Mmm, white chocolate. Although some people might not consider it “real” chocolate, it’s delicious nonetheless. While you can certainly eat these chocolate chips by the handfuls or mix them into cookie dough, one great way to use white chocolate chips is for dips and drizzles.
Of course, if you’re going to coat your cake pops with a drizzle of white chocolate or dip strawberries into a bowl of melted white chocolate for a decadent treat, you first need to know how to melt them – and I’m here to share the top three methods.
Hey! I’m Michelle and white chocolate is my favorite type of “chocolate.” I just love how smooth, silky, and unmistakably sweet it is.
However, I also know it can be pretty picky – especially when it comes to melting white chocolate chips. I’ve learned the best way to melt white chocolate chips without succumbing to clumps, graininess, and burning.
Let’s melt some white chocolate chips!
How to Melt White Chocolate Chips (3 Ways)
White chocolate is a bit fussier when it comes to melting compared to milk chocolate. It is more prone to burning and seizing – which is a fancy word for when your white chocolate comes in contact with steam or liquid and turns into a clumpy, grainy mess.
The other issue? White chocolate can be stubborn and refuse to melt. That’s because it has the lowest melting point (110F) of all types of chocolate and different ingredients (cocoa butter, sugar, fat.)
That said, you need to be extra careful when melting white chocolate chips. Here are my three favorite, tried-and-true methods to get it done.
Method 1: Microwave (Best Option)
Using a microwave while you’re baking might seem like cheating – trust me, I’ve been there. But just because it’s the easy way doesn’t mean it’s wrong or that the results will be any less incredible.
With that in mind, go ahead and use the microwave to melt white chocolate chips. It’s the simplest and quickest solution and presents the least amount of risk for seizing and burning – giving you lovely, silky-smooth results every time.
Here’s how to do it.
Step 1: Pour two cups of white chocolate chips into a microwave-safe bowl.
Step 2: Heat at 50% (uncovered) for one minute.
Step 3: Remove from the microwave and stir. If there are still solid white chocolate chips, return the bowl to the microwave.
Step 4: Continue heating in 10-second intervals, stirring after each interval until the white chocolate chips are about 90% melted.
Step 5: Remove and continue stirring. Allow the residual heat to melt the remaining 10% white chocolate chips.
Method 2: Stovetop (Second Best Option)
Don’t own a microwave or don’t want to use it to melt your white chocolate chips? No worries – you can always use your trusty stovetop to get the job done. Here’s how.
Step 1: Pour two cups of white chocolate chips into the pan.
Step 2: Place the pan on the burner, and turn on the lowest setting.
Step 3: Continuously stir the white chocolate chips until they are 90% melted.
Step 4: Remove from heat and continue stirring, allowing the residual heat to finish the melting process.
Method 3: Double Boiler (Least Recommended Option)
When most people think of melting chocolate, their double boiler comes to mind. And why wouldn’t it? The double boiler is almost always the go-to for melting ingredients, including chocolate.
That said, you can definitely use your double boiler to melt white chocolate chips. You need to be extra careful, though. The double boiler can release steam. If the moisture makes contact with the white chocolate chips, it may begin to seize and destroy your melted white chocolate.
If you’re keen on using your double boiler and promise that you will keep a close eye on your white chocolate chips, follow these steps for success:
Step 1: Pour approximately two inches of water into the large bottom pot.
Step 2: Heat the water until it’s hot but not boiling.
Step 3: Pour two cups of white chocolate chips into the smaller top pot.
Step 4: Place the small pot on top of the large pot.
Step 5: Continuously stir the white chocolate chips until they are 90% melted.
Step 6: Remove from heat and continue stirring until the residual heat melts the remaining white chocolate chips.
Don’t have a double boiler but want to use this method? You can create a “DIY double boiler” in no time. Simply find a glass or metal bowl that can fit snugly on top of your large pot. Ensure that the bowl does not touch the bottom of the pot, though. Then, follow the steps above.
How to Fix Seized White Chocolate Chips
Oh, no! You’ve started melting your white chocolate chips, only to realize they ended up seized. Don’t toss the seized chocolate down the drain just yet. Try to fix it!
To fix seized melted white chocolate chips, simply add boiling water to the bowl and stir vigorously. Add the boiling water in one tablespoon increments until the white chocolate chips are silky smooth. Enjoy!
FAQs
Melting white chocolate chips may be a little tricky, but not impossible. The key is to keep an eye on your white chocolate chips, so they don’t end up burnt or seized. Here are a couple more questions you might want to know the answer to!
How do you melt white chocolate without it getting hard?
White chocolate chips becoming hard while melting is a common problem. To reduce the risk of hardness, you will want to ensure that you’re stirring the white chocolate chips regularly (if using the microwave) or continuously (if using the stovetop or double boiler method).
Why won’t my white chocolate chips melt?
There are two potential issues. For one, it may have come in contact with moisture, causing it to seize and clump up. Secondly, it may be an issue of using too-high heat. White chocolate has the lowest melting point of all chocolate (110F). If you use too-high heat, it simply won’t melt.
Make sure your microwave is at 50%, use the lowest heat on the stove, and don’t boil the water if using the double boiler method.
Is it hard to melt white chocolate?
Compared to other types of chocolate (milk and dark chocolate), white chocolate is more difficult to melt. However, with the proper techniques and control, you can be successful.
Final Words
The best way to melt white chocolate chips is in the microwave at 50%. However, you can also use the stovetop using the lowest heat setting or rely on the double boiler method without boiling the water.
Regardless of the technique, keep a close eye on your white chocolate and stir, stir, stir until you’re successful.
Which method do you use to melt your white chocolate chips? Do you have any other techniques or tips to add? Share in the comment section below!
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