Beyond Cookies- 7 Surprising Treats You Can Make with Chocolate Chips

Discovering the Versatility of Chocolate Chips: Unconventional Treats to Try

Introduction to the World of Chocolate Chips in Desserts

Chocolate chips are more than bites of chocolatey goodness; they possess a remarkable ability to elevate any ordinary dessert into a delightful delicacy. Originally invented in the 1930s in the United States, these bite sized chocolate chunks were initially conceived as a solution for bakers. Today, they come in sizes, flavors and types including sweet, milk chocolate, dark chocolate and even white chocolate. Apart from their use in cookies, chocolate chips can be melted, incorporated into mixtures or simply sprinkled over desserts to enhance their flavor and texture bringing a touch of decadence.

1.Fluffy Pancakes with a Chocolate Chip Twist

Ingredients:

1 cup of all purpose flour

2 tablespoons of sugar

2 teaspoons of baking powder

1/2 teaspoon of salt

1 cup of milk

1 egg

2 tablespoons of butter

1/2 cup of chocolate chips

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder and salt.
2. In another bowl, combine milk with egg and melted butter.
3. Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients into the mixture until well combined; then gently fold in the luscious chocolate chips.
4. Grease a skillet, heat it over medium heat. Pour the batter onto the skillet. Flip it once bubbles start to form. Cook until both sides are brown.
5. Serve the pancakes warm with syrup.

Tips: To add flavor you can include a dash of vanilla extract and sprinkle some cinnamon on top.

2.Chocolate Chip Banana Bread

Ingredients:

2-3 ripe bananas

1/3 cup melted butter

1 teaspoon baking soda

A pinch of salt

3/4 cup sugar

1 large beaten egg

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 1/2 cups all purpose flour

1/2 cup chocolate chips

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a loaf pan with butter.
2. Mash the bananas. Mix them with the butter.
3. Stir in the baking soda, salt, sugar, beaten egg and vanilla extract.
4. Gradually add in the flour and gently fold in the chocolate chips.
5. Transfer the batter into the greased loaf pan.
6. Bake for 50 to 60 minutes.

Tips: For a sweeter taste and moist texture use overripe bananas.

3.Chocolate Chip Scones

Ingredients:

2 cups of all purpose flour

1/3 cup of sugar

1 teaspoon of baking powder

1/4 teaspoon of baking soda

1/2 teaspoon of salt

8 tablespoons of unsalted butter kept in the freezer

1/2 cup of sour cream

1 large egg

1/2 cup of chocolate chips

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to a temperature of 400°F (200°C).
2. Combine the all-purpose flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda and salt in a mixing bowl.
3. Grate the butter into the flour mixture. Then add the cream and egg to it.
4. Stir in the chocolate chips until you form a dough.
5. Shape the dough into scones. Bake them for about 15 to 17 minutes.

Tips: Before baking, you can brush each scone with a bit of cream. Sprinkle some sugar on top to achieve a golden crust.

4.Chocolate Chip Muffins

Ingredients:

2 cups all purpose flour

1/2 cup granulated sugar

3 teaspoons baking powder

A pinch (half teaspoon) salt

3/4 cup milk

About one third cup vegetable oil

One large egg

Approximately three fourths cup chocolate chips

Instructions:

1. Begin by preheating your oven to a temperature around 400°F (200°C).
2. In a mixing bowl, combine together the all purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder and salt.
3. In a bowl combine the milk, oil and egg.
4. Mix the dry ingredients together then gently incorporate the chocolate chips.
5. Use a spoon to fill the muffin cups and bake for 20 minutes.

Tips: For a range of flavors try using different types of chocolate chips.

5.Chocolate Chip Ice Cream

Ingredients:

2 cups cream

1 cup whole milk

3/4 cup sugar

1 tablespoon vanilla extract

1 cup chocolate chips

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, stir together the cream, milk, sugar and vanilla until the sugar dissolves.
2. Follow the instructions provided by your ice cream maker to churn the mixture.
3. When it reaches a frozen consistency, add in the chocolate chips and continue freezing.

Tips: For a variation consider adding swirls of peanut butter or caramel.

6.Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Bars

Ingredients:

1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs

5 tablespoons melted butter

2/3 cup plus 1 tablespoon sugar

3 packages cream cheese (softened)

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

3 eggs

1 cup chocolate chips

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to approximately 325°F (160°C).
2. For a treat, start by combining graham cracker crumbs, melted butter and a tablespoon of sugar. Press this mixture firmly onto the bottom of a baking pan.
3. Next take cream cheese, the remaining sugar and vanilla extract. Beat them together until you achieve a smooth consistency.
4. Now it's time to add eggs, one by one, into the mixture. After that gently stir in chocolate chips.
5. Pour this concoction over the crust and bake it in the oven for approximately 45 minutes.

Tip: To ensure the best texture, remember to refrigerate before serving.

7.Chocolate Chip Blondies

Ingredients:

1/2 cup brown melted butter

1 cup sugar

1 egg

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 cup all purpose flour

1/2 teaspoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 cup chocolate chips

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a bowl, mix together melted butter and brown sugar until well combined. Then add the egg and vanilla extract.
3. In another bowl, combine flour baking powder and salt. Gradually incorporate these ingredients into the mixture.
4. Gently fold in the chocolate chips before spreading the batter into a baking dish.
5. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, until brown.

Tips: To enhance flavor and texture further, consider adding white chocolate chips.

In summary

Chocolate chips bring a versatility to desserts that goes beyond cookies. These recipes really highlight how chocolate chips can turn something ordinary into an extraordinary experience. You can enjoy them with chocolate chip pancakes for breakfast, indulge in a chocolate chip cheesecake bar for dessert. The possibilities are endless when it comes to using these morsels to add creativity and enjoyment to your baking adventures. So the next time you grab a bag of chocolate chips, think beyond making cookies and let your culinary imagination take flight!