There are so many wonderful, delightful things you can dip in chocolate. But most of us aren’t about to go spend a fortune on fancy chocolates designed for dipping.
So, what do we do?
Can we use chocolate chips for dipping strawberries, pretzels, and other goodies?
Let’s take a look!
Can You Use Chocolate Chips for Dipping Foods In?
In a word: yes! Some of the tastiest treats are made by dipping otherwise ordinary foods into chocolate chips, and I highly recommend doing so. In fact, I even created some recipes just for cookbooks using chocolate chips. And there are so many great brands for doing just this.
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Pros/ Cons of Chocolate Chips for Dipping
So, there are definitely both pros and cons of using chocolate chips for dipping foods.
Pros for Chocolate Chips
- Chocolate chips are much cheaper than some of the fancier chocolates that are often recommended for dipping.
- Chocolate chips are also super easy to melt and thin for prime dipping.
- Amazing brands like Ghirardelli and Toll House are perfect for dipping!
- Chocolate chips are easy to find in any grocery store, so no specialty shops are required.
Cons of Chocolate Chips for Dipping
There are really two only cons I can see against using chocolate chips for dipping.
- While some brands are super tasty, they aren’t usually very high-quality chocolate. This means dipping certain items won’t be as amazing with chocolate chips as specific dipping chocolates would make them.
- Chocolate chips won’t work very well for chocolate fondue. So, pick a different option for your Fondue Party offerings.
What are the Best Chocolate Chip Brands for Dipping?
So, I’m both a certified nutritionist and a chocolate snob (I grew up with parents who lived in Europe, so… I inherited this, honestly!).
My list of best brands may not align with many folks because of this. But you can be assured that my suggestions will definitely be top-notch and the best bang for your buck.
- Equal Exchange Organic Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips – Fantastic flavor and quality for reasonable pricing
- Ghirardelli Bittersweet Dark Chocolate – These have the highest cocoa content, making them one of the healthiest choices
- Guittard 55% Cocoa Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips – Higher in cocoa content but not as dark as Ghirardelli’s
- Chatfield’s Allergen-Friendly Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips – Perfect for families with allergies
- Lily’s Semi-Sweet Baking Chips – Made with Stevia for a healthier chocolate choice
- SunSpire Organic Chocolate Chips – Fair Trade Certified for conscious shoppers
- Trader Joe’s Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips – Affordable and delicious!
What’s the Best Way to Melt Chocolate Chips for Dipping?
There are three main ways to melt chocolate chips for your dipping delights. My preferred method is on the stove, but many folks prefer microwave and double boiler.
Before you begin any of the methods, set out your ingredients for dipping and have everything ready to go so you can move quickly enough to prevent the chocolate from cooling before you’re done.
On Stove (No Double Boiler)
- Bring a small saucepan of water to a boil.
- Reduce the water to a low simmer.
- Put the chocolate in a metal bowl that fits snuggly into the saucepan and place it on the top of the pan.
- Stir the chocolate chips constantly until they melt.
- Remove the chocolate from the stovetop immediately once the chocolate has melted.
In Microwave
Alternatively, you can melt your chocolate chips in the microwave.
- Put your chocolate chips into a microwave-safe bowl.
- Place the bowl into the microwave and heat for 30 seconds.
- Stir the chocolate for a few seconds and repeat heating for another 30 seconds.
- Repeat the stir-heat pattern until the chocolate has melted.
- Remove the chocolate from the microwave and start dipping!
In Double Boiler
With a double boiler, you’ll use the same method as the stovetop.
- Add water to the bottom pan of the double boiler and bring the water to a boil.
- Lower the temperature and let the water simmer on low.
- Put the chocolate into the top pan and place it into the boiler pan.
- Stir the chocolate constantly as the chocolate melts.
- When the chocolate fully melts, remove it from the stovetop immediately.
- Start dipping!
Can You Use Chocolate Chips for Dipping These Popular Foods?
So, now the question begs: which foods can you dip into melted chocolate chips?
Strawberries
Yes, you can dip strawberries into chocolate chips.
However, if you use cheap chocolate like Hershey’s or store brands, the strawberries won’t taste as good as the ones you’re used to from catered events.
Cake Pops
I’m going to say this one is the iffiest option on the list.
Cake pops are typically dipped in higher-quality chocolates for better flavoring.
