Cookie Dough Brownies

Brownie Base

2 cups sugar

1 1/2 cups flour

1/2 cup baking cocoa

1/2 tsp salt

1 cup vegetable oil

4 eggs

2 tsp vanilla flavoring

1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)

Filling:

1/2 cup butter or margarine, softened

1/2 cup packed brown sugar

1/4 cup sugar

2 T milk

1 tsp vanilla flavoring

1 cup flour

Glaze:

1 cup (6 oz) semi sweet chocolate chips

1 tsp shortening (I sometimes add more if too stiff)

3/4 cup chopped walnuts (optional) 

In mixing bowl, combine sugar, flour, cocoa and salt.  Add oil, eggs and vanilla; beat at medium speed for 3 minutes.  Stir in walnuts if desired.  Pour into greased 9 x 13 pan.  Bake at 350’ for 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean.  Cool completely.

For the filling: cream butter and sugars in a mixing bowl.  Add milk and vanilla; mix well.  Beat in flour.  Spread over the brownies.  Chill until firm.

For glaze, melt chocolate chips and shortening in a saucepan stirring until smooth (I do it carefully in the microwave).  Spread over the filling.  Immediately sprinkle with nuts if desired, pressing down slightly.

Note: I think I will make the cookie dough layer (filling) a little thicker the next time, perhaps increase it by half.  More is better I think!

Yields 3 dozen.