The Best Fluffy Pancakes recipe you will fall in love with. Full of tips and tricks to help you make the best pancakes.
There’s something timeless about a rich, fudgy brownie that brings comfort with every bite—and if you’ve been searching for the ultimate version, Hershey’s Best Brownie Recipe might just be it. This isn’t your average brownie; it’s the kind that hits the sweet spot between chewy edges and a gooey center, made with the classic taste of Hershey’s cocoa that we all know and love.
Whether you’re baking for a special occasion, a casual get-together, or simply craving a little chocolate therapy, this recipe delivers on flavor, texture, and nostalgia. It’s simple enough for beginners, but satisfying enough for seasoned bakers who appreciate a truly great brownie. With just a few pantry staples, you’ll have a tray of homemade brownies that rivals any bakery treat.
So if you’re ready to make brownies that actually live up to the hype, Hershey’s Best Brownie Recipe is the one you’ll want to bookmark—and bake again and again.
Ingredients for Hershey’s Best Brownies
To create that rich, chocolatey magic in Hershey’s Best Brownie Recipe, it all begins with the right combination of ingredients. These brownies don’t require anything fancy—just simple, everyday staples that come together to make something truly delicious.]
Dry Ingredients
Let’s start with the dry ingredients. You’ll need 1 cup of granulated sugar, which adds sweetness and helps give the brownies a soft, chewy texture. Add 1/2 cup of all-purpose flour—just enough to give the brownies structure without making them too cakey. The key ingredient is 1/3 cup of Hershey’s cocoa, which brings out that deep, rich chocolate flavor everyone loves. A pinch of baking powder (1/4 teaspoon) gives a slight lift, while 1/4 teaspoon of salt enhances the overall taste and balances the sweetness.
Wet Ingredients
Now for the wet ingredients. You’ll use 1/2 cup (or one stick) of melted butter or margarine, which makes the brownies moist and rich. Two large eggs are essential for binding everything together and adding that fudgy texture. Finally, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract rounds out the flavor with a warm, aromatic note that pairs beautifully with the chocolate.
Optional Add-ins
If you’re feeling creative, there are a few optional add-ins that can take these brownies to the next level. Stir in 1/2 cup of chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for a crunchy contrast. Chocolate lovers can toss in 1/2 cup of chocolate chips for extra richness and gooey bites throughout. And if you’re in the mood for something indulgent, swirl in a bit of peanut butter or caramel before baking—it’s a simple way to make these brownies feel extra special.
One important tip, stick with Hershey’s cocoa for the best results. This recipe is designed with Hershey’s in mind, and swapping it for another brand might change the taste or texture.
With these ingredients, you’re just a few steps away from baking a batch of brownies that are fudgy, flavorful, and guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. Now that your ingredients are lined up, let’s get ready to mix and bake!
Step by Step Guide for Hershey’s Best Brownies
Ready to bake a batch of rich, fudgy brownies that taste like pure chocolate heaven? Follow this easy, step-by-step guide for Hershey’s Best Brownie Recipe, and you’ll be pulling a warm tray of homemade brownies out of the oven in no time. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned home baker, this process is straightforward, satisfying, and absolutely worth it.
Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients
Before you start, make sure you have all the ingredients laid out and measured. You’ll need:
- Dry ingredients: 1 cup sugar, 1/2 cup flour, 1/3 cup Hershey’s cocoa, 1/4 tsp baking powder, 1/4 tsp salt
- Wet ingredients: 1/2 cup melted butter or margarine, 2 large eggs, 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Optional add-ins: 1/2 cup chopped nuts, 1/2 cup chocolate chips, or a swirl of peanut butter or caramel
Having everything ready to go helps the baking process run smoothly.
Step 2: Preheat and Prep Your Pan
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to preheat. While it warms up, grab an 8-inch square baking pan and lightly grease it with butter or cooking spray. You can also line it with parchment paper for easy removal later.
Step 3: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the sugar, flour, Hershey’s cocoa, baking powder, and salt. Mixing the dry ingredients thoroughly ensures even flavor and texture throughout your brownies.
Step 4: Add the Wet Ingredients
Now it’s time to add the melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract. Pour them into the bowl with the dry ingredients and stir until everything is well combined. Don’t overmix—just enough so you no longer see streaks of flour or cocoa. The batter should be thick and glossy.
Step 5: Customize Your Batter (Optional)
If you want to add a little something extra, this is the moment. Fold in your chocolate chips or chopped nuts, or swirl in some peanut butter or caramel using a knife for a marbled effect. These add-ins make your brownies even more decadent.
