Ingredients

3/4 cup (1 1/2 stick) unsalted butter, room temperature
1 1/4 cups brown sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
1 egg, lightly beaten
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon fine salt
1 cup chocolate chips
8 ounces caramels
1/4 cup heavy/whipping cream
1/2 teaspoon coarse grain salt (optional)

Directions

Cream the butter and sugar together before mixing in the vanilla extract followed by the egg.
Mix the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt before mixing into the wet ingredients.
Mix in the chocolate chips and press 1/2 of the mixture into the bottom of a greased 8 inch square baking pan.
Melt the caramels into the cream in a small sauce pan over medium heat before pouring onto the bottom layer in the baking pan and topping with the salt followed by the remaining dough.
Bake in a preheated 350F/180C oven until the sides are lightly golden brown and the caramel is bubbling, about 15-20 minutes before removing from the oven to cool before slicing and enjoying!