Hershey’s Brownies Recipe

There is something truly special about a homemade brownie made from scratch, and this Hershey’s brownies recipe is the gold standard every chocolate lover needs in their kitchen.

Powered by the bold, unmistakable flavor of real Hershey’s cocoa, these brownies deliver a rich, deep chocolate experience that no boxed mix can ever replicate. Perfect for weekend baking sessions, family gatherings, or simply treating yourself after a long day, this recipe checks every box and pairs beautifully with bread pudding, strawberry pie, and cookie-inspired treats.

No stand mixer, no complicated techniques – just simple pantry staples and a bowl. This is genuinely Hershey’s best brownies recipe, and once you try this Hershey brownie recipe, you’ll never go back to anything else.

What Does It Taste Like?

These Hershey cocoa brownies are deeply chocolatey, slightly fudgy in the center, and perfectly set on the edges. Every bite is rich and dense without feeling heavy.

The natural bitterness of Hershey’s cocoa powder is beautifully balanced by the sweetness of the sugar and the warmth of vanilla extract. If you add optional chocolate chips, expect little pockets of melted chocolate throughout.

The optional pecan topping adds a satisfying nutty crunch that contrasts the soft, moist crumb beautifully. Warm out of the oven, they’re absolutely heavenly – and just as good at room temperature the next day.

Hershey’s Brownies Ingredients

Dry Ingredients:

• White Lily all-purpose flour
• Hershey’s cocoa powder
• Salt
• Baking powder

Wet Ingredients:

• Butter
• Sugar (generous amount)
• Eggs
• Vanilla extract

Optional Add-ins:

• Chocolate chips (for extra gooey richness)
• Pecans (for topping or mixing in)

Kitchen Utensils You’ll Need

• Large mixing bowl
• Medium mixing bowl
• Whisk
• Large spoon or spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons
• 8×8, 9×9, or 7×11 baking pan (for a single batch)
• 13×9 baking pan (for a doubled batch)
• Cooking spray or butter for greasing

Preparation Time, Cooking Time & Servings

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 40–55 minutes (depending on pan size and batch)
• Total Time: Approximately 55–70 minutes
• Servings: 9–12 brownies (single batch)

Hershey’s Brownies Recipe Instructions

Step 1 – Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, Hershey’s cocoa powder, salt, and baking powder until evenly combined.

Set aside.

Step 2 – Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, add the butter and a generous amount of sugar. Mix together well using a spoon or whisk. No electric mixer needed – this can be done entirely by hand.

Step 3 – Add Eggs and Vanilla

Add the eggs and vanilla extract to your butter-sugar mixture. Mix well, making sure to fully break the egg yolks and incorporate everything evenly.

Step 4 – Fold in the Dry Ingredients

Gradually fold the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients using a large spoon.

Stir gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can affect the texture of your brownies.

Step 5 – Add Optional Chocolate Chips

If desired, gently fold in a handful of chocolate chips for extra richness and gooey pockets of chocolate throughout.

Step 6 – Prepare Your Pan and Pour

Grease or spray your baking pan. For a single batch, use an 8×8, 9×9, or 7×11 pan. Pour the brownie batter in and spread it evenly.

Step 7 – Add Pecan Topping (Optional)

If using pecans, sprinkle them over the top of the batter. You can cover the whole pan or just half, depending on your preference.

Step 8 – Bake

Bake at 350°F (177°C) for 40–55 minutes. A doubled batch in a 13×9 pan typically takes around 50–55 minutes. The brownies will rise tall and look beautifully set on top.

Step 9 – Cool and Slice

Remove from the oven and let the brownies cool for a few minutes before slicing. Enjoy them warm or fully cooled – both ways are absolutely delicious.

Customization and Serving Ideas

One of the best things about this Hershey brownie recipe is how wonderfully versatile it is. Once you’ve mastered the base, the possibilities are truly endless.

