Creating Chocolate Caramel Cookies is simple when you follow these steps:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together until creamy.
3. Add Eggs and Vanilla: Mix in the eggs and vanilla extract until well combined.
4. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
5. Mix Dry Ingredients into Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture, stirring until fully incorporated.
6. Fold in Chocolate Chips: Gently fold in the chocolate chips, ensuring an even distribution throughout the dough.
7. Scoop the Cookie Dough: Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop portions of cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving space between each for spreading.
8. Add Caramel: Gently press a few caramel bits into the center of each cookie mound, covering them with more dough if necessary.
9. Bake the Cookies: Place the baking sheets in the oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are firm.
10. Cool the Cookies: Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
11. Sprinkle Sea Salt (Optional): For an added touch, sprinkle a little sea salt on top of the warm cookies right after baking.

These steps will guide you to create perfect Chocolate Caramel Cookies that are sure to impress everyone at your gathering.