Are you craving a rich, fudgy brownie that melts in your mouth? Look no further! This easy Hershey's Cocoa brownie recipe is the perfect treat for chocolate lovers of all skill levels. Forget boxed mixes; homemade brownies are surprisingly simple to make and infinitely more satisfying. This recipe delivers intensely chocolatey brownies with a delightfully chewy texture—the best part of your day, guaranteed. Let's get baking!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup unsweetened Hershey's cocoa powder
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- Optional: ½ cup chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or other mix-ins
Instructions:
- Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour an 8x8 inch baking pan. This ensures your brownies release easily and have beautifully crisp edges.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the melted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Beat with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy. This step is crucial for creating a light and airy batter.
- Add Eggs & Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract. Mix well after each addition to incorporate fully.
- Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, Hershey's cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. This prevents lumps in your batter and ensures even baking.
- Combine Wet & Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in tough brownies.
- Mix-ins (Optional): Stir in your favorite mix-ins, such as chocolate chips or nuts, if desired.
- Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs attached (don't expect it to be completely clean). Overbaking will result in dry brownies.
- Cool & Cut: Let the brownies cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares. This allows them to set properly and makes for easier cutting.
Tips for the Perfect Brownie:
- Don't overmix the batter: Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, leading to tough brownies. Mix only until the ingredients are just combined.
- Use good quality cocoa powder: Hershey's cocoa powder provides a rich, intense chocolate flavor.
- Let the brownies cool completely: Cooling allows the brownies to set properly and prevents them from crumbling when cut.
- Adjust baking time: Ovens vary, so keep an eye on your brownies and adjust the baking time as needed. Start checking for doneness around 25 minutes.
Variations:
- Nutty Brownies: Add ½ cup chopped walnuts, pecans, or macadamia nuts to the batter.
- Mint Chocolate Brownies: Add ½ cup of Andes mint chocolate pieces.
- Salted Caramel Brownies: Swirl in a layer of homemade or store-bought salted caramel sauce before baking.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This information is an estimate and will vary depending on the specific ingredients used. It's based on a 16-serving recipe.
- Calories: Approximately 250
- Fat: Approximately 14g
- Saturated Fat: Approximately 8g
- Sugar: Approximately 25g
- Protein: Approximately 3g
Enjoy your deliciously easy and decadent Hershey's Cocoa Brownies! They're perfect for sharing (or not!). This recipe is a great addition to your collection of easy recipes, healthy meals (relatively!), and quick dinner ideas if you consider dessert a meal! It's a fantastic example of homemade cooking at its finest, delivering delicious dishes without complicated techniques. This really is one of the best recipes you'll find for a classic treat.