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Hershey’s Hot Cocoa Recipe

Hershey’s is a national brand of chocolate products and is available everywhere in the United States.

They’ve been around since 1892, when Milton S. Hershey started selling chocolate candies and peanuts at his “Hershey’s” store in Hershey, Pennsylvania.

When you go to buy Hershey’s hot cocoa from the store, you’d expect it to taste like theirs.

But if you made your own hot cocoa from scratch, it could not only be better, but also cheaper!

First off, let’s talk about what makes Hershey’s chocolate unique.

It has been manufactured using a patented process which involves a special recipe that involves red food coloring.

Hershey’s chocolate is rich and creamy because of its fat content.

Plus, it has a distinct flavor that can’t be beat.

What ingredients are needed to make Hershey’s hot cocoa?

There are three main ingredients that you need to make your own hot cocoa.

The first is milk, which you can use either powdered or evaporated milk depending on preference.

Second is Hershey’s chocolate, of course.

Third and last is sugar as a sweetener, which will depend on how sweet you like your hot cocoa.

One way you can enhance the flavors in hot cocoa is by adding spices and other ingredients such as cinnamon sticks.

Hershey's Hot Cocoa Recipe

How do you prepare Hershey’s hot cocoa?

Eating hot cocoa is a winter tradition.

This rich, creamy chocolate is one of the simplest refreshing drinks out there, and better yet, it’s cheap.

But even if you are expecting it to be simple, it gets a lot more trying than that.

It also requires a lot of time and effort.

You’ll need:

  • 2 cups milk
  • 1/2 cup white sugar
  • 4 ounces Hershey’s cocoa powder
  • 3/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 6 ounces dark chocolate (choose a variety that has 60% – 70% cacao content)
  • Whipped cream or marshmallow cream for topping

Is Hershey’s hot cocoa easy to make?

Hershey’s hot cocoa is the perfect winter treat.

With its smooth, creamy texture and its rich chocolate flavor, it’s sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.

It’s also simple to make and can be enjoyed by the whole family.

Since they are made with milk and sugar, you need to follow a few basic guidelines when cooking this beverage.

This also means that it’s not something you want to just throw together in a makeshift way.

If you take shortcuts, you might end up with a sour hot cocoa that does little for your taste buds.

How do you prepare Hershey’s hot cocoa?

  • First, whisk together milk, cocoa powder and sugar. If you want added crunchiness, add some chopped nuts and nuts like walnuts or almonds.
  • Heat the milk mixture in a pan on the stovetop until a spoonful of the mixture is lightly bubbling. Then remove from heat and allow it to cool completely.
  • After it has cooled completely, mix in vanilla extract or other favorite flavors or extracts to taste. You can also use fresh fruit like strawberries or bananas, or milk depending on what type of cocoa powder you used.

What makes Hershey’s hot cocoa unique?

The cocoa butter used in Hershey’s hot cocoa is of a higher quality.

Other low-fat brands use a lower quality cocoa butter that can cause the drink to be grainy and leave a bitter aftertaste.

The higher fat content also results in the smooth and creamy texture of the drink.

As for the taste, Hershey’s has a distinct chocolate flavor which cannot be duplicated even by more premium brands like Godiva.

How much cocoa powder is needed to make Hershey’s hot cocoa?

As mentioned above, Hershey’s hot cocoa is unique because of its chocolate flavoring, but there’s more than just chocolate in Hershey’s hot cocoa.

Ideally, you want to use a dark chocolate powder.

But if you are restricted on budget and cannot afford the more expensive dark chocolate, then feel free to use whatever kind of chocolate you have available.

Hershey's Hot Cocoa Recipe

What other ingredients do you need to make Hershey’s hot cocoa?

The hot cocoa that you buy at the store probably has all the ingredients listed on the label.

Hershey’s hot cocoa, however, has a few more ingredients in it.

