Vegan Cosmic Brownies
VEGAN COSMIC BROWNIES is a easy American recipe that serves 8. 150 calories per serving. Recipe by Midnight Munchies and More on YouTube.
Prep: 17 min | Cook: 35 min | Total: 1 hr 7 min
Cost: $15.43 total, $1.93 per serving
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons Ground Flaxseed (ground into flaxseed meal)
- 0.5 cup Water (room temperature)
- 1 cup All-Purpose Flour (sifted)
- 0.33 cup Cocoa Powder (unsweetened)
- 1 cup Granulated Sugar (white granulated)
- 0.25 teaspoon Salt (fine sea salt)
- 0.25 teaspoon Baking Powder (double‑acting)
- 4 tablespoons Vegan Butter (melted; half a stick)
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract (pure)
- 0.5 cup Oat Milk (homemade or store‑bought; 0.25 cup for batter, 0.25 cup for glaze)
- 0.33 cup Vegan Chocolate Chips (Enjoy Life brand or similar)
- 0.25 cup Rainbow Candy Chips (vegan candy chips, e.g., Baker's Choice)
Instructions
Make Flax Egg
Combine 2 Tbsp ground flaxseed with ½ cup water in a small bowl, whisk vigorously, and let sit until thickened, about 5 minutes.
Time: PT5M
Combine Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, sift together 1 cup flour, ⅓ cup cocoa powder, 1 cup sugar, ¼ tsp salt, and ¼ tsp baking powder. Stir until evenly mixed.
Time: PT2M
Melt Vegan Butter
Microwave 4 Tbsp vegan butter in a small bowl for 30 seconds, then stir until fully melted.
Time: PT1M
Mix Wet and Dry
Add the melted butter, flax‑egg mixture, 1 tsp vanilla extract, and ¼ cup oat milk to the dry ingredients. Stir gently until just combined; a few streaks are okay.
Time: PT2M
Prepare Baking Tin
Line an 8 × 8‑inch baking tin with parchment paper, allowing excess to hang over the sides. Pour the batter in and smooth the top with a spatula.
Time: PT2M
Bake Brownies
Place the tin in a pre‑heated oven at 350°F and bake for 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
Time: PT35M
Temperature: 350°F
Cool
Remove the tin from the oven and let the brownies cool in the pan on a cooling rack for about 10 minutes before glazing.
Time: PT10M
Prepare Chocolate Glaze
In a microwave‑safe bowl, combine ¼ cup oat milk and ⅓ cup vegan chocolate chips. Microwave in 20‑second bursts, stirring after each burst, until smooth and glossy (about 1 minute total).
Time: PT5M
Add Rainbow Chips and Glaze
Pour the warm chocolate glaze over the cooled brownies, spreading evenly. Immediately sprinkle ¼ cup rainbow candy chips over the top. Allow the glaze to set for a few minutes.
Time: PT2M
Slice and Serve
Lift the brownies out of the pan using the parchment overhang, place on a cutting board, and cut into 16 squares. Serve at room temperature.
Time: PT2M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 150
- Protein
- 2 g
- Carbohydrates
- 20 g
- Fat
- 7 g
- Fiber
- 2 g
Dietary info: Vegan, Dairy‑Free, Egg‑Free, Vegetarian
Allergens: Soy, Tree nuts (possible in chocolate chips)
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Ground Flaxseed: Chia seeds (ground)
- Instead of All-Purpose Flour: Gluten‑free flour blend
- Instead of Cocoa Powder: Raw cacao powder
- Instead of Granulated Sugar: Coconut sugar, Maple sugar
- Instead of Baking Powder: Baking soda plus 1/2 tsp cream of tartar
- Instead of Vegan Butter: Coconut oil, Vegan margarine
- Instead of Vanilla Extract: Vanilla bean paste
- Instead of Oat Milk: Almond milk, Soy milk
- Instead of Vegan Chocolate Chips: Dark chocolate chips (vegan)
- Instead of Rainbow Candy Chips: Colored sprinkles (non‑vegan)
Equipment Needed
- Mixing Bowl
- Whisk
- Measuring Cups
- Measuring Spoons
- Microwave‑Safe Bowl
- 8x8 Baking Tin
- Parchment Paper
- Oven
- Spatula
- Cooling Rack (optional)
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Flax egg must thicken to a gel‑like consistency.
