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Melting chocolate can be tricky, but it doesn't have to be! I'm going to show how to melt chocolate chips in the microwave without all the hassle of using a double boiler. All it takes is 3 minutes!
Jump to:
- Why You've Got To Try Melting Chocolate Chips in the Microwave:
- Ingredient And Equipment Information
- How To Melt Chocolate Chips In The Microwave
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Tips For Melting Chocolate Chips In Microwave
- Recipes That Use Melted Chocolate
- Other Kitchen How-Tos To Try
- How to Melt Chocolate Chips In The Microwave
Why You've Got To Try Melting Chocolate Chips in the Microwave:
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 a tacky, clay-like consistency.
*raises both hands furiously in the air*
Here's the thing about chocolate. When you add heat, you have to do so very slowly to get that melty texture. This is called "tempering" which means keeping the chocolate within a certain temperature to ensure smooth and even melting. There are a variety of ways to do it, 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.
That's why I'm going to teach you how to melt chocolate chips using your microwave instead. Here are a few more reasons why this method is so much better than a double-boiler:
- No special equipment needed
- Minimal set up
- Ready in just 3 minutes
- Perfectly melted chocolate every time
- Can be used for chocolate chunks too
Ingredient And Equipment Information
- Chocolate Chips- Whenever I need to melt chocolate, I typically use chocolate chips. Remember that you can use this method with chopped-up chocolate, too. I just prefer to use chocolate chips because ain't nobody got time for that! Just don't put in a whole chocolate bar and expect good results- the smaller pieces melt quicker and more evenly.
- Microwave-Safe Bowl- This is key! I encourage you to go with a bowl that's a bit bigger than you think you need so you can stir without having to worry about any of the chocolate spilling out.
- Silicone Spatula- I like to use a mini silicone spatula (unless I'm melting a large amount of chocolate, then I use a larger spatula). I chose a spatula over a spoon or whisk because it allows you to scrape the sides and get every chocolate chip integrated.
How To Melt Chocolate Chips In The Microwave
Step 1: Add the chocolate to the microwave-safe bowl.
Pour the chocolate chips into your bowl of choice.
Step 2: Microwave in 30-second intervals, stir, repeat.
Nuke the chips for 30 seconds, remove from the microwave, stir with your spatula, and place the bowl back in the microwave. Let it go for another 30 seconds, remove the bowl, and stir again.
Step 3: Microwave in 10-second intervals until chocolate morsels melt completely.
Place the bowl back in the microwave and heat for 10 seconds, remove, and stir again. Repeat this process — remember to stir in between each session! — until the chocolate is fully melted and smooth.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it better to melt chocolate chips on the stove or microwave?
In my opinion, the best way to melt chocolate chips is in the microwave! Not only do you not have to worry about breaking out your double-boiler (if you even have one!), but it's easier to control the heat level and prevent burning. I have found that melting chocolate chips on the stovetop can be super tricky if you've never done it before. Using your microwave has a much easier learning curve.
Do you add oil to chocolate chips when melting?
It's really more of an aesthetic thing. If you want to make a dip for strawberries, bananas, or another type of fruit, you can add a tablespoon or so of coconut oil. It will help the chocolate melt more smoothly and give it a glossy finish. Otherwise, you can skip it!
How to melt chocolate chips without clumping?
Sometimes chocolate morsels melt unevenly and you need to give them a bit of help along the way. The key is to stir in between each microwave session! Each time they get out of the microwave, they will be a bit clumpy, specifically at the beginning. But keep giving them a stir as you go.
Tips For Melting Chocolate Chips In Microwave
- If your chocolate develops a clay-like consistency,it means it's seized and you won't get that lovely melted texture you're looking for. Don't throw it away — you can blend it into a batter for baking instead! But for melted chocolate, you'll need to begin again with different chocolate.
- Make sure your bowl and spatula are dry before getting started.Even the tiniest bit of moisture will cause your chocolate to seize.
- The amount of 10-second increments you'll needto fully melt the chocolate will vary based on how much chocolate you're using and your microwave. Keep a close eye on it and give it a good stir each time.
- The most important thing to keep in mind when melting chocolateis to be patient and gentle. It's better to heat it slowly than to rush and risk causing it to seize or burning it.
- Ingredients to prep ahead-You don't need to prep much — simply put the chocolate chips in the bowl and you're in business.
- Leftovers and storage-You'll want to use your melted chocolate immediately as it will harden after a few minutes. But hey... when melting chocolate chips is this easy, you don't have to worry about making a bunch in advance!
Recipes That Use Melted Chocolate
There are a ton of possibilities! You can use melted chocolate in cookies, chocolate-dipped fruit, chocolate mousse, homemade candy... the list could go on and on! If you're short on inspiration, here are a few recipes to get you started:
- Chocolate Mousse Cups
- Chocolate Dipped Almond Shortbread Cookies
- Chocolate Caramel Pretzel Turtles
- Chocolate Crinkle Cookies
- Chocolate Cheesecake Stuffed Strawberries
Other Kitchen How-Tos To Try
- How to Roast Garlic
- How to cook Shish*to Peppers (Stove Top + Grill)
- How to make a meal plan: the smart way
- How to Spatchco*ck Turkey
Love this recipe? Please leave a 5 star ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ rating in the recipe card below ⬇️ and/or a review in the comment section further down. Check out my Amazon Store for all my favorite tools, including those used in this recipe. And follow @thelifejolie onInstagramandTikTok!
