1-Preparation: First, gather your tools and preheat your oven to 390 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a light-colored baking sheet with parchment paper to ensure even baking and easy cleanup. Measuring out ingredients ahead of time makes the process smooth and fun.

2-Mixing the Dough: Start by creaming together 1 cup lightly softened butter, 1 cup dark brown sugar, and 1/2 cup granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This step is crucial for that chewy center. Next, mix in 1 large egg, 1 large egg yolk, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and 1/4 cup high-quality caramel sauce to add moisture and flavor.

3-Mixing the Dough: Once the wet ingredients are combined, fold in the dry ones: 2 1/2 cups flour, 1/2 teaspoon baking powder, 3/4 teaspoon baking soda, and 1 teaspoon salt. If you’re opting for sea salt flakes on top, reduce the salt to 1/2 teaspoon here. Chilling the dough for 30 minutes to 24 hours helps prevent spreading and enhances the texture, leading to those crispy golden edges.

4-Baking and Finishing: Scoop the dough into balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 8 to 11 minutes until the edges turn lightly golden. After baking, let the cookies cool slightly on the sheet before drizzling with extra caramel sauce and optionally topping with sea salt flakes for a sweet and salty contrast.