Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.

Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugars

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy. This takes about 2-3 minutes using a hand or stand mixer.

Step 4: Add the Eggs and Vanilla

Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, add the vanilla extract and continue mixing until combined.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing, as this can affect the texture of the cookies.

Step 6: Fold in the Caramel Pieces

Gently fold in the caramel chips or chopped caramel candies. The dough should be thick and well-mixed.

Step 7: Scoop and Shape the Cookies

Use a cookie scoop or spoon to form dough balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches of space between each cookie.

Step 8: Bake to Perfection

Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until the edges turn golden brown but the center remains slightly soft.

Step 9: Add Sea Salt

Immediately after removing the cookies from the oven, sprinkle a pinch of sea salt over each one to enhance the salted caramel flavor.

Step 10: Cool and Enjoy

Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Serve and enjoy!