If you’re a fan of chocolate chip cookies, you’re in for a treat! There’s something about Hershey’s chocolate chips that make cookies irresistible. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the step-by-step process of making the perfect batch of Hershey chocolate chip cookies from scratch. Whether you’re a novice baker or a seasoned pro, this recipe is simple, delicious, and guaranteed to satisfy your cookie cravings. Let’s dive in!
Introduction to Hershey Chocolate Chip Cookies
What Makes Hershey Chocolate Chip Cookies So Special?
When it comes to baking, there are few things more iconic than a warm, gooey chocolate chip cookie. And while there are countless variations of this classic treat, the secret to a truly great cookie often lies in the quality of the ingredients. Hershey’s, a name synonymous with chocolate, is a go-to for many cookie enthusiasts.
What makes Hershey’s chocolate chip cookies stand out? It’s the perfect balance of soft, chewy texture with a crispy golden edge—not to mention the rich and smooth chocolate chips that melt to perfection. The unique thing about Hershey’s chocolate chips is their ideal size and meltability, providing that perfect chocolate-to-dough ratio. Whether you’re enjoying them fresh out of the oven or storing them for later, they deliver on flavor and texture every time.
Why This Hershey Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe Is a Must-Try
There’s a lot to love about this Hershey chocolate chip cookie recipe. First off, it’s incredibly straightforward—no complicated techniques or hard-to-find ingredients here! The recipe relies on simple, staple kitchen items like butter, sugar, eggs, and, of course, Hershey’s chocolate chips. The result? A batch of cookies that’s easy to whip up, yet tastes like you’ve been baking for hours.
Additionally, this recipe produces the perfect balance of soft and chewy with a light crispiness at the edges—just how chocolate chip cookies should be. By following the step-by-step instructions, you’ll soon have a plate of cookies that everyone will love. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just to satisfy your sweet tooth, these cookies never disappoint.
Ready to get baking? Let’s dive into the ingredients you’ll need for these Hershey chocolate chip cookies!
Ingredients You Need for Hershey Chocolate Chip Cookies
List of Ingredients for Hershey Chocolate Chip Cookies
Before we get into the baking process, let’s talk ingredients. For a truly delicious Hershey chocolate chip cookie recipe, you’ll need a few basic kitchen staples. Here’s a simple list of what you’ll need:
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ¾ cup packed brown sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
- 2 cups Hershey’s semi-sweet chocolate chips
- Optional: 1 cup chopped nuts (e.g., walnuts or pecans)
As you can see, the ingredients for this Hershey chocolate chip cookie recipe are fairly simple, but each one plays a key role in achieving the perfect cookie. The butter and sugars help with the texture, while the Hershey’s chocolate chips bring the rich, creamy chocolate flavor we all know and love.
Special Hershey Ingredients for Chocolate Chip Cookies
Let’s dive a bit deeper into what makes Hershey’s ingredients stand out. The chocolate chips are the star of this recipe, and Hershey’s chips are known for their high-quality cocoa and smooth texture. Unlike other chocolate chips, Hershey’s semi-sweet chips melt perfectly inside the dough, giving you those irresistible melty pockets of chocolate.
If you want to experiment with different flavors, consider swapping out the semi-sweet chips for other Hershey products, like Hershey’s milk chocolate chips, or even Hershey’s mini chips for a more even distribution of chocolate. You could also mix in a combination of Hershey’s Special Dark Chocolate Chips for a richer, more intense flavor profile. Each variation brings its own twist to the classic cookie.
Ingredient Substitutions and Variations
Whether you have dietary restrictions or just want to try something new, there are several ways to customize this Hershey chocolate chip cookie recipe. Here are a few substitutions and variations to consider:
- Gluten-Free Version: If you need a gluten-free option, simply swap out the all-purpose flour for a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Be sure to check that your baking soda and chocolate chips are gluten-free.
- Dairy-Free Option: Use dairy-free butter and swap the chocolate chips for dairy-free chocolate chips (many brands offer this option). This way, you can still enjoy the rich, chocolatey goodness without dairy.
- Vegan Option: For a vegan twist, substitute the eggs with a flaxseed meal mixture (1 tbsp ground flaxseeds + 2.5 tbsp water = 1 egg) and use a plant-based butter. Make sure to choose vegan chocolate chips, such as those made by Enjoy Life or other plant-based brands.
- Add-ins: If you want to spice things up, consider adding ingredients like toffee bits, dried fruit, or even shredded coconut. These add a bit of texture and flavor, elevating your Hershey chocolate chip cookies to the next level.
No matter what substitutions or variations you choose, the key to success is balancing the dry ingredients with the wet ones. Keep the proportions right, and you’ll end up with mouthwatering cookies every time.
Step-by-Step Hershey Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe
Step 1: Preparing the Dough
Now that you’ve gathered all the ingredients, it’s time to get started! The first step in this Hershey chocolate chip cookie recipe is preparing the dough. Here’s how to do it:
- Preheat the oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is the perfect temperature to ensure that your cookies bake evenly and become golden brown on the edges.
- Mix the dry ingredients: In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together your flour, baking soda, and salt. Set this mixture aside for now. This will help to evenly distribute the baking soda and prevent clumps in the dough.
- Cream the butter and sugars: In a large mixing bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Beat on medium speed for about 2-3 minutes until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This step is key to getting that soft and chewy texture.
