Food
Fact-checked

At DelightedCooking, we're committed to delivering accurate, trustworthy information. Our expert-authored content is rigorously fact-checked and sourced from credible authorities. Discover how we uphold the highest standards in providing you with reliable knowledge.

Learn more...

What Are Vanilla Chips?

Misty Amber Brighton
Misty Amber Brighton

Vanilla chips are a type of sweet confection often used in baking. These chips are very small pieces of soft candy made from vanilla extract and sugar. Shoppers can normally find these in the baking aisle of most supermarkets alongside other types of baking chips and flavorings. They are often used when making cookies or brownies, but could also be used to decorate cupcakes or other pastries. Some people may eat them as a snack or use them to make trail mix.

These baking chips normally come in small packages ranging from one to two pounds (0.45 to 0.91 kg) each. All or part of a bag may be added to a recipe when baking. Leftover pieces can be stored inside the bag at room temperature, provided it is tightly closed.

Vanilla chips may be used to make cookies.
Vanilla chips may be used to make cookies.

Vanilla chips have a light vanilla fragrance, but the smell is not usually overpowering. The vanilla flavor is very light as well, so it does not usually overpower other flavorings. These chips are light in color and can add visual contrast to dark sweets such as chocolate cookies or brownies.

While vanilla chips are often used in making chocolate desserts, they can be added to a variety of different recipes. Vanilla cookies and cupcakes are two items these chips can be used in. The morsels can also be substituted for chocolate or butterscotch chips to give a product a unique taste.

Vanilla chips may be used to make brownies.
Vanilla chips may be used to make brownies.

Many people like to use vanilla chips to decorate baked goods. When used in this manner, the chips could be placed on top of cookies or cupcakes along with other candies or sprinkles. They could also be mixed with frosting before it is spread over sweet deserts. The morsels could also be added to pudding or ice cream.

Vanilla chips have high sugar content, so they can give people a quick burst of energy. This makes them a good choice to add to trail mix along with raisins, pretzels, or nuts. Some people may like to eat a small handful of these chips to both energize them and satisfy a craving for sweets as well.

People who are looking for a unique way to enhance the flavor of baked goods may want to try vanilla chips. This is especially true for individuals who do not want to use other types of baking chips because of an allergy to chocolate or peanuts. They are a delightful treat that can be enjoyed by people of all ages.

Discussion Comments

ZipLine

Has anyone made granola bars with vanilla chips?

My favorite type of granola bar has vanilla chips and I'm just hooked on them. But they're not very cheap so I'm wondering if I can make them at home. Considering that I have one every day, a batch would last me about a week.

I've never made granola bars though and I've not baked with vanilla chips either so I'm not sure if it will work out. Will any brand from the grocery for the vanilla chips work? Or is there a specific brand that I should look for? I want the good stuff!

candyquilt

Vanilla chips are delicious. I like using them for homemade cookies along with caramel chips. These cookies turn out great. And vanilla chips are a great alternative for those who are not fond of chocolate chips. They are a bit sweeter though, so I do reduce the sugar in the cookie batter a little bit when I use them.

fify

@Logicfest-- You are correct, but I don't believe that all commercial white chocolate chips actually contain cocoa butter. White chocolate doesn't actually exist since chocolate is a combination of cocoa butter and cocoa powder. And white chocolate doesn't have cocoa powder. The good quality ones do have real cocoa butter in them, but the cheaper, commercial versions are nothing but corn syrup and fat.

Vanilla chips are also made from some type of fat and sugar, but they also contain vanilla, which white chocolate may or may not have. High end, confectionery vanilla chips are quite delicious.

Logicfest

No disrespect to your aunt, but I think she is wrong in assuming that white chocolate chips and vanilla chips are one in the same. The main difference has to do with cocoa butter. White chocolate chips will have cocoa butter in them while vanilla chips will not. Cocoa butter adds some depth and complexity to the chips that you just won't find in vanilla chips.

Markerrag

Isn't "vanilla chips" just a generic term for white chocolate chips? My aunt swore they were essentially the same thing and could be substituted for one another at will.

So, is there a real difference between the two?

Post your comments
Login:
Forgot password?
Register:
    • Vanilla chips may be used to make cookies.
      By: pattarastock
      Vanilla chips may be used to make cookies.
    • Vanilla chips may be used to make brownies.
      By: aaa187
      Vanilla chips may be used to make brownies.