Can I substitute unsweetened cocoa powder for unsweetened baker's chocolate?
I'm using a recipe for chocolate crinkle cookies and it calls for 4 squares of unsweetened baker's chocolate. Can I substitute cocoa powder for the baker's chocolate?
Best Answer
Yes, that's a very standard substitution. For each square (ounce) of unsweetened chocolate in the recipe, use:
3 tablespoons (20 grams) natural cocoa powder (not Dutch-processed) plus 1 tablespoon (14 grams) unsalted butter, vegetable oil or shortening
I'd add that Dutch processed cocoa (if that's what you happen to have) is fine too, just be aware of your acid balance. This is the opposite issue, but it's relevant here: Effect of undutched cocoa on baking
This too: What makes the difference between domed and flat cookies?
If your cocoa happens to be Dutch processed, ask another question about adjusting acid. Even though it usually doesn't matter, in that recipe, it just might.
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Quick Answer about "Can I substitute unsweetened cocoa powder for unsweetened baker's chocolate?"
To replace one ounce of unsweetened chocolate, use 3 tablespoons cocoa powder plus 1 tablespoon butter, shortening or oil. Dissolve the cocoa in liquid that is already used in the recipe.Can I use unsweetened cocoa powder instead of unsweetened chocolate?
The short answer is no. The long answer is you could, but it's tricky and generally not recommended. Here's why. Cocoa powder is lower in fat and higher in nonfat cocoa solids than unsweetened chocolate.Is cocoa powder the same as bakers chocolate?
Chocolate has two main components\u2014cocoa solids (where the flavor comes from) and cocoa butter (where the rich texture comes from). Cocoa powder has very little cocoa butter in it; it's mainly cocoa solids. In other words, you can think of cocoa powder as chocolate with most of its cocoa butter removed.Substitute Unsweetened Chocolate for Bittersweet Chocolate?
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