Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare the baking dish by lining it with parchment paper.

In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt until well combined.

In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.

Add eggs one at a time to the butter mixture, mixing well after each addition, then stir in the vanilla extract.

Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined, then fold in the chocolate chips.

Press half of the dough into the bottom of the prepared baking dish and drizzle caramel sauce over it.

Top with spoonfuls of the remaining dough to cover the caramel layer.

Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, until golden brown on top.

Let the bars cool completely in the pan before slicing into squares and sprinkling with sea salt if desired.