Preparation Steps

• Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking pan or line with parchment paper.
• In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
• Beat in the eggs one at a time, then mix in the vanilla extract.
• In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
• Stir in the chocolate chips and half of the caramel bits until evenly distributed.
• Press the dough evenly into the prepared baking pan.
• Bake for 22–25 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the center is set.
• While the bars are baking, prepare the caramel topping: melt the remaining caramel bits with heavy cream in a small saucepan over low heat, stirring until smooth. (Optional)
• Drizzle the melted caramel over the warm bars immediately after removing from the oven.
• Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares.