Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Fudge

We're almost two weeks into the new year. Did you make any resolutions? Are you still going strong? As a statistician, naturally I was intrigued by some of the stats I ran across online, published by Stephen Shapiro, on this very topic:

• 45% of Americans usually set New Year’s resolutions.
• Only 8% of people are always successful in achieving their resolutions.
• 3 out of 4 people almost never succeed.
• The less happy you are, the more likely you are to set New Year's resolutions. 
• 38% set resolutions related to weight.

Good grief! Depressing, huh? But, wait! Here's the best statistic:

"There is no correlation between happiness 

and resolution setting/success. 

People who achieve their resolutions every year 

are no happier than those who do not set resolutions 

or who are unsuccessful in achieving them."

I love that! So, give yourself a break. And while you're at it, you should treat yourself to some of this chocolate chip cookie dough fudge.

For as long as I can remember, Keely has always loved to sneak bites of raw cookie dough before I ever got a chance to bake it. Oddly enough, I've never been a fan. When I first found this new recipe on Pinterest (Mel's Kitchen Cafe), I thought it would be perfect for her to make and bring to our Christmas gathering at Mom and Dad's house. She quickly agreed. :)

This recipe is definitely a keeper. While it was no surprise that Keely loved it, I was surprised to hear Steve say it was the best fudge he's ever tasted.  He's just never been a fan of fudge. (I know. I know. I'll never understand.) And for someone who has never been a fan of cookie dough, I found it pretty irresistible. Thus the need for New Year's resolutions, I suppose. But, this little piece of goodness tucked inside its adorable Santa suit liner sure made me happy! :D

Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Fudge

Ingredients for Cookie Dough:

• 1/3 cup butter, softened to room temperature
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla
• 1/8 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons half-and-half, cream or milk
• 1/2 cup flour
• 1/2 cup mini semi-sweet chocolate chips

Ingredients for Fudge Base:

• 1/3 cup light brown sugar
• 1/3 cup butter
• pinch of salt
• 1/3 cup half-and-half, cream or milk
  
• 5 cups powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 1/4 cup mini semi-sweet chocolate chips (for topping the fudge)

Directions:
Line an 8×8 baking pan with aluminum foil and set aside.

For the cookie dough, mix on medium speed the butter and sugars until light and fluffy. Mix in the vanilla, salt, and half-and-half. Add the flour and mix until just combined. Do not overmix. Fold in 1/2 cup of the chocolate chips. Set aside.

For the fudge base, combine the brown sugar, butter, salt, and half-and-half in a medium saucepan. Stir over medium-low heat until the butter is melted, and the brown sugar is dissolved. The mixture should be smooth and combined. Remove from the heat and stir in the vanilla. Gradually stir in the powdered sugar, 1 cup at a time, until the mixture is smooth and thick. Let this mixture cool completely before proceeding!

Add the cookie dough to the fudge base and stir to combine. Spread the fudge into the prepared baking pan and press into an even layer. Sprinkle the remaining 1/4 cup of the chocolate chips on top of the fudge and lightly press them into the batter. Chill until set, about 3-4 hours, before cutting into pieces. The fudge can be made ahead and stored, covered, in the refrigerator for up to a week.