How To Make Easy Hershey’s Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe

There’s nothing quite like the heavenly aroma of Hershey’s Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe baking in the oven. These iconic treats have been a staple in American households for generations, combining the perfect balance of sweetness, richness, and that unmistakable chocolate flavor that only Hershey’s can deliver. Discover the secret to the perfect, melt-in-your-mouth cookies today with our comprehensive guide to the best chocolate chip cookie recipe you’ll ever try!

Whether you’re a seasoned baker or trying your hand at homemade cookies for the first time, this easy cookie recipe using Hershey’s chocolate chips will help you create bakery-quality treats right in your own kitchen. Follow along with our Hershey’s cookie tips for foolproof results every time.

Why This Recipe is Timeless

Timeless Appeal and Versatility of Hershey’s Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe

Hershey’s chocolate chip cookies have stood the test of time for good reason. Dating back to the early days when Hershey’s first introduced their chocolate chips, this classic cookie recipe has been passed down through generations, becoming a cornerstone of American baking tradition.

What makes this recipe truly special is its incredible versatility. These traditional cookies are perfect for any occasion—from holiday gatherings and birthday celebrations to after-school snacks and midnight cravings. The combination of butter-rich cookie dough studded with premium Hershey’s Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe creates a texture and flavor profile that appeals to everyone from young children to discerning adults.

Unlike trendy desserts that come and go, Hershey’s chocolate chip cookies remain a constant favorite because they embody comfort and nostalgia while delivering consistent, delicious results. They’re the gold standard against which all other chocolate chip cookies are measured.

Key Ingredients for the Best Cookies

Creating the best chocolate chip cookies starts with quality ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need for your Hershey’s cookie masterpiece:

Hershey’s Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips

The star of the show! Hershey’s Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips maintain their shape while baking yet melt perfectly in your mouth with each bite. Their distinct chocolate flavor is what makes these cookies truly special and sets them apart from cookies made with other brands.

Butter

Use unsalted butter at room temperature for the perfect cookie texture. Butter creates that rich, tender crumb and contributes to the golden-brown edges that signal cookie perfection.

Sugars (Brown and White)

The combination of granulated white sugar and brown sugar isn’t just for sweetness—it’s essential for developing the right texture. Brown sugar adds moisture and chewiness, while white sugar helps cookies spread and develop crispy edges.

Eggs

Fresh eggs bind everything together and contribute to the structure and richness of your cookies.

Vanilla Extract

A quality pure vanilla extract enhances all the other flavors in your cookies, especially the chocolate.

All-Purpose Flour

The foundation of any good cookie, providing structure and the perfect canvas for Hershey’s chips.

Leavening Agents

Baking soda helps your cookies rise just enough while contributing to that perfect golden color.

Salt

Even sweet treats need a touch of salt to balance flavors and enhance the chocolate notes.

Baking with Hershey’s chips elevates an ordinary cookie recipe to extraordinary heights, making these ingredients for chocolate chip cookies worth seeking out for the best results.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make the Perfect Hershey’s Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe

Follow these detailed instructions to bake perfect cookies every time:

1. Preparation

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C)
• Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats
• Gather all ingredients and bring butter and eggs to room temperature

2. Mix Wet Ingredients

• In a large bowl, cream together 1 cup (2 sticks) of softened unsalted butter with 3/4 cup granulated sugar and 3/4 cup packed brown sugar until light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes)
• Beat in 2 large eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition
• Stir in 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

3. Combine Dry Ingredients

• In a separate bowl, whisk together 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking soda, and 1/2 teaspoon salt
• Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until incorporated (don’t overmix!)

4. Add the Chocolate

• Gently fold in 2 cups (one 12-oz package) of Hershey’s Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips
• For chocolate lovers, feel free to add an extra 1/4 cup of chips!

5. Form and Bake Cookies

• Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto prepared baking sheets, spacing about 2 inches apart
• Bake in the preheated oven for 9-11 minutes or until edges are golden brown (centers may look slightly undercooked)

6. Finishing Touches

• Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 2 minutes
• Transfer to wire racks to cool completely
• For picture-perfect cookies, press a few additional chocolate chips into the tops while still warm

This easy Hershey’s Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe yields approximately 3-4 dozen cookies, depending on the size of your scoops. The process takes about 30 minutes of preparation and 10 minutes of baking time per batch.

Pro Tips for Perfect Hershey’s Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe

Take your Hershey’s chocolate chip cookies from good to great with these professional baking tips for cookies:

Temperature Matters

Ensure all refrigerated ingredients reach room temperature before mixing. Cold ingredients don’t incorporate properly, affecting both texture and rise.

The Chilling Secret

For thick, perfectly shaped chocolate chip cookies, chill your dough for at least 30 minutes (or up to 24 hours). This prevents excessive spreading and deepens flavor development.

Measure Flour Correctly

Too much flour results in dry, cakey cookies. Spoon flour into measuring cups and level with a knife rather than scooping directly from the bag.

Mind Your Mixing

Overmixing develops gluten, making cookies tough. Mix dry ingredients just until they disappear into the dough.

Consistent Sizing

Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon measure for uniform cookies that will bake evenly.

Oven Management

Preheat thoroughly and use an oven thermometer to verify temperature. Rotate pans halfway through baking for even browning.

The Perfect Timing

Slightly underbake your cookies—they should look almost done with lightly golden edges but soft centers. They’ll continue cooking on the hot baking sheet after removal from the oven.

