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The microwave melting method is probably the most convenient option for most typical household kitchens, but it comes with some downsides. With this method, you have to be careful to use certain settings or you risk burning the chocolate chips. That not only makes the chocolate chips less useful but also makes the clean-up more difficult as well. If the consistency of the melted chocolate chips is too thick, you may also run into the problem of the candy starting to harden before you’ve had the chance to use it all. However, this method is still extremely useful in a time crunch or as a backup option.
Equipment for the Microwave Method:
Chocolate Chips Ingredients:
- Candy Melts or Chocolate Chips
- Coconut Oil - if a thinner consistency is desired
- The amount of coconut oil needed will depend on the desired consistency and the amount of candy melts used. Use about ⅛ teaspoon of coconut oil to ¼ - ½ cup of candy melts.
How to Melt Cocolate Chips in the Microwave:
- First, pour the chocolate chips into the heat-safe bowl or silicone measuring cup, add coconut oil if desired.
- Then, heat the chocolate chips in the microwave at 50% power, or on a defrost setting, for 1 minute.
- Next, stir the chocolate chips thoroughly.
- Use a towel or an oven mitt to protect your hand from the heat when handling the bowl or cup.
- Then, continue to microwave the chocolate chips at the same low setting in 15-30 second intervals, stirring in between each interval, until the chocolate chips is almost melted.
- Finally, let the chocolate chips sit for about 1 minute to let the residual heat take care of any small unmelted pieces of chocolate chips leftover. If you try another interval of cooking at this point, the chocolate chips could overcook and burn so it’s better to let the chocolate chips sit and take care of itself.
- Once the chocolate chips is completely melted, transfer it to a tall dipping container for dipping, a piping bag for drizzling, or drizzle into silicone molds to make shaped candies.
Homemade Candy Storage
To store homemade candies and chocolates: just transfer the hardened candies to an airtight container and store either in the fridge for 2 weeks or in the freezer for up to 3 months. If desired, you can use small cuts of parchment paper or wax paper in between the layers to help keep the chocolates separated and intact. Always mark the date on the outside of the container to keep up with freshness.
Temperature Ranges for Melting Chocolate
Melt-Worthy Candy Recipes
Want to try out these candy-melting methods and see which one you prefer? Here are some of my family’s favorite candy recipes that I’ve used for birthday cakes, holiday charcuterie boards, and cupcakes galore:
- Chocolate Hearts and Lips
- Mini Chocolate Bars with Sprinkles
- Mini Mermaid Chocolate Bars
- Chocolate Mermaid Tails
- Homemade Star-shaped Chocolates
- Mini Chocolate Bars
- Chocolate Seashells
Charming homemade candies are perfect for:
- Cake toppers
- Cupcake toppers
- cookies
- brownies
- Smoothie toppings
- Ice cream or sundaes - or DIY ice cream sundae bars
- Featured as a topping on a DIY Hot Chocolate Bar
How to Melt Chocolate Chips in the Microwave
Video
Ingredients
- 1 cup Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips or candy melts
- ¼ teaspoon coconut oil the amount of coconut oil needed will depend on the desired consistency
Instructions
- First, pour the chocolate chips into the heat-safe bowl or silicone measuring cup, add coconut oil if desired.
- Then, heat the chocolate chips in the microwave at 50% power, or on a defrost setting, for 1 minute.
- Next, stir the chocolate chips thoroughly. Use a towel or an oven mitt to protect your hand from the heat when handling the bowl or cup.
- Then, continue to microwave the chocolate chips at the same low setting in 15-30 second intervals, stirring in between each interval, until the chocolate chips are almost melted.
- Finally, let the chocolate chips sit for about 1 minute to let the residual heat take care of any small unmelted pieces of chocolate chips leftover. If you try another interval of cooking at this point, the chocolate chips could overcook and burn so it’s better to let the candy sit and take care of itself.
- Once the chocolate chips are completely melted, transfer it to a tall dipping container for dipping, a piping bag for drizzling, or drizzle into silicone molds to make shaped candies.
Notes
Food Photography & Video Tips from My Studio
Here’s a peek at the tools, gear, and camera setups I use to film my recipe videos and photograph food at home. Over the years, I’ve tested dozens of different setups, and now I’m sharing what actually works for me—whether I’m filming overhead shots for YouTube or styling still photos for my blog. If you’re curious about how I create the content you see here, these posts are a great place to start.
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