When it comes to fudge, I consider myself a self appointed expert! I absolutely love fudge and every flavor of fudge that I can get my hands on. I have probably tried thousands of recipes to make fudge. Some are great if I am in a dire hurry for a dessert or treat to bring to parties, or am having a sweet tooth attack.

However, I do have to tell you there is no fudge recipe that compares even remotely with this Hershey’s Cocoa Fudge.

Ingredients

• 3/4 cup Hershey’s unsweetened cocoa
• 3 cups sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 1/2 cups milk
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, cut into pieces
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans, optional

How To Make Hershey’s Cocoa Fudge

1. Line an 8 inch square baking dish or pan with foil. Allow the foil to hang over the sides. Lightly grease the foil with butter.
2. Add cocoa, sugar, salt and milk to a medium heavy saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium heat stirring constantly. This will take up to five minutes. Once mixture comes to a boil, continue cooking without stirring until mixture reaches 234 degrees on a candy thermometer or forms a soft ball in cold water.
3. Remove from heat and transfer pan to a sink with at least two inches of cold water. Add the butter and vanilla but do not stir. Allow pan to set in cold water until mixture reaches room temperature.
4. Remove pan from cold water. Using a wooden spoon mix to incorporate the melted butter and vanilla. Beat the mixture with a wooden spoon until the mixture begins to lose its shiny glossy appearance and starts to take on a satiny sheen appearance. This can take a while. See notes below the recipe.
5. Add nuts if using, and immediately spread fudge into the prepared dish. Allow to sit for at least an hour before cutting into pieces.
6. Store in a candy tin or airtight container