Cookie Dough Brownies

Name: Cookie Dough Brownies
Cook time: 25 min
Ingredients: Brownie Layer; 3/4 cup unsalted butter (1 1/2 sticks); 1 1/2 cups bittersweet chocolate chips; 1 cup granulated white sugar; 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar; 4 large eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 cup all-purpose flour; Cookie Dough; 3/4 cup unsalted butter (1 1/2 sticks, room temperature or almost melted); 3/4 cup granulated white sugar; 3/4 cup packed light brown sugar; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 2 tablespoons milk or cream; 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste; 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1 cup miniature chocolate chips; miniature chocolate chips (additional, for garnish on top)

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. Spray a 9"x9" pan with nonstick spray, then line with a strip of parchment paper so that it covers the bottom and comes up two sides of the pan. Spray the parchment with nonstick spray too.

In a microwave safe bowl (or in the top of a double boiler or pan set on top of a pan of simmering water), microwave in 30 second bursts to melt butter and chocolate chips together until all is melted and smooth. Whisk in the sugars, then whisk in the eggs, vanilla and salt. Sift flour into the bowl and stir that in too. Scrape the brownie batter into the prepared pan. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the brownie layer is cooked through (toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean). Place the pan of brownies in the refrigerator to speed up the cooling process (or cool at room temperature and add the cookie dough layer later).

In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to combine the butter, sugars and salt until soft and creamy (1 to 2 minutes). Mix in the milk and vanilla. Sprinkle in the flour and mix in until combined. Stir in the 1 cup of chocolate chips. Scoop the cookie dough onto the top of the brownies and spread onto the brownie layer. Wet your hands or spray them with nonstick spray and pat the cookie dough on top in an even layer. Sprinkle additional chocolate chips on top to create a nicer, visual appearance. For easy, clean cutting, chill the brownies - wrap the brownies with plastic wrap and chill until firm - 1 to 2 hours.