Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Brownies

1 cup chocolate chips
1/2 cup butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
3 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
3/4 cup chopped walnuts (optional)

Cookie Dough Layer:
1/2 cup butter, softened
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
3 tablespoons milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup semisweet chocolate chips

Heat oven to 350 degrees F. Grease a 13 x 9-inch baking pan.

Brownie Layer: Melt chocolate chips and cool slightly; set aside.

Cream butter and sugar; add eggs and vanilla extract; mix well. Stir in melted chocolate.

Combine flour and baking soda; add to batter; stir in nuts. Spread in prepared pan.

Bake for 16-22 minutes or until wooden pick inserted near center comes out clean. Cool on wire rack.

Cookie Dough Layer: Cream butter and sugars. Beat in milk and vanilla extract. Gradually add flour. Stir in chocolate chips. Drop by tablespoonsful over cooled brownies; carefully spread over top. Store in refrigerator.