How to make cocoa powder from chocolate chips? (+3 substitutes)
In this article, we will answer the question “How to make cocoa powder from chocolate chips?”, and what are the substitutes for unsweetened cocoa powder?
How to make cocoa powder from chocolate chips?
You cannot make cocoa powder from chocolate chips. Chocolate chips are the processed form of cocoa powder. However, there are several substitutes for the cocoa powder that are practical and effective.
How to substitute chocolate chips for cocoa?
You can substitute 6 ounces of semi-sweet chocolate chips for every 6 tbsp of cocoa called for in the recipe. For example, If your recipe requires 3/4 cup or 12 tbsp of cocoa, you can use 12 ounces of semi-sweet chocolate chips instead.
Since the chocolate chips are semi-sweet, you need to adjust the amount of sugar in your recipe. To do this, cut down 7 tablespoons of sugar for every 6 ounces of chocolate chips you include in your recipe.
Similarly, you need to reduce the amount of butter, vegetable fats, or any other fats in the recipe. To do this, you need to reduce the amount of fat by 1/4 cup for every 6 ounces of semi-sweet chocolate chips.
If you opt for Dutch-processed cocoa powder to make your recipe, add 1/8 teaspoon baking soda for every ounce of chocolate chips you include in your recipe.
How to substitute chocolate pieces for unsweetened cocoa powder in any recipe?
It is recommended to substitute unsweetened chocolate for cocoa powder as it is easy to incorporate into the recipe. Sweetened chocolate has a lot of added sugar so you will have to adjust the recipe.
For every ounce of chocolate in your recipe, cut down 1 tbsp of the fat or oil in the recipe since the chocolate already has fat in it.
Cocoa powder to chocolate conversion
Substitute for semisweet or bittersweet chocolate (1 oz.): 1 Tbsp. unsweetened cocoa powder + 2 tsp. sugar + 2 tsp. Shortening equals 1 ounce of semisweet chocolate or 3 Tbsp. cocoa powder + 1 Tbsp. oil or shortening.
Substitute for unsweetened chocolate (1 oz.): 3 Tbsp. unsweetened cocoa powder + 1 Tbsp. cooking oil or shortening (in melted form).
Substitute for chocolate, sweet baking (4 oz.): ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder + ⅓ cup sugar + 3 Tbsp. shortening.
What are the substitutes for unsweetened cocoa powder?
Unsweetened cocoa powder has a rich and intense flavor. When added to baked goods or desserts, It helps provide depth to the overall flavor profile without going overdoing the sugar and fat. Natural unsweetened cocoa powder has an acidic flavor profile due to which It acts as a leaving agent when added to baked goods along with baking soda.
Dutch-processed cocoa powder
Dutch-processed cocoa powder can be used in place of unsweetened cocoa powder in an equal ratio i.e 1:1.
If you are using dutch-processed cocoa powder in place of unsweetened cocoa powder in a recipe along with baking soda, you need to make certain adjustments. For example, you need to include add 1/8 teaspoon of cream of tartar, white vinegar, or fresh lemon juice for every three Tbsp of cocoa powder called for in the recipe.
This adjustment will make sure the cocoa powder has enough acid for leavening. The bonus point of this substitute is that it does not require a lot of stirring to incorporate completely.
Carob powder or carob chips
Carob powder can be used as an alternative to unsweetened cocoa powder in an equal ratio. Carob powder is the go-to substitute If you have are allergic to chocolate or caffeine. Carob powder will add a bit of sweetness to your recipe.
Instead of carob powder, carob chips can also work as great substitutes for cocoa powder. Substitute a single ounce of chips for every 2 tbsp of unsweetened cocoa powder called for in the recipe. Carob chips add sugar and fat to your recipe.
To adjust the recipe, cut down 1tbsp of butter, oil, or shortening from the recipe. To yield the best results, add melted carob chips during the creaming process. It is easiest to incorporate this way.
Can I Substitute Chocolate Syrup or Cocoa Mix for Unsweetened Cocoa Powder?
No, you can not use chocolate syrup or cocoa mix in place of unsweetened cocoa powder in a recipe. The chocolate syrup has a lot of water. On the other hand, the cocoa mix contains sugar, powdered milk, and other additives.
These additional ingredients are not easy to incorporate into your recipe. Plus you cannot predict which ingredients will provide what quality characteristic to the end product.
Other FAQs about Cocoa Powder that you may be interested in.
Can you substitute hot chocolate mix for cocoa powder?
How to make cocoa powder from chocolate?
Can you use hot cocoa mix instead of cocoa powder?
Conclusion
In this article, we answered the question “How to make cocoa powder from chocolate chips?”, and what are the substitutes for unsweetened cocoa powder?
