1. Prepare Pan:
- Line an 8-inch square pan with foil, leaving an overhang on two opposite sides. This will make it easy to lift the fudge out later. Lightly butter the foil.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients:
- In a heavy saucepan, combine sugar, Hershey’s Cocoa, and salt.
- Gradually add the milk, stirring constantly to avoid lumps.
3. Cook the Mixture:
- Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until the mixture comes to a boil.
- Once it reaches a boil, reduce the heat to low and continue cooking, stirring constantly, for about 10-15 minutes or until the mixture reaches the soft ball stage (approximately 234°F on a candy thermometer).
4. Add Butter and Vanilla:
- Remove the saucepan from the heat.
- Add the butter and vanilla extract. Do not stir.
- Allow the mixture to cool to about 110°F (43°C) without stirring. This step is important for the fudge to set properly.
5. Beat the Mixture:
- Once cooled, beat the fudge with a wooden spoon or an electric mixer until it thickens and loses its gloss. This may take about 5-10 minutes.
- If you’re adding nuts, fold them into the fudge during this beating process.
6. Pour and Set:
- Quickly pour the fudge into the prepared pan.
- Allow the fudge to cool completely at room temperature.
- Once set, lift the fudge out of the pan using the foil overhang and cut it into squares.
7. Serve:
- Serve and enjoy your Old Fashioned Hershey Cocoa Fudge!
This recipe yields smooth, creamy fudge with the rich chocolate flavor of Hershey’s Cocoa. It’s a timeless treat that’s perfect for sharing or gifting during holidays or special occasions.