- Do not overmix the batter after adding wet ingredients.
- Bake until the center is set but still slightly fudgy.
- Chocolate glaze must be fully melted and smooth before pouring.
Chef Tips from the Video
- For extra fudginess, replace half of the flour with almond flour (keep the total dry weight the same).
- Toast the cocoa powder briefly in a dry pan to deepen the chocolate flavor before mixing.
Troubleshooting
Brownies are dry and crumbly.
Ensure the flax egg was fully hydrated and do not overbake. Add an extra tablespoon of oat milk next time.
Glaze is grainy or separates.
Heat the chocolate chips and oat milk slowly, stirring constantly. If separation occurs, whisk in a teaspoon of melted vegan butter to emulsify.
Brownies stick to the pan.
Make sure parchment paper hangs over the edges for easy lift. Lightly grease the parchment before pouring batter.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Freezer: Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months.
Room temperature: Can sit at room temperature for up to 1 day, but best kept chilled.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Bake the brownies a day ahead and keep them covered; add the glaze just before serving.
- The chocolate glaze can be reheated gently in the microwave in 10‑second bursts.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of Cosmic Brownies in American snack culture?
Cosmic Brownies were introduced in the 1970s by the Little Debbie brand as a fun, candy‑topped treat that quickly became a staple in school lunchboxes and convenience stores across the United States.
How did the original Cosmic Brownies become associated with the rainbow candy topping?
The iconic rainbow sprinkles were added to give the brownies a festive, eye‑catching look, turning a simple chocolate brownie into a novelty snack that appealed to kids and adults alike.
What traditional regional variations of chocolate brownies exist in American cuisine?
In the U.S., variations include fudgy brownies, cakey brownies, walnut‑studded brownies, and novelty versions like Cosmic Brownies that feature colorful candy toppings or swirl‑in caramel.
What occasions or celebrations are Cosmic Brownies traditionally served at in the United States?
Cosmic Brownies are popular at birthday parties, school events, movie nights, and as a nostalgic treat during holidays like Halloween and Christmas.
What makes Cosmic Brownies special or unique in American snack cuisine?
Their combination of a dense, chocolatey brownie base with a glossy chocolate glaze and bright rainbow candy chips creates a contrast of textures and flavors that is instantly recognizable and beloved.
What are the authentic traditional ingredients for classic Cosmic Brownies versus acceptable vegan substitutes?
Traditional Cosmic Brownies use regular eggs, dairy butter, and milk. In this vegan version, a flax‑egg replaces the egg, vegan butter stands in for dairy butter, and oat milk substitutes cow’s milk, keeping the flavor profile intact.
What other American desserts pair well with vegan Cosmic Brownies?
Serve them alongside a scoop of vegan vanilla ice cream, a drizzle of caramel sauce, or a side of fresh berries for a balanced dessert plate.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Vegan Cosmic Brownies?
Common errors include under‑hydrating the flax‑egg, overmixing the batter which creates a tough texture, and overbaking which dries out the brownies. Follow the timing guidelines and mix just until combined.
Why does this Vegan Cosmic Brownies recipe use a flax‑egg instead of commercial egg replacer?
Flax‑egg provides a natural binding property and a subtle nutty flavor that complements chocolate, while keeping the recipe simple, inexpensive, and fully plant‑based.
What does the YouTube channel Midnight Munchies and More specialize in?
Midnight Munchies and More focuses on creative, late‑night snack recipes, vegan twists on classic comfort foods, and budget‑friendly cooking tutorials for home cooks.
How does the YouTube channel Midnight Munchies and More’s approach to vegan baking differ from other vegan cooking channels?
Midnight Munchies and More emphasizes quick, indulgent treats that can be made with pantry staples, using humor and pop‑culture references, whereas many other vegan channels focus on health‑centric or gourmet techniques.
Last updated: September 1, 2026
