Want a Hershey brownie recipe that’s ridiculously easy but tastes like a million bucks? I got you. This Hershey brownie recipe is the one you’ve been searching for.
The Ingredients: Simple and Sweet
This Hershey brownie recipe starts with the good stuff. You’ll want:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted (Trust me, unsalted gives you more control over sweetness)
- 2 cups granulated sugar (This is where the sweetness comes in – don’t skimp!)
- 4 large eggs (Fresh eggs make a difference in the texture)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (Adds that extra touch of flavor)
- 1 cup Hershey’s unsweetened cocoa powder (The star of the show, baby!)
- ½ teaspoon salt (Balances the sweetness)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (Don’t substitute, this is key for a good texture)
- 1 cup Hershey’s chocolate chips (Because more chocolate is always better, right?)
- Optional: ½ cup chopped nuts (Walnuts or pecans add a nice crunch)
Instructions: Easy Peasy
Let’s bake! This Hershey brownie recipe is straightforward, even for baking newbies.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan. (This is crucial for easy release and even baking. Use a little cooking spray – don’t forget that little detail!)
- Melt the butter. Then, stir in the sugar. Whisk until smooth. (I use a whisk – it’s faster!)
- Beat in the eggs one at a time. Add the vanilla extract and mix well. (Make sure to mix until everything is combined, no lumps!)
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the cocoa powder, salt, and flour. Gradually add this to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Don’t overmix! (Overmixing makes your brownies tough, nobody wants that.)
- Stir in the Hershey’s chocolate chips and nuts (if using). (This is where you add your personal touch. Get creative!)
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan. Spread it evenly. (A spatula works well for this step – makes your batter even.)
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs. (Don’t overbake! They should be fudgy.)
Tips for Perfect Hershey Brownies Every Time
My golden rule? Don’t open the oven door too much while they’re baking! Here’s more on this amazing Hershey brownie recipe:
- Pan size matters: Using a different sized pan will change the baking time. If you use an 8×8 inch pan, it’ll bake faster.
- Testing for doneness: A toothpick inserted into the center should come out with a few moist crumbs attached. They’re not quite done if it’s completely clean; they’ll still cook as they cool.
- Cooling is key: Let the brownies cool completely in the pan before cutting. This prevents them from crumbling apart.
- Storage: Store leftover brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Level Up Your Hershey Brownies: Optional Additions
Want to make your Hershey brownie recipe even better? Try these additions:
- Chocolate Fudge Brownies: Add a layer of chocolate ganache for extra decadence!
- Nutty Hershey Bar Brownies: Go nuts! Chopped pecans or walnuts complement the rich chocolate perfectly.
- Swirl it up: Add a swirl of peanut butter, caramel, or white chocolate chips to your batter.
More Hershey’s Dessert Recipes You’ll Love
This Hershey brownie recipe is just the start. Discover even more delicious treats made with Hershey’s products!
This Hershey brownie recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Give it a try and let me know how it goes! Enjoy those delicious, gooey, chocolatey Hershey brownies.
So you made my Hershey brownie recipe, huh? Awesome! But let’s talk about taking those already amazing Hershey brownies to the NEXT LEVEL. This part is all about troubleshooting, FAQs, and getting those perfect, fudgy, chocolatey squares every single time.
Troubleshooting Your Hershey Brownies: Common Problems & Solutions
Let’s be real, even the best recipes have their quirks. Here are a few common Hershey brownie issues and how to fix them:
- Brownies too cakey? You probably overbaked them. Next time, check for doneness a few minutes earlier than the recipe suggests. Remember that toothpick test? A few moist crumbs are good. Completely clean means they are overdone.
- Brownies too dry? Not enough butter, or maybe you overbaked them. Ensure you’re using the full 1 cup (2 sticks) of butter, and next time, pay close attention to that baking time.