Step 6: Pour the Batter into the Pan
Spoon the brownie batter into your prepared baking pan and spread it evenly using a spatula. Make sure it’s level so the brownies bake uniformly. If you added swirls, give them one last gentle pass with a knife for a beautiful top.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Place the pan in the oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, depending on your oven and your preferred texture. For fudgier brownies, aim closer to 20 minutes. If you like them a little more firm, leave them in closer to 25 minutes.
To check doneness, insert a toothpick in the center—if it comes out with moist crumbs (not wet batter), they’re done. Avoid overbaking, as that can dry them out.
Step 8: Let Them Cool
Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and place it on a wire rack to cool. Let the brownies cool for at least 15–20 minutes before cutting into them. This helps them set up and makes slicing a lot easier.
Step 9: Slice and Serve
Use a sharp knife to cut the brownies into squares—9 large or 16 smaller pieces, depending on how you like them. Wipe the knife clean between cuts for neat edges. Serve them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or store them for later.
Step 10: Store the Leftovers
If you have any leftovers (though they tend to disappear fast), store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also refrigerate them for a fudgier texture or freeze for longer storage.
Tips for the Perfect Hershey’s Brownies
Even though Hershey’s Best Brownie Recipe is super simple, a few expert tips can take your brownies from great to absolutely unforgettable. Whether you’re baking them for a crowd or enjoying a solo chocolate moment, here are some easy tricks to help you nail that rich, fudgy goodness every single time.
Use High-Quality Cocoa
The key to deep chocolate flavor is using Hershey’s cocoa—not just any cocoa powder. It’s specifically designed for baking and delivers a smooth, rich taste. Don’t substitute it with a cheaper brand or dark cocoa unless the recipe calls for it. You want that classic Hershey’s flavor to shine.
Don’t Overmix the Batter
Once you combine your wet and dry ingredients, mix just until everything is incorporated. Overmixing can make the brownies tough or cakey. You’re going for fudgy here, so stir gently and stop as soon as the streaks disappear.
Line Your Pan for Easy Removal
While greasing your baking pan works fine, lining it with parchment paper makes cleanup a breeze—and ensures your brownies don’t stick. Plus, you can lift the entire batch out of the pan after baking and cut cleaner squares.
Check Early to Avoid Overbaking
Brownies can go from perfectly fudgy to dry in just a few minutes. Start checking around the 20-minute mark. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out with moist crumbs—not wet batter and not totally clean. Remember, they continue to set as they cool.
Let Them Cool Before Cutting
We know it’s tempting to dive in immediately, but letting your brownies cool for at least 15–20 minutes helps them firm up. Cutting too soon can leave you with a gooey mess. For the cleanest cuts, use a sharp knife and wipe it off between slices.
Customize With Care
If you’re adding nuts, chocolate chips, or swirls, don’t go overboard. Stick to about 1/2 cup of extras so they complement the batter without overwhelming it. A little texture or flavor boost goes a long way.
Variations on the Classic Recipe
While Hershey’s Best Brownie Recipe is amazing just the way it is, sometimes it’s fun to switch things up. Whether you’re craving something nutty, gooey, or a bit over-the-top, these creative variations add a personalized twist to your brownies—without losing that rich, chocolatey base.
Add Chocolate Chips or Chunks
For an ultra-decadent bite, fold in 1/2 cup of semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips before baking. You’ll get little pockets of melted chocolate that make every bite gooey and rich. Prefer texture? Swap chips for chopped chocolate chunks for that rustic, homemade feel.
Swirl in Peanut Butter or Nutella
Craving that sweet-salty combo? Drop a few spoonfuls of peanut butter or Nutella on top of the batter and swirl it with a knife before baking. The result is a marbled brownie with extra flavor in every bite—especially delicious when served warm.
Mix in Chopped Nuts
If you love a little crunch, toss in 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts, pecans, or almonds. Nuts give the brownies a deeper flavor and great texture without overpowering the classic chocolate base. Lightly toast the nuts beforehand to bring out even more flavor.
Create a Mint Chocolate Version
Add 1/4 teaspoon of peppermint extract to the batter and sprinkle crushed peppermint candies or mint chocolate chips on top. This twist is especially perfect for the holidays or any time you’re in the mood for that cool, refreshing mint-chocolate combo.
