Hershey Brownie

There’s something undeniably satisfying about biting into a rich, chocolatey brownie with the perfect balance of chewiness and fudginess. If you’re looking for the best Hershey brownie recipe, you’re in the right place! This guide will walk you through everything you need to know—from the essential ingredients to expert baking tips—to help you achieve bakery-quality homemade brownies every time.

Using Hershey’s cocoa as the star ingredient, we’ll explore classic and creative variations, baking techniques, and even ways to tweak the texture to your preference. Whether you love fudgy brownies, chewy brownies, or cakey brownies, this article has got you covered. Plus, we’ll answer some frequently asked questions about baking with cocoa powder, storing leftovers, and enhancing your brownies with mix-ins.

Introduction to Hershey Brownie Recipe

What Makes Hershey Brownies Special?

Not all brownies are created equal! Hershey brownies stand out because of their deep chocolate flavor, soft texture, and easy-to-make recipe. Unlike box mixes, this homemade brownie recipe allows you to control the ingredients, ensuring rich, moist, and perfectly balanced brownies.

The secret? Hershey’s cocoa powder! Unlike traditional baking chocolate, cocoa powder creates an intense chocolate taste without added fats, giving you pure chocolate bliss in every bite. Plus, using Hershey’s Special Dark Cocoa adds an even richer depth to the brownies!

A Brief History of Hershey’s Classic Brownies

The Hershey brownie recipe has been a household favorite for decades. Many remember the original Hershey’s Best Brownies recipe that used to be printed on the back of Hershey’s cocoa containers. This timeless recipe has been passed down through generations, bringing nostalgic flavors to families worldwide.

The brand itself—Hershey’s—has been a chocolate industry leader since 1894, ensuring high-quality chocolate products for baking and snacking alike. When you use Hershey’s cocoa in your brownies, you’re baking with a name that has defined chocolate excellence for over a century.

Why This Recipe is a Must-Try for Chocolate Lovers

If you’re a chocoholic, this easy Hershey brownie recipe is a dream come true! Here’s why:
✔️ Simple Ingredients – You likely already have everything in your pantry!
✔️ Intense Chocolate Flavor – Thanks to high-quality Hershey’s cocoa powder.
✔️ Customizable Texture – Make them fudgy, chewy, or cakey with small tweaks.
✔️ No Fancy Equipment Needed – Just a bowl, whisk, and an oven.

Now that you know why this classic brownie recipe is so special, let’s move on to the ingredients you’ll need!

Ingredients Needed for the Perfect Hershey Brownies

Essential Ingredients for a Classic Hershey Brownie Recipe

Creating the perfect Hershey brownie recipe starts with gathering the right ingredients. Unlike store-bought mixes, this homemade version lets you control the quality of every component. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Butter or margarine – Adds richness and helps create that signature fudgy texture.
• Granulated sugar – Sweetens the brownies and enhances their chewiness.
• Vanilla extract – A must-have for balancing out the chocolate’s intensity.
• Eggs – Bind everything together and contribute to the brownies’ structure.
• All-purpose flour – Provides the base, giving the brownies a firm yet soft bite.
• Baking powder – Helps with slight leavening, preventing the brownies from being too dense.
• Salt – Enhances the flavors and balances the sweetness.
• Hershey’s Cocoa Powder – The star ingredient that brings deep chocolate flavor without extra fat!

Alternative Ingredients for Dietary Restrictions

Want to make your Hershey brownie recipe more inclusive? Try these substitutions:

• For a gluten-free version – Swap all-purpose flour for almond flour or gluten-free baking flour.
• For a dairy-free option – Use vegan butter or coconut oil instead of butter.
• For a healthier take – Replace half the sugar with honey or coconut sugar for natural sweetness.

Why Hershey’s Cocoa is the Best Choice for Brownies

There are many cocoa powders out there, but Hershey’s stands out for its:

✔ Rich chocolate taste – A deep, velvety flavor without artificial additives.
✔ Smooth texture – Ensures the batter blends seamlessly.
✔ Variety of options – Choose between Hershey’s Natural Cocoa for a classic taste or Hershey’s Special Dark Cocoa for a richer, bolder brownie.

Now that we’ve got our ingredients ready, let’s move on to the step-by-step baking process!

Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Hershey Brownies

Preparing Your Baking Tools and Ingredients

Before diving into the recipe, make sure you have:

✔ A mixing bowl – For combining all the ingredients.
✔ A whisk or electric mixer – To ensure a smooth batter.
✔ A baking pan (8×8 or 9×9 inches) – The right size for perfectly thick brownies.
✔ Parchment paper or cooking spray – To prevent sticking.

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing your baking pan.

Mixing the Perfect Brownie Batter

1. Melt the butter in a saucepan or microwave, then transfer it to a mixing bowl.
2. Stir in sugar and vanilla extract, blending until smooth.
3. Add eggs one at a time, whisking well after each addition.
4. In a separate bowl, mix Hershey’s cocoa powder, flour, baking powder, and salt.
5. Gradually combine the dry and wet ingredients, stirring until you have a thick, glossy batter.

Baking the Brownies to Perfection

Pour the batter into the greased baking pan, spreading it evenly. Bake for 30–35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs (not wet batter!).

Want extra fudgy brownies? Bake for the shorter time range. Prefer cakier brownies? Let them stay in the oven a couple of minutes longer.

Cooling and Cutting: Tips for the Best Texture

Let the brownies cool in the pan for at least 20 minutes before slicing. This prevents them from falling apart! Use a sharp knife for clean, even cuts, and wipe it after each slice.

