Hershey's Cinnamon Chips represent a unique fusion of chocolate and spice that has become increasingly popular in seasonal baking. These small, coin-shaped morsels combine the familiar chocolate base that consumers trust from Hershey's with a distinctive cinnamon flavor profile that elevates traditional recipes. Understanding how to effectively incorporate these specialty chips into your baking repertoire can transform ordinary treats into extraordinary creations.
What Exactly Are Hershey Cinnamon Chips?
Hershey Cinnamon Chips are specialized baking morsels that blend chocolate with cinnamon flavoring. Each chip contains approximately 2% cinnamon by weight, creating a balanced sweet-spicy profile that doesn't overpower other ingredients. The product formulation includes sugar, chocolate, cocoa butter, cinnamon, soy lecithin, and natural flavors. Unlike some competitors' products, Hershey's version maintains the recognizable chocolate base that bakers expect while introducing the warm spice note.
These chips measure approximately 12mm in diameter and 2mm thick, slightly larger than standard semi-sweet chocolate chips. This size helps ensure even distribution in batters and doughs while providing visible cinnamon chips in the finished product. The chips have a melting point of approximately 90°F (32°C), making them suitable for both baking and decorative applications.
How Hershey Cinnamon Chips Differ From Regular Chocolate Chips
Understanding the distinction between hershey cinnamon chips vs regular chocolate chips is essential for successful baking. While both products share similar base ingredients, the cinnamon variety contains additional flavor compounds that affect both taste and performance:
| Characteristic | Hershey Cinnamon Chips | Regular Chocolate Chips |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Flavor Profile | Chocolate with prominent cinnamon notes | Pure chocolate (semi-sweet, milk, or dark) |
| Sugar Content | Approximately 52% (slightly higher) | Approximately 50% |
| Baking Behavior | Holds shape well with slight spreading | Standard spreading pattern |
| Best Applications | Seasonal baking, spice-forward recipes | Classic chocolate recipes |
The cinnamon infusion creates subtle differences in how the chips behave during baking. They tend to hold their shape slightly better than regular chocolate chips due to the additional flavor compounds affecting the melting properties. This makes them particularly well-suited for cookies where visible chip definition is desired.
Optimal Uses for Hershey Cinnamon Chips in Baking
When exploring how to use hershey cinnamon chips effectively, consider these professional recommendations:
- Cookie applications: Substitute 50-75% of regular chocolate chips with cinnamon chips in chocolate chip cookie recipes for a seasonal twist
- Muffins and quick breads: Fold into batter just before baking to prevent sinking
- Coffee cakes: Use as both ingredient and topping for layered cinnamon-chocolate flavor
- Breakfast pastries: Incorporate into scone or Danish dough for morning treats
- Ice cream toppings: Melt slightly and drizzle over vanilla ice cream
Professional bakers note that these chips perform best when incorporated into recipes with complementary flavors like vanilla, nutmeg, allspice, or apple. The cinnamon flavor intensifies slightly during baking, so consider reducing additional cinnamon in recipes by 25% when using these chips.
Storage Recommendations for Maximum Freshness
Proper storage is crucial for maintaining the quality of hershey cinnamon chips. These specialty morsels require slightly different handling than regular chocolate chips due to their flavor composition:
- Store in original packaging until opened, then transfer to an airtight container
- Keep in a cool, dark place with temperatures between 60-70°F (15-21°C)
- Maximum shelf life: 12 months unopened, 6 months after opening
- Do not refrigerate unless in extremely humid environments (condensation can cause bloom)
- For long-term storage, freeze in airtight containers for up to 18 months
When properly stored, Hershey Cinnamon Chips maintain their flavor integrity and baking performance. Signs of deterioration include chocolate bloom (white streaks), loss of cinnamon aroma, or texture changes. If bloom occurs, the chips remain safe to use but may affect the appearance of finished products.
