 2 cups of chocolate chips:

1. Begin by adding chocolate chips to a microwave-safe bowl. We like to use our small batter glass bowl by Pampered Chef. (A handy 4-cup liquid measuring/mixing bowl.)
2. Place the bowl with the chocolate in the microwave and melt for 1 minute, to start.
3. Then carefully remove the bowl and stir the chocolate. You’ll see the chips begin to melt nicely.
4. If needed, continue to microwave in 15 to 30-second increments, removing to stir each time, until the chocolate reaches a smooth consistency.

Notes for melting chocolate in the microwave:

• Chocolate chip flavors: you can use any kind of chocolate chips – white chocolate chips, milk chocolate chips, semi-sweet chocolate chips, or dark chocolate chips. Chopped chocolate bars work great as well.
• The best chocolate for melting: we like to use Nestle Toll House or Ghirardelli chocolate chips.
• How much chocolate: we use 2 cups of chocolate chips in the 4-cup measuring bowl. This gives plenty of room to stir. But it depends on the recipe you’re using and how much melted chocolate you need. Adjust the cooking time for larger amounts of chocolate.
• Microwave power setting: our Whirlpool microwave has a default Power Level 10. Melting for 1 minute (to start) mostly melts the chips, but another 15 to 30 seconds more is needed to fully melt the chocolate. Keep your own microwave’s power setting in mind, you may need to adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Microwave method pros/cons:

• ✔️ quick and easy with one bowl and spatula, making for easy cleanup. (Unless you are microwaving multiple flavors.)
• ❌ be careful not to cook the chocolate too long, as it could burn and become hard.

How to Melt Chocolate Chips on the Stovetop

Another easy option is to melt chocolate chips on the stove using a double boiler (or homemade double boiler). This method is ideal because it creates more controlled, indirect heat that helps prevent burning.

How to make a double boiler

What if you don’t have a double boiler? Here is how you can make one. We do this every time we make chocolate or cheddar fondue. It beats having to store an extra pot in the kitchen.

1. Start with a medium pot and add an inch or two of water.
2. Then add a metal bowl on top that nestles inside of the pot of water. We use a metal mixing bowl, but you can also find double boiler pots made specifically to add to your existing pots.
3. Bring the water to a boil and then reduce it to a simmer. Now you have the perfect place to melt butter, chocolate, and candy.

How to melt chocolate chips in a double boiler

Whether you have a double boiler or you’ve made your own using the method above, here are the steps you can follow for silky smooth melted chocolate:

1. Make sure your double boiler is filled with at least an inch or two of water (or according to instructions provided in the manual, if applicable).
2. Heat the water to a boil (then reduce heat to a simmer) which in turn will heat up the metal bowl or upper pot.
3. Add the chocolate chips to the metal bowl or upper pot.
4. Stir the chocolate with a wooden spoon or rubber spatula as it begins to melt.
5. Continue to stir and melt the chocolate until you reach the desired consistency.
6. You can leave the chocolate in the double boiler on low heat to keep it melted and warm, as needed.

How to melt chocolate chips without double boiler

If you don’t have a double boiler or supplies to DIY a double boiler, we suggest you use the microwave or slow cooker methods. Using a pot or pan with direct heat from the stovetop can easily burn the chocolate or cause it to seize.

Stovetop method pros/cons:

• ✔️ easy and indirect heat makes it less likely you’ll burn or overcook the chocolate.
• ❌ you’ll need a double broiler (or DIY version), and takes a bit longer than melting chocolate chips in the microwave.

How to Melt Chocolate Chips in the Slow Cooker

Melting chocolate chips in the slow cooker or crock-pot is a super easy method, especially if you plan to make multiple types of chocolate at the same time.

But it is the slowest method, which allows you to prepare it and slow cook it for 30 minutes or so while it starts to melt. Here are the steps you can take for slow-cooking chocolate chips:

1. Start by gathering your crock-pot and mason jars.
2. Use one mason jar for each type of chocolate you plan to use.
3. Fill each mason jar with chocolate chips.
4. Set the mason jar in the slow cooker with plenty of space in between each one.
5. Fill your slow cooker with water, about halfway up the mason jars.
6. Set the temperature to high and cook for 30 minutes, without the lid. (Having the lid on can create moisture and it can drop in your chocolate.)
7. After 30 minutes, stir the chocolate in each jar.
8. Melt for another 30 minutes or until the chocolate reaches the desired level of meltiness.
9. Turn the slow cooker to the warm setting to keep the chocolate melted and warm.

Another bonus is that it keeps the chocolate warm while you are using it. The perfect alternative to the classic fondue pot.

Crock-pot method pros/cons:

• ✔️ easy, very little prep, and you don’t have to babysit the chocolate as much because it will slowly heat up and melt.
• ❌ takes longer and requires more cleanup with the crock pot, mason jars, and spoons, especially if you plan to make multiple kinds of chocolate.

How to fix seized chocolate

Wondering how to save seized chocolate? Here is a bit more information about 1) what that means, 2) how to prevent it from happening, and 3) how to fix it.

What does seized mean?

In the culinary context, seized refers to melted chocolate that becomes solidified and no longer fluid. This can occur when heat is applied too quickly to chocolate by using very high temperatures. The melted chocolate becomes very hard to work with–most melted chocolate is intended to be smooth and creamy to dip or drizzle treats and other desserts.

Tips to prevent it

Thankfully, there are ways to prevent chocolate from seizing in the first place. Always be careful and cook chocolate slowly at controlled, low temperatures. Using a double boiler can help keep the chocolate away from direct heat and prevent it from cooking too fast at a high temperature.

How to fix it

Many people will recommend adding liquids like butter, vegetable oil, or cooking oil; however, the best method we’ve found to fix seized chocolate is gradually mixing in hot boiling water a little at a time to bring the solidified chocolate back to a smooth consistency.

Uses for Melted Chocolate

• Chocolate fondue
• Dipping fruit like bananas, strawberries, and pineapple
• Chocolate-covered strawberries
• Topping rice crispy bars, scotcharoos, or other baked goods
• Making chocolate candies like turtles, buckeyes, or peanut butter cups
• Candy coating for cake pops – white chocolate or chocolate
• Cocoa bombs
• Drizzle desserts

In Summary

Now that you know how to melt chocolate chips, it’s time for the real fun—making delicious treats! Whether you want to make classic chocolate-dipped strawberries or something more adventurous, we’ve got you covered. The best part is, with just a few simple steps and some helpful tips, melting chocolate chips is easy and practically foolproof. What will you be making with melted chocolate?

Try these delicious recipes:

• Homemade peanut butter cups
• Oatmeal rice crispy chocolate chip cookies
• White chocolate ritz cracker cookies

Pin for later

Melted Chocolate Chips: 3 Easy Ways