Turn Them Into Mocha Brownies
Want a coffee kick? Add 1 tablespoon of instant espresso powder or strong brewed coffee to the batter. Coffee enhances the chocolate flavor and adds a subtle depth that’s perfect for grown-up palates.
Top with Frosting or Ganache
Once the brownies have cooled, take them up a notch with a thick layer of chocolate frosting or silky ganache. It’s ideal for parties or celebrations when you want them to look as impressive as they taste.
FAQs
What Makes Hershey’s Best Brownies Different From Other Brownie Recipes?
Hershey’s Best Brownies stand out because they use Hershey’s cocoa powder, which gives them a deep, rich chocolate flavor that’s both classic and comforting. Unlike some recipes that rely heavily on chocolate bars or mixes, this one focuses on simple ingredients and the quality of cocoa to create that perfect balance of fudgy texture and chocolate intensity. When you bake these brownies, you’ll notice they’re moist without being too dense, making them a crowd-pleaser for any occasion.
Can I Substitute Ingredients In Hershey’s Best Brownie Recipe?
While it’s possible to make substitutions, it’s best to stick as close as possible to the original ingredients for the best results. For example, swapping Hershey’s cocoa powder for a different brand may alter the flavor and texture. You can replace butter with margarine or oil, but butter adds richness that’s hard to beat. If you need to make it dairy-free or vegan, there are alternatives, but the texture might be different. Always keep in mind that small changes can affect how fudgy or cakey your brownies turn out.
How Do I Know When Hershey’s Best Brownies Are Fully Baked?
To check if your brownies are done, insert a toothpick into the center about 20 minutes into baking. You want it to come out with a few moist crumbs attached—not wet batter or completely clean. If it’s too wet, bake for a few more minutes and check again. Remember, the brownies will continue to set as they cool, so it’s better to slightly underbake than overbake for that signature fudgy texture.
Can I Add Mix-Ins Like Nuts or Chocolate Chips To Hershey’s Best Brownie Recipe?
Absolutely! Adding mix-ins like chopped walnuts, pecans, or chocolate chips is a popular way to customize Hershey’s Best Brownies. Typically, about 1/2 cup of nuts or chips works well without overpowering the batter. Just fold them gently into the batter before pouring it into your pan. These additions provide extra texture and flavor, giving your brownies a delicious twist while still maintaining the classic chocolate goodness.
What Is The Best Way To Store Hershey’s Best Brownies?
Once your brownies have cooled completely, store them in an airtight container at room temperature to keep them fresh and moist. They’ll stay good for about 3 days this way. If you want to keep them longer, you can refrigerate them for up to a week or freeze them for up to three months. When freezing, wrap brownies tightly in plastic wrap and foil to prevent freezer burn. Thaw at room temperature before serving for the best texture.
Can I Make Hershey’s Best Brownies Ahead Of Time?
Yes, you can definitely prepare Hershey’s Best Brownies ahead of time. They actually taste great even a day or two after baking because the flavors have more time to develop. Bake and cool them completely, then store in an airtight container. For gatherings, you can bake the brownies the day before and add any frosting or toppings just before serving to keep them fresh and moist.
How Can I Make Hershey’s Best Brownies More Fudgy Or More Cakey?
If you prefer fudgier brownies, try using slightly less flour and bake for less time—just until the center is set but still moist. More butter or an extra egg yolk can also increase fudginess. For cakier brownies, add a bit more flour and increase the baking time slightly. You might also try adding a small amount of baking powder to introduce a lighter texture. Experimenting with these small tweaks lets you customize the texture to your personal taste.
Is Hershey’s Best Brownie Recipe Suitable For Beginners?
Definitely! This recipe is straightforward and doesn’t require any complicated techniques or fancy ingredients. The instructions are simple to follow, and the ingredients are basic pantry staples. Whether you’re new to baking or just want a reliable recipe, Hershey’s Best Brownies are a great place to start. Plus, the end result is always impressive—a rich, fudgy brownie that tastes like you spent hours perfecting it.
Final Words
Hershey’s Best Brownies offer a perfect blend of rich chocolate flavor and fudgy texture that’s hard to beat. With simple ingredients and easy steps, this recipe is ideal for both beginners and seasoned bakers looking to satisfy their chocolate cravings.
Whether you stick to the classic version or try one of the delicious variations, these brownies never disappoint. Remember, the key is using quality Hershey’s cocoa and following the baking tips to get that perfect moist, chewy bite every time.
So go ahead, bake a batch, share with friends or enjoy solo—these brownies are sure to become your new favorite go-to dessert!
