How To Melt Chocolate Chips (Microwave & Stove-top)

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If you’ve wondered how to melt chocolate chips so they turn out silky smooth every time, this post is for you! You can melt chocolate easily in the microwave or on the stovetop in a few simple steps. I will show you two different methods and how to melt chocolate chips so they don’t seize or break.

You can use melted chocolate chips in so many different recipes as a topping or decorative coating. I have lots of ideas in this post, or you can try these dessert recipes: hot chocolate bombs, brownie truffles, and German chocolate cookies.

Ingredients

An overhead view of a bowl of chocolate chips.

Chocolate chips — you can melt any kind of chocolate chips using these methods. But if you need to melt white chocolate chips, I recommend the stove-top method over the microwave method for the best results.

How To Melt Chocolate Chips In the Microwave

Set of two photos showing chocolate chips in a bowl placed in a microwave to melt.

1. Place the chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave on high heat for 30 seconds. Stop and stir the chocolate chips. Return to the microwave and heat on high for another 30 seconds. Stop and stir once again. Continue to cook in 15-second intervals, stirring between each, until the chocolate chips are almost entirely melted. Keep a close eye on the chocolate to prevent it from burning.

2. When only a few small pieces of solid chocolate remain, stop heating and let the chocolate rest for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring occasionally, until completely melted.

How To Melt Chocolate Chips In A Double Boiler

Set of two photos showing chocolate chips melted on the stovetop over a pot of water.

1. For the double boiler method, fill the base of a double-boiler or medium pot with 1 inch of water. Place over medium-high heat and bring the water to a simmer. Reduce the heat to medium-low and place a large heatproof bowl over the top. Ensure that the bottom of the bowl does not touch the hot water.

2. Add the chocolate chips to the bowl. Melt chocolate chips for 4 to 6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chocolate is fully melted and smooth. Carefully remove the bowl from the heat.

A spoon lifted from a bowl of melted chocolate with some drizzling off the spoon. Chocolate chips scattered in the background.

Is Melting Chocolate The Same as Tempering Chocolate?

No, melting and tempering chocolate are two different things. Tempering chocolate is quite an involved process and requires you to heat and cool the chocolate to specific temperatures so it sets in a specific way. Tempered chocolate is more snappy and glossy than melted chocolate and has a more professional look. See how I use tempered chocolate in my chocolate bon bons recipe.

How Do I Fix Seized Chocolate?

If the chocolate starts to look dry, pasty, grainy, or firms up into a clump, it is overcooked and has seized. To bring it back to its glossy state, add boiling water, 1 teaspoon at a time, whisking vigorously between each addition.

In many cases, this can help re-emulsify the cocoa solids and fat, and it will smooth out again. If the chocolate does not return to its glossy state, it is unfortunately unsalvageable, and you’ll need to start over with new chocolate chips.

Set of two photos showing how to fix seized melted chocolate.

How To Use Melted Chocolate As A Coating

For extra smooth, glossy melted chocolate ideal for use as a coating, add ½ teaspoon of coconut oil or vegetable shortening per 1 cup of chocolate chips, then melt them using either of the melting methods.

This super glossy chocolate is perfect for chocolate-covered strawberries, chocolate-covered Oreos, peanut butter Buckeyes, and Ritz cookies. You can also use it to dip shortbread cookies or tuiles.

Pro Tips For Making This Recipe

Use a clean, dry bowl and stirring utensil. Even a tiny amount of moisture can cause the chocolate to seize.
Don’t overheat the chocolate. Overheating the chocolate is another common culprit for seized and burnt chocolate. Make sure to melt in 15 to 30-second intervals in the microwave, or the heat on the stove-top method isn’t too high.
Stir often for even melting. This is particularly important if you’re melting chocolate in the microwave. Stirring helps the chocolate melt evenly and also prevents burning.

A strawberry dipped into melted chocolate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I remelt chocolate after it hardens?

Attempting to remelt hardened chocolate can cause it to break, but you can try! Use a very gentle heat and add a small handful of fresh chocolate chips.

Can I use this method for melting chocolate bars?

Yes, just chop the chocolate bar into small pieces that are around the same size so the chocolate melts evenly.

Does this work for any kind of chocolate chips?

Yes, but white chocolate is much easier to burn or seize, so I recommend avoiding the microwave for melting it. The gentler heat of the stovetop method is best way to make smooth and silky melted white chocolate.

If you love this recipe try these out!

If you’ve tried this how to melt chocolate chips tutorial, then don’t forget to rate it and let me know how you got on in the comments below. I love hearing from you!

A bowl of melted chocolate with a spatula inside. Chocolate chips scattered around and a linen napkin beside the bowl.

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