Now that you’ve mastered the best Hershey brownie recipe, it’s time to explore delicious variations!

Variations of Hershey Brownies

Chewy vs. Fudgy vs. Cakey: How to Adjust Texture

The beauty of the Hershey brownie recipe is its versatility. You can tweak the ingredients slightly to get the texture you love most:

• For chewy brownies: Use a mix of brown and white sugar. Brown sugar adds moisture and chewiness.
• For fudgy brownies: Increase the butter and chocolate content while reducing flour.
• For cakey brownies: Add an extra egg and a little more baking powder to create a fluffier texture.

Hershey’s Syrup Brownies: A Twist on the Classic

Want a super moist, gooey brownie? Try making Hershey’s syrup brownies! Instead of cocoa powder, this version uses Hershey’s chocolate syrup to create an ultra-rich and soft brownie. Simply swap out the cocoa powder for 1 cup of Hershey’s syrup, and reduce the sugar slightly. The result? A melt-in-your-mouth texture with deep chocolate flavor.

Adding Mix-Ins: Nuts, Chocolate Chips, and More

Take your Hershey brownies to the next level by adding mix-ins! Here are some tasty options:

✔ Chopped nuts – Walnuts, pecans, or almonds add crunch.
✔ Chocolate chips – Use semi-sweet, dark, or white chocolate for extra indulgence.
✔ Caramel swirls – Drizzle caramel on top before baking for a gooey surprise.
✔ Marshmallows – Add mini marshmallows in the last few minutes of baking for a s’mores-style treat.

Making a Gluten-Free or Vegan Version

If you have dietary restrictions, don’t worry—you can still enjoy the Hershey brownie recipe with a few simple swaps!

• Gluten-free version: Use almond flour or a gluten-free baking blend instead of all-purpose flour.
• Vegan version: Replace eggs with flax eggs (1 tbsp flaxseed meal + 3 tbsp water per egg) and use vegan butter.

Now that we’ve explored delicious variations, let’s go over expert baking tips to ensure your brownies turn out perfect every time!

Expert Tips for the Best Hershey Brownies

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Baking Brownies

Even the best bakers make mistakes, but knowing what to avoid can save your brownies! Here are the most common errors:

❌ Overmixing the batter – Stir just until combined; overmixing leads to dense brownies.
❌ Baking too long – Brownies continue cooking as they cool. Take them out when a toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs.
❌ Skipping the cooling step – Cutting brownies too soon makes them fall apart. Always let them cool first!

How to Store and Keep Brownies Fresh

To keep your Hershey brownies fresh and delicious:

• At room temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• In the fridge: Keeps for up to a week—just let them come to room temp before eating.
• In the freezer: Wrap individual brownies in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months.

The Science Behind Perfect Brownie Consistency

Want to achieve bakery-style brownies? Follow these simple science-backed baking tips:

• Use melted butter for an extra fudgy texture.
• Let the batter rest for 5-10 minutes before baking—it helps develop richer flavors.
• If using Hershey’s Special Dark Cocoa, add an extra tablespoon of sugar to balance the bitterness.

With these pro tips, you’ll be making the perfect Hershey brownie recipe every time!

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

Best Ways to Serve Hershey Brownies

Once you’ve baked the perfect Hershey brownie recipe, it’s time to serve them in a way that makes every bite even more enjoyable! You can keep things simple by enjoying them warm, straight from the pan, or try one of these fun serving ideas:

✔ Dust with powdered sugar – A light dusting adds an elegant touch and extra sweetness.
✔ Drizzle with chocolate or caramel sauce – Perfect for those who love an extra chocolatey bite.
✔ Warm and serve with a scoop of ice cream – The contrast between the warm brownie and cold ice cream is unbeatable.
✔ Layer into a brownie parfait – Crumble brownies into a glass, layer with whipped cream, and repeat!

Perfect Drinks and Desserts to Pair with Brownies

Pairing your Hershey brownies with the right drink or dessert takes them to the next level. Here are some delicious options:

• Hot beverages: A cup of hot chocolate, coffee, or espresso brings out the deep chocolate flavors.
• Cold drinks: A glass of cold milk or iced coffee complements the richness of the brownies.
• Extra desserts: Serve brownies alongside cheesecake, fresh berries, or a chocolate mousse for a decadent treat.

Making Brownie Sundaes and Other Creative Desserts

Want to turn your Hershey brownie recipe into an unforgettable dessert? Try making a brownie sundae! Simply:

1. Cut a brownie into squares and place it in a bowl.
2. Add a scoop (or two!) of vanilla ice cream.
3. Drizzle with chocolate or caramel sauce.
4. Sprinkle chopped nuts or crushed cookies for added crunch.

Now that you’ve mastered serving ideas, let’s move on to answering some frequently asked questions about making Hershey brownies.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Conclusion – Bake the Best Hershey Brownies Every Time

The Hershey brownie recipe is a true classic—easy to make, rich in flavor, and endlessly customizable. Whether you prefer fudgy, chewy, or cakey brownies, this guide has given you all the tips and tricks to achieve the perfect texture.

From choosing Hershey’s cocoa powder to adjusting ingredients for different textures, we’ve covered everything you need to know. We also explored fun variations, from Hershey’s syrup brownies to mix-ins like nuts and caramel, plus the best ways to serve and store your brownies for lasting freshness.

Now, it’s your turn! Gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and bake a batch of decadent homemade brownies. No matter how you serve them—on their own, with ice cream, or layered into a brownie sundae—you’re in for a chocolatey treat that everyone will love.

Happy baking! 🍫😊