Ok, so I made the dipped marshmallow snowmen in my pictures. Can I use regular ol' chocolate chips rather than candy melts? Are the candy melts made differently so they set up well? I'm only wondering because I spent $3.29 on a bag of candy melts and I think I can get the regular chocolate chips cheaper.

Thanks!!!

I've never tried it, but I don't know why you couldn't. May need to add some oil to them when melted to thin it some for molding and dipping purposes.

bump bump bump..... any firsthand experience out there??

Hi Jessie- I usually use the candy melts, but you can use chocolate chips. You do need to add some shortening to it (I'd use Crisco), otherwise it'll get lumpy. The proportions I found on-line were 1 1/2 cups chocolate chips to 2 Tbsp shortening. (That seems like a lot of shortening to me- I would probably start with 1 Tbsp and use more if needed.)

I also made a topping for some no-bake bars last weekend that I thought looked like it might work for dipping (but I haven't tried it): 1 1/2 cups mini chocolate chips and 1/4 cup peanut butter melted together in a saucepan over low heat.

The candy melts already have oil added to them, chocolate chips don't have any oil added. I hope this helps you!

Thanks so much!! I really appreciate it! This does help a great deal. I just know that sometimes I can buy the chocolate chips in bulk at Sam's Club a lot cheaper than the candy melts, so I was just curious about the difference in the way it sets.

Thanks so much! I hope one day I'll be able to help others on here as I gain experience!

What about the topping for the giant ding dong cake in the recipe section. I think it would owrk for dipping. It is made with chocolate chips.

Ohhh, haven't seen the ding dong cake!! I'll have to check that out!!