Quick Answer
Organic dark chocolate gems are a versatile baking ingredient that can be used just like chocolate chips in cookies and brownies. Their hexagon shape melts evenly and provides a satisfying crunch, making them ideal for adding pockets of rich, 70% dark chocolate flavor to your favorite recipes. Use them as a 1:1 substitute for chocolate chips, but be mindful of their lower sugar content and adjust sweetness if needed.
gems
If you love baking with dark chocolate but want to try something a little different, organic dark chocolate gems are a fantastic option. These hexagon-shaped pieces of 70% dark chocolate are not only fun to look at but also bake beautifully into cookies and brownies. Whether you're a seasoned baker or just starting out, using gems can elevate your treats with a rich, less-sweet chocolate flavor that pairs well with a variety of ingredients.
In this guide, we'll walk you through the best practices for baking with organic dark chocolate gems, from measuring and melting to incorporating them into your dough and batter. We'll also share tips on how to avoid common mistakes like burnt chocolate or uneven distribution, so your baked goods turn out perfect every time.
Why Choose Organic Dark Chocolate Gems for Baking?
Organic dark chocolate gems are a unique baking ingredient because of their shape and composition. Unlike traditional chocolate chips that are designed to hold their shape, gems are made from 70% dark chocolate with a lower sugar content, which means they melt more readily and create delicious chocolate pockets in your baked goods. Their hexagon shape also means they distribute evenly in dough and batter, ensuring every bite has a bit of chocolate.
Another advantage is that gems are made with simple-45796">simple, organic ingredients—like organic cacao and coconut sugar—so you can feel good about what you're adding to your recipes. They're also paleo, vegan, and gluten-free, making them a great choice for bakers with dietary restrictions. Just keep in mind that because they have less sugar than standard chocolate chips, your baked goods may be slightly less sweet. You can compensate by adding a bit more sugar or pairing them with sweeter mix-ins like dried fruit.
- Use gems as a 1:1 substitute for chocolate chips in most recipes.
- For a less sweet result, reduce the sugar in your recipe by 10-15%.
- Pair gems with nuts or dried fruit to balance their dark chocolate intensity.
How to Measure and Portion Gems for Baking
Measuring gems is straightforward, but there are a few tips to keep in mind. Because gems are larger than standard chocolate chips, a cup of gems will have slightly less chocolate by weight than a cup of chips. If your recipe calls for a specific weight, use a kitchen scale for accuracy. If you're using volume measurements, you may want to add a few extra gems to ensure you get enough chocolate in every bite.
Portioning is also important for even distribution. Toss the gems with a tablespoon of flour before adding them to your dough or batter. This helps prevent them from sinking to the bottom during baking. For cookies, you can also press a few gems onto the top of each dough ball before baking—this creates a beautiful, melty chocolate surface that looks professional.
- Use a kitchen scale for precise measurements.
- Toss gems in flour to prevent sinking.
- Press extra gems on top of cookies for a bakery-style look.
Melting Gems for Sauces and Glazes
If you want to use gems for a chocolate sauce or glaze, melting them properly is key. Gems melt smoothly because they contain cocoa butter, but they can seize if they come into contact with water. Always use a dry bowl and utensils, and melt them gently using a double boiler or short bursts in the microwave. Stir frequently to ensure even melting.
For a glossy glaze, add a little coconut oil or cocoa butter while melting. This helps the chocolate flow smoothly and sets with a shiny finish. You can drizzle melted gems over cookies, brownies, or even use them as a dip for fruit. Just be careful not to overheat the chocolate, as it can become thick and grainy.
- Never let water touch melting chocolate.
- Melt in 15-second microwave intervals, stirring in between.
- Add a teaspoon of coconut oil for a smoother glaze.
Baking Perfect Cookies with Gems
When baking cookies with organic dark chocolate gems, the key is to balance the dough's sweetness and structure. Since gems are less sweet, consider using a recipe that calls for brown sugar, which adds moisture and a deeper flavor. You can also add a pinch of sea salt to the top of each cookie to enhance the chocolate's richness.
Watch your baking time carefully. Because gems melt faster than chips, they can cause cookies to spread more. Chill your dough for at least 30 minutes before baking to help cookies hold their shape. Also, remove cookies from the oven when the edges are just set—the centers will continue to set as they cool, leaving you with soft, chewy cookies and melty chocolate.
- Chill dough to prevent excessive spreading.
- Use brown sugar for a chewier texture.
- Sprinkle sea salt on top before baking for a sweet-salty contrast.
Creating Fudgy Brownies with Gems
For brownies, gems add a rich, dark chocolate flavor that pairs perfectly with a fudgy texture. Fold the gems into the batter just before pouring it into the pan. Be careful not to overmix, as this can cause the gems to melt completely into the batter, losing their distinct pockets of chocolate.
To achieve a fudgy brownie, use a recipe with a higher fat-to-flour ratio, and don't overbake. Insert a toothpick into the center—if it comes out with a few moist crumbs, your brownies are done. Let them cool completely before cutting to allow the chocolate to set, making clean slices easier.
- Fold gems in gently to keep them intact.
- Use a higher fat-to-flour ratio for fudginess.
- Cool completely before cutting for clean edges.
Step-by-Step: Baking with Organic Dark Chocolate Gems
- Measure and Prep: Measure your gems using a kitchen scale for accuracy. If using volume, add a few extra gems to compensate for their larger size. Toss them in a tablespoon of flour to prevent sinking. Checkpoint: Your gems should be evenly coated with flour before adding to the batter.
- Incorporate into Dough or Batter: Fold the gems into your cookie dough or brownie batter gently. Avoid overmixing to keep the gems intact. For cookies, press a few gems onto the surface of each dough ball. Checkpoint: Gems should be visible on top of cookies for a melty finish.
- Bake with Care: Bake according to your recipe, but watch the time closely. Gems melt faster than chips, so remove cookies from the oven when edges are just set. For brownies, use the toothpick test for doneness. Verdict: Your baked goods are ready when they are set on the edges but still soft in the center.
Organic Dark Chocolate Gems at a Glance
- Gems: 70% dark chocolate. 9 oz. bag. Paleo, Vegan, certified Gluten-Free. Made fresh with No Weird Ingredients. These gems are perfect for baking because they are made with simple, organic ingredients and have a high cocoa content, giving your cookies and brownies a rich, sophisticated flavor without dairy or gluten.
- Salty: Made with organic house-ground cacao and additive-free sea salt. 70% dark chocolate. 2.1 oz. bars. If you enjoy a sweet-salty contrast, you can chop these bars into chunks and use them in place of gems for a different texture and flavor profile in your baked goods.
- Crunchy Mint: Made with peppermint oil and organic fair-trade cacao nibs. 70% dark chocolate. 2.1 oz bars. For a refreshing twist, chop these minty bars and fold them into brownie batter for a chocolate-mint combination that's a classic favorite.
Organic dark chocolate gems are a versatile and delicious addition to your baking repertoire. Whether you're making cookies, brownies, or even drizzling melted gems over your favorite treats, their rich, less-sweet flavor and clean ingredients make them a smart choice. Experiment with different recipes and enjoy the deep chocolate taste that gems bring to your homemade baked goods.