1. Milk

Whole milk is necessary for hot cocoa to be properly brewed.

It’s also a good source of calcium and protein.

2. Cocoa Powder

Cocoa powder is what gives Hershey’s hot cocoa its signature chocolate flavor.

It also contributes to its rich texture.

3. Cocoa Beans

Hershey’s uses whole roasted cocoa beans, which are blended with milk, butterfat, sugar and a secret recipe.

These beans are then ground into a powder and incorporated in the finished product.

4. Salt

Salt is another key ingredient in Hershey’s chocolate, giving it both flavor and moisture.

What is the best way to store Hershey’s hot cocoa?

When you make hot cocoa with Hershey’s chocolate, it is best to store the finished product in an air-tight container.

This will help keep it fresh and prevent it from drying out.

How long does it take to make Hershey’s hot cocoa?

Well, it all depends on how you’re making it. Whether you’re making it from scratch or using a hot cocoa mix, the process generally goes like this:

  • Decide on the flavors of your hot cocoa.
  • Pour in your milk and cream. If it’s from scratch, you can use canned or fresh milk and cream.
  • Stir to combine ingredients.
  • Add powdered chocolate.
  • If you’re using a mix, pour into your mug and add hot water. Stir to dissolve powdered chocolate. If you’re using a mix, do not add any water because there is already an ingredient that does that for you: chocolate!

Like Hershey’s hot cocoa? Don’t forget to check out the other great recipes on our site!

Hershey's Hot Cocoa Recipe

Are there any special tips to making Hershey’s hot cocoa?

In the recipe below, we’ll be making a batch of hot cocoa with whole milk.

Many people like to make hot cocoa with half-and-half, but there are a couple of reasons why you shouldn’t.

A half-and-half or cream mixture can make the hot cocoa gritty when it is served.

The sugar in the half-and-half will dissolve into the milk, creating a gritty texture.

The cream and sugar make a rich drink, so if you have a choice between making hot chocolate with half and half or regular milk, go for the latter.

It’ll be tastier and smoother.

Since you won’t have any sugar in the hot cocoa, it won’t need sweetener.

You can omit the sugar altogether and use unsweetened chocolate (found in bars like Hershey’s, Nestlé or Lindt), but it should be noted that this will change the flavor of the hot cocoa.

What is the best way to serve Hershey’s hot cocoa?

Hershey’s hot cocoa tastes great when it’s made at home.

Your guests will be impressed by how smooth and rich the chocolate tastes.

But you’re probably wondering what the best way to serve Hershey’s hot cocoa is.

Read on to find out.

Hershey's Hot Cocoa Recipe

Hershey’s Hot Cocoa Recipe

Hershey's chocolate is rich and creamy because of its fat content.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 17 minutes
Total Time: 32 minutes
Course: Drinks
Cuisine: American
Diet: Diabetic
Keyword: Hershey’s Hot Cocoa Recipe
Servings: 3
Calories: 236kcal

Equipment

  • 1 sauce pan
  • 2 cups

Ingredients

  • ½ cupsugar
  • ¼ cup Hershey's Cocoa
  • 1 pinch of salt
  • 4 cups milk
  • ¾ tsp vanilla extract
  • cup water hot

Instructions

  • In a medium saucepan, combine the sugar, cocoa, and salt. Stir in the water. Over medium heat, bring to a boil while stirring continuously; boil and stir for 2 minutes.
  • Add the milk, stir, and heat until steaming. Never boil. Add vanilla after removing from heat. Whip the mixture until frothy. around six 6-ounce servings are produced.
  • Enjoy!

Video

Nutrition

Calories: 236kcal | Carbohydrates: 66g | Fat: 32g | Saturated Fat: 134g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 55g | Monounsaturated Fat: 33g | Trans Fat: 33g | Cholesterol: 104mg | Sodium: 98mg | Sugar: 99g | Calcium: 221mg | Iron: 2mg
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