How to Melt Chocolate Chips In The Microwave
Jessy Freimann
Melting chocolate can be tricky, but it doesn't have to be! I'm going to show how to melt chocolate chips in the microwave without all the hassle of using a double boiler. All it takes is 3 minutes!
4.69 from 22 votes
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 1 minute min
Cook Time 2 minutes mins
Total Time 3 minutes mins
Course Prep
Cuisine American
Servings 2 servings
Calories 450 kcal
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 cup Chocolate chips
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. Use immediately.
Video
Notes
- If your chocolate develops a clay-like consistency,it means it's seized and you won't get that lovely melted texture you're looking for. Don't throw it away — you can blend it into a batter for baking instead! But for melted chocolate, you'll need to begin again with different chocolate.
- Make sure your bowl and spatula are dry before getting started.Even the tiniest bit of moisture will cause your chocolate to seize.
- The amount of 10-second increments you'll needto fully melt the chocolate will vary based on how much chocolate you're using and your microwave. Keep a close eye on it and give it a good stir each time.
- The most important thing to keep in mind when melting chocolateis to be patient and gentle. It's better to heat it slowly than to rush and risk causing it to seize or burning it.
- Ingredients to prep ahead-You don't need to prep much — simply put the chocolate chips in the bowl and you're in business.
- Leftovers and storage-You'll want to use your melted chocolate immediately as it will harden after a few minutes. But hey... when melting chocolate chips is this easy, you don't have to worry about making a bunch in advance!
Nutrition
Serving: 1servingCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 58gFat: 26gSaturated Fat: 16gPotassium: 257mgSugar: 51gCalcium: 64mg
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
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Reader Interactions
Comments
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.
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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 🙏.
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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!
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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!
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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
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Jessy Freimann says
I'm sorry- I have no idea- I'll look into that, but thank you for your feedback :)
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Clinton says
Perfect comeback. You do you. I really enjoyed reading the whole thing.
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Jessy Freimann says
Thanks Clinton <3
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Erica DePenna says
Epic comeback! 5 stars for the recipe and 5 stars for the comeback!
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Jessy Freimann says
Bahahaha- Thank you Erica! I figured one nonsense comment deserved another :)
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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!
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Jessy Freimann says
Awwww thank you <3 Happy holidays!
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Christi says
This post, like you, is amazing.
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Jessy Freimann says
Love you!
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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
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Jessy Freimann says
Haha thank you! So glad it helped!
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maria says
hi thx for the tips it really helped. i love chicolate strawberries and i finally boight to make myself u know save a buck or two. i had no idea on how to melt the chocolate cus sometimes it gets all hard, but thanks again. Delicious!
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Elizabeth says
I enjoyed your comments. Thanks for sharing!
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Carole says
Thank you!!!! Every article on the internet gives five paragraphs of drivel before getting to the point!!!!
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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.
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Alex says
Really Jay
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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
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!
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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...
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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!
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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!!
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Dee says
ooops spelling error: 2 cups chocolate chips
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Jessy Freimann says
So glad to have helped :)
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Ann says
Keep up the good work.Jessy
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Jessy Freimann says
Thanks Ann!
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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?
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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!
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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
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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!!
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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. ; )
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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 :)
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Phyllis says
Work very well. Thank you.
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Jessy Freimann says
So glad it helped!
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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!!
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Jessy Freimann says
Thanks Mary- so glad it worked out for you :)
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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. :(
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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.
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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.
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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!
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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!!
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Jessy Freimann says
Thank you so much Vicki- I'm glad it worked out! I've definitely had my fair share of chocolate clay!
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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. 😂
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Jessy Freimann says
So sorry- melting chocolate is NOT easy! Keep at it <3 and thanks for the support- we can't please everyone!
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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!
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Jessy Freimann says
Awwwww thanks so much Tori- I'm so glad to have helped!
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Tim The Tool Man. says
I would love your recipe for your white chocolate fudge, Tori.
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Kathy says
This works like a dream!
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Tim The Tool Man. says
I always hated having to melt chocolate chips, until I came across your blog. You my friend are a genius. It worked out perfectly and I'll always use your technique in the future. Thank you once again. And pay no heed to the crab that hurt his finger scrolling, lol.
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Tim The Tool Man. says
I would love your recipe for your white chocolate fudge, Tori.
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Wendy Durand says
This was great, but I had already ruined melting a bag of choc chips before I found this! I did found that I could rescue my 'clay' type chocolate by adding a teaspoon of coconut oil! I really didn't mind the slight taste change, but if you have nothing else this is a good solution, rather than throwing the whole thing out!
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Loretta wojtLewicz says
This was the perfect answer. My past experiences were always not good. It was perfect this time. Thank you.
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Marilyn Ann Kagan says
Didn't work. The chocolate seized up and had to be thrown out.
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Jessy Freimann says
Sorry to hear- it may be the strength of your microwave.
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4.69 from 22 votes (7 ratings without comment)
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