- Add the eggs and vanilla: Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Once the eggs are incorporated, add the vanilla extract and mix until everything is well combined. The vanilla will add that classic flavor that complements the richness of the chocolate chips.
- Combine the dry ingredients with the wet ingredients: Slowly add the dry ingredient mixture (flour, baking soda, salt) into the wet ingredients. Mix on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix—overmixing can result in tough cookies!
Step 2: Chilling the Dough
Although this step is optional, chilling your cookie dough can improve the texture of your Hershey chocolate chip cookies. It allows the flour to absorb the wet ingredients, leading to a thicker dough and better control over the cookies’ spread while baking.
- Chill the dough: Once your dough is mixed, cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer the dough into an airtight container. Place it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. If you have more time, you can chill it for up to 2 hours or even overnight. Chilling is particularly helpful if you want thicker, more structured cookies.
- Why chill the dough? Chilling gives the dough time to firm up, preventing the cookies from spreading too thin while baking. It also enhances the flavor as the dough sits and the sugars meld together.
Step 3: Shaping and Baking the Cookies
Now, let’s get to the fun part—shaping and baking your Hershey chocolate chip cookies!
- Scoop the dough: After chilling, take the dough out of the fridge and let it sit for a few minutes so it’s easier to scoop. Using a cookie scoop or a tablespoon, scoop out dough portions about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. For uniformly sized cookies, try to keep the scoops consistent.
- Arrange on a baking sheet: Place the cookie dough balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. Space them about 2 inches apart to give them room to spread.
- Bake the cookies: Pop the baking sheet into the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the centers are set but still soft. If you prefer crispier cookies, you can bake them for a few extra minutes. Keep an eye on them as they bake—they can go from golden to overdone in just a minute.
- Check for doneness: The cookies will continue to cook on the baking sheet after you remove them from the oven. A good rule of thumb is that when the edges are golden and the tops are slightly cracked, they’re done!
Step 4: Cooling and Storing the Cookies
Once your cookies are baked, let’s talk about cooling and storage to keep them tasting fresh.
- Cool the cookies: Transfer the baked cookies to a cooling rack immediately after removing them from the oven. This helps them set and prevents them from becoming soggy. Allow them to cool completely for a soft, chewy texture, or enjoy them warm for that melty chocolate goodness.
- Store the cookies: If you’re not planning to eat the entire batch right away (though we won’t blame you if you do!), store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh for up to 1 week. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze the cookies in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: To enjoy the cookies later, you can pop them in the microwave for 5-10 seconds for that fresh-out-of-the-oven taste. Or, reheat them in a 300°F (150°C) oven for about 5 minutes.
FAQs: Hershey Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe
What is the secret to chewy cookies?
The secret to chewy Hershey chocolate chip cookies lies in the ratio of wet to dry ingredients and how you handle the dough. A few key tips for a chewy texture include using more brown sugar than white sugar (since brown sugar adds moisture), incorporating chilled dough (this helps prevent spreading), and slightly underbaking your cookies so they remain soft and gooey in the center. Additionally, using unsalted butter instead of margarine and adding a bit of cornstarch to the dough can further improve the chewy texture.
Can you add Hershey’s chocolate bar instead of chocolate chips?
Yes, you can absolutely substitute Hershey’s chocolate bars for chocolate chips in your cookie recipe! In fact, this can add a unique twist to your chocolate chip cookies. Simply chop the Hershey’s chocolate bar into small pieces or chunks and fold them into the dough. Keep in mind that the chocolate may melt slightly more during baking, which could create pockets of gooey chocolate throughout the cookie, making each bite even more decadent.
Is it better to use butter or oil in chocolate chip cookies?
It’s generally better to use butter rather than oil when baking Hershey chocolate chip cookies. Butter not only adds flavor, but its water content contributes to the chewy texture we all love. It also helps cookies spread and crisp up at the edges, giving them that perfect balance of soft centers and golden-crisp edges. Oil, on the other hand, can make cookies more cake-like and may result in a greasier texture. So, for the best chocolate chip cookie results, stick with unsalted butter.
What is the best chocolate chip for chocolate chip cookies?
For Hershey chocolate chip cookies, Hershey’s semi-sweet chocolate chips are widely regarded as one of the best choices. Their size, smooth melt, and balanced flavor create the perfect combination for cookies. However, the best chocolate chip really comes down to personal preference. If you prefer a sweeter flavor, go for milk chocolate chips, or if you’re a fan of more intense chocolate, try dark chocolate chips (such as Hershey’s Special Dark). Regardless of the variety, Hershey’s chocolate chips will undoubtedly deliver the rich, chocolatey goodness you’re looking for.
Conclusion
There you have it! This comprehensive guide to making Hershey chocolate chip cookies should leave you with all the tips and tricks you need to create a batch of cookies that are perfectly soft, chewy, and loaded with Hershey’s chocolate chips. Whether you’re a first-time baker or a seasoned pro, this recipe is foolproof, and it’s sure to become a staple in your kitchen.
The best part? These cookies are easy to make, require just a few simple ingredients, and deliver an unbeatable taste. You can customize the recipe to suit your preferences, whether you prefer your cookies soft, chewy, or with a bit of extra crunch.
So, what are you waiting for? Grab your Hershey’s chocolate chips, preheat that oven, and get baking! Don’t forget to share your delicious results with family and friends—they’ll be asking for the recipe in no time. Happy baking!
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