1-First, preheat your oven to 325 degrees F and grease a 9-inch square pan, lining it with parchment paper for easy removal later. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt until well combined. Then, in a separate bowl, mix the melted butter and sugars with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy.

2-Next, add the egg, egg yolk, and vanilla extract to the butter mixture, beating until everything is fully incorporated. Gradually stir in the dry ingredients on low speed until just combined, then fold in the chocolate chips by hand. For the caramel layer, combine the caramel candies and heavy cream in a microwave-safe bowl, heating on high and stirring every 20 seconds until melted, about 2 minutes.

3-Assembly and Baking Steps: 1. Press half of the cookie dough evenly into the prepared pan.
2. Pour the melted caramel over the dough, spreading it evenly but leaving a ½-inch border.
3. Sprinkle the caramel with a pinch of sea salt for that perfect balance.
4. Drop the remaining dough in spoonfuls over the caramel and gently spread to cover it.
5. Sprinkle the top with a bit more sea salt, then bake for 30 minutes or until the bars are light golden brown and the edges pull away from the pan.
6. Let them cool on a wire rack to room temperature, then refrigerate for 30 minutes to set the caramel before cutting into squares.