Popular Hershey Cinnamon Chips Recipes
Among the most requested hershey cinnamon chips recipes are these seasonal favorites that showcase the product's unique flavor profile:
- Cinnamon Chip Pumpkin Bread: Combine 1 cup chips with pumpkin puree, spices, and a standard quick bread batter for a fall favorite
- Apple Cinnamon Chip Scones: Fold chips into apple-cinnamon scone dough before baking
- Spiced Cinnamon Chip Cookies: Use exclusively in place of regular chocolate chips for a cookie with pronounced cinnamon flavor
- Cinnamon Chip Coffee Cake: Layer chips between cake batter and streusel topping
- Cinnamon Chip Breakfast Muffins: Combine with oats, apples, and a touch of brown sugar
For best results in hershey cinnamon chips recipes, add the chips after other wet ingredients have been incorporated to prevent premature melting. When making cookies, chilling the dough for 30 minutes before baking helps maintain chip definition in the finished product.
Nutritional Profile and Ingredient Information
Understanding the hershey cinnamon chips nutrition facts helps bakers make informed decisions. Per 1/4 cup (43g) serving:
- Calories: 220
- Total Fat: 13g (17% DV)
- Saturated Fat: 8g (40% DV)
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 25mg (1% DV)
- Total Carbohydrates: 28g (10% DV)
- Dietary Fiber: 2g (7% DV)
- Sugars: 24g
- Protein: 2g
The complete ingredient list includes: sugar, chocolate, cocoa butter, cinnamon, soy lecithin, natural flavor. The product is certified Kosher and contains no artificial preservatives. While not marketed as a health food, the cinnamon content provides trace amounts of manganese and calcium not found in regular chocolate chips.
Finding Hershey Cinnamon Chips and Suitable Alternatives
When searching for where to buy hershey cinnamon chips, check these locations:
- Major grocery chains (typically in the baking aisle near other chocolate products)
- Warehouse clubs (often seasonally available)
- Online retailers (available year-round but may have seasonal pricing)
- Specialty baking stores
If unavailable, consider these alternatives for best substitutes for hershey cinnamon chips:
- Mix regular chocolate chips with 1-2 teaspoons of ground cinnamon per cup
- Use cinnamon baking chips from other manufacturers (check flavor profile differences)
- Create homemade version by melting chocolate and stirring in cinnamon before forming chips
- Substitute with chopped cinnamon-flavored chocolate bars
When substituting, remember that commercial cinnamon chips have a carefully balanced flavor ratio that may differ from homemade versions. For best results in recipes calling specifically for Hershey Cinnamon Chips, seek the authentic product when possible.
Are Hershey Cinnamon Chips gluten-free?
Yes, Hershey Cinnamon Chips are certified gluten-free. The product contains no gluten-containing ingredients and is manufactured in a facility with appropriate precautions to prevent cross-contamination. Always check the current packaging for the most up-to-date allergen information.
Can I use Hershey Cinnamon Chips in place of regular chocolate chips?
Yes, you can substitute Hershey Cinnamon Chips for regular chocolate chips at a 1:1 ratio in most recipes. However, be aware that the cinnamon flavor will alter the final taste profile. For subtle cinnamon notes, replace only 50% of regular chips with cinnamon chips. The chips perform similarly in baking applications with comparable melting properties.
Do Hershey Cinnamon Chips contain dairy?
No, Hershey Cinnamon Chips are dairy-free. The product formulation does not include milk ingredients, making them suitable for those avoiding dairy. Always verify with the current packaging as formulations can occasionally change, but as of the latest production, these chips remain dairy-free while still delivering a creamy chocolate texture.
How do I prevent Hershey Cinnamon Chips from sinking in cake batter?
To prevent sinking, toss the cinnamon chips in 1-2 tablespoons of flour before folding them into cake batter. This creates a light coating that helps the chips stay suspended. Alternatively, mix half the chips into the batter and reserve the other half for pressing onto the top of the batter before baking. Chilling the batter for 15-20 minutes before baking also helps maintain chip distribution.
Are Hershey Cinnamon Chips vegan?
Yes, Hershey Cinnamon Chips are considered vegan as they contain no animal-derived ingredients. The product is made from sugar, chocolate, cocoa butter, cinnamon, soy lecithin, and natural flavors. However, they are produced on equipment that also processes dairy products, so those with severe dairy allergies should exercise caution despite the dairy-free formulation.
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