I would recommend you use higher-end chocolate chips for these or use proper melting chocolate (again, not cheap chocolate!) for best results.
Pretzels
Pretzels are a perfect choice for dipping in melted chocolate chips!
The blend of the cookie-ready chocolate and the saltiness of the pretzels really couldn’t get any better, even when you go the cheap route.
Candy
Depending on the candy you want to dip, chocolate chips may well be a great choice.
I wouldn’t recommend dipping any candy into cheap melted chocolate chips. It’s very likely the flavors will clash badly.
Cookies
Yes! Cookies are another great option for chocolate chips.
Whether you’re going for Oreos or homemade sugar cookies, the flavor of chocolate chips is perfect with any kind of doughy or pastry-style cookie out there.
Peanut Butter Balls
Peanut butter and chocolate… It’s hard to go wrong with that combo.
But do be sure to pair the quality of peanut butter with the quality of chocolate chips. If your store brand PB is coated in super high-quality chocolate, it won’t taste quite right.
Other Fruit
A particular favorite of mine is apples dipped in chocolate chips!
You can also dip:
- Pineapple wedges – Go for dark chocolate for these
- Cherries – Also best in dark chocolate
- Raspberries – Best in high-quality milk or dark chocolate
- Bananas – any chocolate is good!
- Orange slices – Dark chocolate is better
- Seedless red grapes – Milk chocolate is best
- Seedless green grapes – Dark chocolate is best
Marshmallows
Yes, yes, yes! Marshmallows and chocolate chips are another perfect pairing. I love making these for our Christmas edible décor (you know, gingerbread houses) and fun, easy desserts for parties.
How Do You Thin Chocolate Chips for Easier Dipping?
There are a few methods you can use to thin your chocolate chips to make them easier for dipping after melting.
Oily Add-Ins
You can add various kinds of oils, butter, ghee, or shortening.
For Lots of Chocolate
If you have loads of chocolate to thin, consider adding Paramount Crystals, which are made of vegetable oils, in a more convenient package.
Almond Milk or Dairy Milk
My preferred method for thinning (when not using coconut oil) is adding a drizzle of almond milk, coconut milk, or dairy milk to the chocolate.
Only use this method with lukewarm milk, though, or it will harden the chocolate again.
You can use other milks as well, as long as you don’t mind the hint of flavoring they will add to the chocolate.
How to Temper Chocolate Chips for Dipping
Tempering is the method of heating and cooling chocolate so that you soften the chocolate for use in dipping or candy making.
The microwave method of slowly heating the chocolate chips 30 seconds at a time is a good example of this.
The key is making sure the heat is low and that you constantly stir to avoid the chocolate getting burnt or sticking to the sides.
Can I Add Coconut Oil to Chocolate Chips for Dipping?
Coconut oil is one of my favorite ways to thin chocolate chips for dipping.
The oil adds smoothness to the chocolate while also adding some coconut flavoring.
I recommend only doing this if you’re making treats that will taste good with hints of coconut.
Some options for this would include:
- Bananas
- Pretzels
- Pineapple wedges
- Orange slices
- Raspberries
- Certain cookies
- White, yellow, chocolate, coconut, mango, or similar cake pops
Can You Add Butter to Chocolate Chips for Dipping?
I have added butter to chocolate chips for dipping before. It does smooth the chocolate out a bit.
However, if you’re not wanting really rich chocolate, I would recommend a different option instead.
How Much Oil Should I Add to Chocolate Chips for Dipping?
My rule of thumb is that for every half cup of chocolate chips, I add a quarter teaspoon of oil.
If this isn’t smooth enough, I add an eighth of a teaspoon more, stir, and test. Repeat as needed to avoid changing the consistency too much.
Can These Chocolate Chips be Used for Dipping?
The most common chocolate chips available can all be used for dipping. Including the following:
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips
- White chocolate chips
- Milk chocolate chips
- General baking chocolate chips
- Ghirardelli chocolate chips (all types!)
- Hershey’s chocolate chips
- Hershey’s melting chocolate chips
- Toll House chocolate chips
- Nestle (other brands) chocolate chips
You can also use Hershey’s kisses of any variety (though Cookies’ n Cream will be a bit lumpy) and any store brand.
You’ve seen my suggestions above for the best results, but you really can use any chocolate chips for dipping.