How to Make Chocolate Curls

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Chocolate Curls are one of those things that can seem so intimidating, but really shouldn’t be. They aren’t hard to make once you know what you’re doing – they just take a little time and patience. Once you master them, they’re sure to be one of your favorite dessert decorations!

Try these cute little curls on my homemade Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookie Ice Cream to add a beautiful (and tasty) finishing touch!

How to make chocolate curls - video included!

The first I tried to make them, I had to get a little help from a friend – I am Baker. She shared the key with me once and I never had trouble again! You want to know the secret?

It’s quite simple really – the key to chocolate curls is having the chocolate at the right temperature. If the chocolate is too warm, it will just get pushed onto the scraper tool you’re using. If it’s too cold, it will flake or break into pieces. To be successful you have to be patient with it and take it in and out of the fridge as needed so that it’s the right temperature to work with. The more quickly you make the curls, the less you have to pop it back in the fridge. 🙂

How to Make Chocolate Curls

To make the chocolate, add the chocolate chips and shortening to a bowl and microwave in 15 second increments, stirring between each increment, until it’s melted and smooth. The shortening breaks up and softens the chocolate just a bit so that you can create the curls, but the chocolate stays firm after the curls are made.

Spread the melted chocolate into an even layer onto the back of a half sheet baking pan or large cookie sheet. The chocolate doesn’t need to be real thick, but shouldn’t be super thin either. Put the chocolate in the refrigerator until completely cooled and firm.

Once firm, remove the cookie sheet from the fridge and set it on the counter. Use a bench scraper (you could also use a metal spatula) to push forward on the chocolate and create a curl. You may have to test the chocolate every minute or two by trying to make a chocolate curl, until the temperature is right. If the chocolate is flakey, it’s still too cold. If it seems soft and won’t roll, it’s too warm and needs to go back in the refrigerator. It should only be about 3-5 minutes before the chocolate is the right temperature.

Once the chocolate curls are made, store them in the refrigerator to keep them cool and firm until ready to use. Once they are on your dessert, they are fine at room temperature while the dessert is served.

For more help, check out the video below and watch me make some curls!

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Image of Chocolate Curls on a Cake
Recipe

How to Make Chocolate Curls

  • Author: Lindsay
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 minute
  • Total Time: 6 minutes
  • Yield: About 1 cup of chocolate curls
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Microwave
  • Cuisine: American

Description

Chocolate Curls are one of those things that can seem so intimidating, but really shouldn’t be. They aren’t hard to make once you know what you’re doing – they just take a little time and patience. Once you master them, they’re sure to be one of your favorite dessert decorations!


Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup semisweet chocolate
  • 2 tsp shortening

Instructions

  1. To make the chocolate, add the chocolate chips and shortening to a bowl and microwave in 15 second increments, stirring between each increment, until it’s melted and smooth.
  2. Spread the melted chocolate into an even layer onto the back of a half sheet baking pan or large cookie sheet. The chocolate doesn’t need to be real thick, but shouldn’t be super thin either. Put the chocolate in the refrigerator until completely cooled and firm.
  3. Once firm, remove the cookie sheet from the fridge and set it on the counter. Use a bench scraper (you could also use a metal spatula) to push forward on the chocolate and create a curl. You may have to test the chocolate every minute or two by trying to make a chocolate curl, until the temperature is right. If the chocolate is flakey, it’s still too cold. If it seems soft and won’t roll, it’s too warm and needs to go back in the refrigerator. It should only be about 3-5 minutes before the chocolate is the right temperature.
  4. Once the chocolate curls are made, store them in the refrigerator to keep them cool and firm until ready to use. Once they are on your dessert, they are fine at room temperature while the dessert is served.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size:
  • Calories: 636
  • Sugar: 64 g
  • Sodium: 0.3 mg
  • Fat: 40.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 72 g
  • Protein: 8 g
  • Cholesterol: 0 mg

Filed Under:

Lindsay
About Lindsay

I'm a wife and a mom to twin boys and a baby girl! And I've got a serious sweets addiction! Bring on the treats!

Scripture I’m Loving

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” Matthew 11:28-29