Instructions:
1. Prepare: Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a 9×13 baking dish with parchment and spray with non-stick cooking spray.
2. Mix Dough: Beat butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar in a stand mixer for 1-2 minutes. Add eggs and vanilla, beat for 5 more minutes.
3. Dry Ingredients: Combine flour, sea salt, and baking soda. Mix into creamed mixture just until combined, then fold in chocolate chips.
4. Chill Dough: Refrigerate dough while preparing caramel.
5. Make Caramel: Melt caramels with sweetened condensed milk in a saucepan over medium-low, stirring until smooth. Remove from heat, stir in sea salt flakes.
6. Assemble Bars: Press half of the cookie dough into the pan. Pour caramel over the dough. Crumble remaining dough over caramel.
7. Bake: 25 minutes or until center is set.
8. Finish: Sprinkle with additional sea salt flakes. Cool, slice, and enjoy!
These cookie bars are a dream come true for caramel and chocolate lovers alike! Perfect for dessert, a treat to share, or a special occasion!
