Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Pudding

3/4 cup light brown sugar, divided
1/8 teaspoon salt
3 tablespoons cornstarch
2 cups whole milk
1/2 cup heavy cream
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
mini-chocolate chips

• In a medium saucepan, whisk together 1/2 cup of the sugar, salt, and cornstarch until no lumps remain. 
• Add milk and heavy cream and whisk over medium heat until mixture begins to thicken and starts to bubble, about 5 to 7 minutes. 
• Lower heat to medium-low and whisk until thick, about 5 minutes longer.
• Remove from heat and stir in remaining 1/4 cup sugar, vanilla and butter, until smooth.
• Pour pudding into serving bowls.
• Cover with plastic wrap, pressing onto the surface of the pudding to keep a skin from forming. 
• Chill until set. Sprinkle with chocolate chips and/or whipped cream prior to serving