Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Dip

1. 1⁄2cup salted butter
2. 1⁄3cup dark brown sugar
3. 2teaspoons vanilla extract
4. 1(8 ounce) package cream cheese
5. 1⁄2cup powdered sugar
6. 3⁄4cup semisweet mini chocolate chips
7. In a small saucepan, melt the butter with the brown sugar over medium heat. Stir continuously, until the brown sugar dissolves. (You can also do this in the microwave but watch it closely. The butter/sugar mixture will boil over fast. Stir every 30 seconds or so.)
8. Remove from heat, whisk in the vanilla and set aside to cool.
9. Beat the cream cheese and confectioner's sugar for 1 minute.
10. Slowly beat in the cooled butter mixture and beat again for another minute.
11. Stir in the chocolate chips and nuts, if using.
12. Pour into a serving bowl and refrigerate.
13. Garnish with additional chocolate chips or nuts, if you choose.

I find that this recipe is best if it is chilled for at least 24 hours before serving.  I like it best with pretzels, animal crackers, vanilla wafers, and graham crackers.