Preheat oven to 325. Prepare an 11 x 7″ glass baking dish with non-stick cooking spray and parchment paper. Set aside.

In a medium bowl, wisk together the dry ingredients, the flour, salt and baking soda, set aside.

In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, add the brown sugar, granulated sugar and the melted, cooled butter, mix until combined. Then add the egg, the egg yolk, and vanilla and mix until smooth.

Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mix until just combined. Then STIR in the chocolate chips.

In a microwave safe bowl combine the heavy cream and the caramels, heat on high, stirring every 20 seconds until melted. Could take up to 2 minutes.

Divide the cookie dough in half, spread half in the prepared pan, smooth the top with a spatula. Spread the hot caramel over the cookie dough, sprinkle with sea salt. Then place the rest of the cookie dough over the caramel and sprinkle with additional salt.

Bake the cookie bars for 30 minutes or until the cookies are golden brown. Remove from oven and place on a wire rack to cool. Cut the bars into squares and serve.