Cookie Customization

For bakery-style cookies, make them larger (2-3 tablespoons of dough) and reduce the oven temperature to 350°F, baking for 12-14 minutes.

These chocolate chip cookie hacks will help you achieve perfect results every time you bake.

Customization Ideas for Your Cookies

Make this classic recipe your own with these creative cookie variations:

Mix-In Magic

• Chopped nuts (walnuts, pecans, or macadamias) add delightful crunch
• Dried fruits like cranberries or cherries bring tartness that complements the chocolate
• Shredded coconut creates a tropical twist
• Substitute half the chips with Hershey’s Special Dark Chips for a more complex flavor

Texture Play

• Add 1/2 cup of quick oats for a heartier cookie
• Sprinkle with sea salt before baking for a sweet-salty balance
• Mix in 1/4 cup of toffee bits for caramel notes
• Include 1/2 cup of crushed pretzels for a surprising crunch

Flavor Boosters

• Add 1/2 teaspoon of espresso powder to enhance chocolate flavor without tasting like coffee
• Mix in 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon for a warm, spicy note
• Substitute 1/4 cup of brown butter (butter that’s been melted until golden brown and nutty) for regular butter
• Add 1 tablespoon of orange zest for a citrus twist

Creative Shapes

• Make cookie sandwiches with frosting or ice cream filling
• Create cookie cups in a muffin tin to fill with pudding or mousse
• Form a giant cookie pizza topped with frosting and additional treats
• Press dough into a 9×13 pan for cookie bars

What customizations have you tried with your Hershey’s chocolate chip cookies? We’d love to hear your creative add-ins for cookies in the comments below!

How to Store and Serve

Preserve the freshness of your Hershey’s chocolate chip cookies with these storage tips:

Short-Term Storage

• Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days
• Separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking
• Add a slice of bread to the container to maintain moisture (replace when bread becomes stale)

Freezing Baked Cookies

• Place completely cooled cookies in a freezer-safe container with parchment between layers
• Freeze for up to 3 months
• Thaw at room temperature for 1-2 hours before serving

Freezing Cookie Dough

• Roll dough into balls and place on a baking sheet to freeze until solid (about 1 hour)
• Transfer frozen dough balls to a zip-top freezer bag
• Store frozen dough for up to 3 months
• Bake straight from frozen, adding 1-2 minutes to the regular baking time

Perfect Serving Ideas

• Warm cookies in the microwave for 10-15 seconds before serving for that fresh-baked experience
• Pair with a cold glass of milk for the classic combination
• Create an elevated dessert by using cookies as the base for ice cream sandwiches
• Crumble over ice cream for a quick cookies-and-cream dessert
• Stack on a plate with alternating layers of whipped cream and fresh berries for a cookie parfait

These best ways to store cookies will ensure you always have a delicious treat ready when cravings strike!

FAQ about Hershey’s Chocolate Chip Cookies

Can I use margarine instead of butter?

While margarine will work, it contains more water than butter and will produce a different texture. Butter provides superior flavor and the right fat content for optimal texture. If you must substitute, use a high-fat margarine (at least 80% fat) for closer results.

Can I make gluten-free Hershey’s cookies?

Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend designed for baking. Look for products containing xanthan gum to ensure proper binding. Double-check that your Hershey’s chocolate chips are certified gluten-free (most are, but it’s good to verify).

Why are my cookies flat?

Several factors can cause flat cookies:

• Butter that’s too soft or melted
• Not enough flour
• Overbeating the butter and sugar
• Baking on hot cookie sheets
• Old baking soda that’s lost its leavening power

Try chilling your dough for 30 minutes before baking and make sure your baking soda is fresh.

Can I reduce the sugar without affecting the cookies?

Sugar contributes to both texture and structure, not just sweetness. You can reduce it by about 25% with minimal impact, but reducing further will significantly change the texture and browning. Consider using mix-ins like chopped nuts to add flavor complexity without sweetness.

How can I make chewier cookies?

For chewier cookies:

• Use more brown sugar than white sugar
• Add an extra egg yolk
• Slightly underbake the cookies
• Use bread flour for some or all of the all-purpose flour
• Add 1-2 tablespoons of corn syrup to the wet ingredients

Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely! This recipe doubles beautifully with no adjustments needed other than using twice the ingredients. It’s a great idea for holiday baking or when you want to freeze extra dough for later.

How do I know when the cookies are done?

The perfect Hershey’s Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe should have golden brown edges while the centers still look slightly underdone and soft. They will continue to cook on the hot baking sheet after removal from the oven. If you wait until they look completely done in the oven, they may end up overbaked and crispy rather than soft and chewy.

The Ultimate Hershey’s Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe

There you have it—everything you need to create the most delicious Hershey’s Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe that will have friends and family begging for your secret recipe. From selecting the finest ingredients to mastering professional baking techniques, you’re now equipped to bake cookies that rival any bakery’s best offerings.

We’d love to see your cookie creations! Share photos of your Hershey’s chocolate chip cookies in the comments below, along with any special twists you added to make the recipe your own. Did you try any of our customization suggestions? Which was your favorite?

👉 Looking for more delicious and healthy recipes? Check out our complete collection here or try this amazing breakfast idea: Daniel Fast Breakfast.

Don’t forget to bookmark this page for easy reference the next time a cookie craving strikes—these timeless treats are just minutes away from your oven to your plate!

What’s your favorite way to enjoy Hershey’s chocolate chip cookies? Warm from the oven, dunked in milk, or as the base for an ice cream sandwich? Share your cookie experiences in the comments!