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Hershey’s Cocoa Fudge

This classic Hershey’s Cocoa Fudge recipe is a rich chocolate indulgence with a velvety smooth texture that melts in your mouth. Made with simple pantry ingredients including Hershey’s unsweetened cocoa powder, this nostalgic treat is perfect for holiday gifts, potlucks, or a midnight chocolate fix.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 16 squares
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Fudge Ingredients
  • ⅔ cup unsweetened cocoa powder Hershey’s brand recommended
  • 3 cups granulated sugar
  • ⅛ teaspoon salt
  • 1½ cups whole milk Whole milk works best for a creamy texture; 2% milk can be used in a pinch
  • ¼ cup unsalted butter half a stick
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Equipment

  • 8-inch square baking pan
  • Medium heavy-bottomed saucepan
  • Candy thermometer
  • Wooden spoon

Method
 

  1. Prepare your workspace by lightly buttering an 8-inch square baking pan or lining it with parchment paper.
  2. In a medium heavy-bottomed saucepan, whisk together the unsweetened cocoa powder, granulated sugar, and salt until there are no cocoa lumps.
  3. Gradually stir in the whole milk. Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a boil while stirring continuously to ensure the sugar dissolves completely.
  4. Once a full boil is reached, stop stirring and insert a candy thermometer. Allow the mixture to cook undisturbed until it reaches exactly 234°F (the soft-ball stage).
  5. Remove the saucepan from the heat immediately. Add the unsalted butter and vanilla extract on top without stirring, letting them melt and incorporate as the mixture cools to about 110°F (lukewarm).
  6. Beat the cooled mixture vigorously with a wooden spoon until it thickens and loses its shine. This may take several minutes.
  7. Once the fudge begins to set around the edges, quickly pour it into the prepared pan.
  8. Allow the fudge to cool completely at room temperature before cutting it into squares.

Notes

For best results, avoid stirring the mixture once it starts boiling to prevent crystallization, and be patient during the cooling phase to develop that perfect fudge texture. Feel free to experiment by adding mix-ins like nuts, marshmallows, or peanut butter chips after the beating step, or adjust ingredients for dietary preferences such as using plant-based milk. This fudge keeps well in an airtight container at room temperature for several days, making it a great make-ahead treat for gatherings.