- Brownies cracked on top? This often happens if the oven is too hot, or you opened the oven door too frequently. Keep that oven door shut unless you absolutely need to check!
- Brownies stuck to the pan? Insufficient greasing and flouring of the baking pan is the culprit. Use a high-quality nonstick spray and don’t skimp on the flour.
- Brownies are flat: You may have overmixed the batter. Remember, gently fold the wet and dry ingredients. Overmixing develops gluten, leading to tough, flat brownies.
- Why are my brownies unevenly baked? Uneven baking usually happens when the oven temperature is inconsistent. Use an oven thermometer to ensure the correct temperature and rotate the pan halfway through baking.
- How do I make my brownies fudgier? To get fudgier brownies, use more butter and reduce the baking time slightly. Avoid overmixing the batter.
- Why do my brownies sink in the middle? This might happen if you overbeat the eggs, incorporate too much air, or open the oven door before the brownies are set. Measure ingredients accurately and avoid overmixing.
- Why do my brownies taste bland? Double-check that you’re using high-quality cocoa powder and chocolate. Adding a pinch of espresso powder can enhance the chocolate flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about this Hershey Brownie Recipe
Got questions? You’re not alone! Here are some frequently asked questions about this Hershey brownie recipe:
- Can I use Hershey’s Special Dark cocoa instead of unsweetened? Absolutely! It’ll add a deeper, richer chocolate flavor, but your brownies will be slightly more bitter.
- What’s the best type of chocolate chips to use? I love using Hershey’s chocolate chips, but you can experiment! Semi-sweet, milk chocolate, dark chocolate – it’s your call.
- Can I make these brownies ahead of time? Yes! They store well in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week.
- Can I freeze these brownies? Totally! Freeze them in an airtight container for up to two months. Thaw them at room temperature.
- Can I make these brownies gluten-free? Sure thing. Just use a good quality all-purpose gluten-free baking flour blend. You might need to add a little extra flour, as some gluten-free blends are not as absorbent.
- Can I use Hershey’s chocolate syrup instead of cocoa powder? Yes, but it will affect the texture and sweetness. Use about 1 cup of syrup and reduce the sugar slightly.
- How do I cut brownies cleanly? Let the brownies cool completely, and use a sharp knife dipped in hot water for clean slices.
- Can I add nuts or other mix-ins to the recipe? Absolutely! Chopped walnuts, pecans, or even caramel bits make great additions. Fold them in gently before baking.
- Why do my brownies have a greasy texture? Overmixing the butter and sugar can cause a greasy texture. Beat them just until combined.
- Can I double the recipe? Yes, but use a larger baking pan and monitor the baking time carefully. It may take slightly longer for larger batches.
Level Up Your Hershey Brownies: Beyond the Basics
This recipe is your foundation. Here’s how to take it to the next level:
- Embrace the Chocolate Fudge Brownie: Add a rich chocolate ganache on top. It’s like adding the cherry on top of already incredible chocolate cake.
- Go Nuts!: Add chopped pecans, walnuts, or a mix. The crunch is a game-changer. A little salt also takes it up a notch.
- Creative Swirls: Think peanut butter swirls, caramel ribboned through the batter, or white chocolate chips. Get creative!
- Brownie Sundae: Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream, and a drizzle of chocolate syrup for an epic treat.
More Hershey Brownie Recipe Ideas: Beyond the Basics
Don’t stop here! Check out these other amazing recipes:
- Chewy Hershey Brownies: For extra chewy brownies, use a bit less flour and bake for a shorter time.
- Fudgy Hershey Brownies: Use slightly less flour and bake until slightly underdone for that ultra-fudgy texture.
- Hershey Bar Brownies: If you wanna switch it up, try using chopped up Hershey’s bars in the recipe.
This Hershey brownie recipe is consistently the best way to make incredible brownies. It’s all about mastering the fundamentals, adding your personal touch, and having fun in the kitchen. Now go make some killer Hershey brownies!