Place walnuts in a high-speed food processor and pulse until finely ground.

Add the pitted dates to the food processor and blend until the mixture begins to clump together into a dough.

Incorporate the cocoa powder, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and salt; process until the mixture is uniform and dark.

Line an 8x8 inch baking pan with parchment paper and transfer the mixture into the pan.

Press the mixture down firmly and evenly using a spatula or the back of a spoon.

Distribute chocolate chips over the top and press them lightly into the dough.

Refrigerate for 1 hour to allow the brownies to firm up before cutting into 12 equal squares.