1. Double Chocolate Bliss

Fold in an extra handful of Hershey’s chocolate chips into the batter before baking. This takes the chocolate intensity to a whole new level and creates irresistible melty pockets in every bite.

2. Nutty Pecan Brownies

Sprinkle chopped pecans over the entire top of the batter before baking for a classic Southern-style brownie with a satisfying crunch. You can also mix walnuts directly into the batter for a more even distribution of nuttiness.

3. Brownie Sundae

Serve a warm square of your Hershey’s best brownies topped with a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of hot fudge or caramel sauce. This pairing is an effortless dessert showstopper perfect for dinner parties.

4. Peanut Butter Swirl

Drop spoonfuls of creamy peanut butter onto the brownie batter before baking and swirl gently with a knife. The combination of Hershey’s cocoa and peanut butter is a timeless, crowd-pleasing flavor pairing.

5. Espresso-Enhanced Brownies

Add a teaspoon of instant espresso powder to your dry ingredients. Coffee doesn’t overpower the chocolate – it deepens and intensifies the natural cocoa flavor, making your hershey cocoa brownies taste even more complex and bakery-worthy.

6. Holiday and Seasonal Toppings

For festive occasions, top the baked brownies with crushed peppermint candy canes during Christmas, pastel sprinkles for Easter, or orange zest for a bright autumn twist. These small additions make your brownies feel special and seasonal without changing the beloved base recipe.

7. Brownie à la Mode with Berry Compote

Pair your warm brownie square with a dollop of whipped cream and a spoonful of fresh strawberry or raspberry compote. The tartness of the berries cuts through the richness of the chocolate beautifully, creating a balanced and elegant dessert plate.

Tips for the Best Hershey’s Brownies

Follow these tried-and-true tips to make sure your Hershey’s brownies turn out perfectly every single time.

1. Use Quality Hershey’s Cocoa Powder

The star ingredient here is the cocoa, so don’t substitute it. Hershey’s cocoa powder has a distinct flavor profile that gives these brownies their signature taste. Using a different brand will produce a noticeably different result. Always use unsweetened cocoa powder for the correct flavor balance.

2. Don’t Overmix the Batter

Once you add the dry ingredients to the wet, mix only until just combined. Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, resulting in a tougher, cakier brownie rather than the dense, fudgy texture you’re aiming for. A few streaks are perfectly fine before they disappear with the last few folds.

3. Room Temperature Butter and Eggs Matter

Using room temperature butter and eggs helps everything blend together more smoothly and evenly. Cold butter can create lumps that are hard to work out by hand, and cold eggs can slightly seize the batter. Pull them from the fridge about 30 minutes before baking.

4. Grease Your Pan Generously

Don’t be shy with the cooking spray or butter when preparing your pan. Hershey cocoa brownies have a tendency to stick due to their dense, moist texture. For extra insurance, you can line the pan with parchment paper and grease on top of that for perfectly clean slices every time.

5. Know Your Pan Size

Pan size directly affects baking time and brownie thickness. A smaller pan like an 8×8 produces thicker, fudgier brownies that may need closer to 55 minutes. A larger pan spreads the batter thinner and may bake faster. Always start checking around the 40-minute mark using the toothpick test – a few moist crumbs on the toothpick is ideal.

6. Let Them Cool Before Slicing

It’s tempting to dive right in, but allowing your brownies to cool for at least 10–15 minutes helps them set properly. Slicing too early results in crumbly, uneven pieces. If you want ultra-clean cuts, let them cool completely and use a sharp knife wiped clean between each slice.

7. Double the Batch for Crowds

This recipe doubles beautifully. Simply double all the ingredients and use a 13×9 pan. Adjust the baking time accordingly – a doubled batch typically takes around 50–55 minutes. This is ideal for bake sales, potlucks, or anytime you need to feed a crowd without making two separate batches.

Storage and Reheating Guidance

Store cooled brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 1 week or freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, microwave individual pieces for 15–20 seconds until warm.