1.To make the salted caramel: Add sugar to a small saucepan on medium-low heat. Allow the sugar to slowly melt, stirring every 20-30 seconds. It will begin to caramelize into chunks, and eventually smooth out into a liquid.
2.Once melted, remove from heat immediately and stir in the butter.
3.Add heavy cream and salt. Stir until incorporated.
4.Transfer caramel to a bowl and allow it to cool.
5.Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Grease a 9x13” baking dish and set aside.
6.In a large mixing bowl, add butter, brown sugar, granulated sugar and vanilla extract. Cream together using a hand-held mixer on medium speed.
7.Add in eggs, one at a time, mixing in between until incorporated.
8.Add flour, baking soda, baking powder and sea salt to the batter. Mix on low speed until combined.
9.Fold in chocolate chips.
10.Divide the cookie dough in half. Press half of the dough into an even layer in the prepared baking dish.
11.Bake in preheated oven for 10 minutes.
12.Pour cooled salted caramel over the top of the baked cookie dough layer. Use a spatula to spread the caramel into an even layer that covers the entire surface.
13.Use the remaining cookie dough to form a top layer by scooping a ball of dough into your hands, flattening it and gently placing over the caramel layer. Some caramel may peak through the top layer of cookie dough.
14.Bake for an additional 15-18 minutes, or until golden brown.
15.Allow the bars to cool before slicing and serving.