Deep Dish Chocolate Chip Cookie

This might be the best dessert ever.

Ingredients:

- 17 tablespoons butter, divided
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar

- 2 teaspoons vanilla
- 2 tablespoons real maple syrup

- 2 eggs

- 2 3/4 cups flour (substitute 1 cup wheat flour if desired)
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt

- 1 cup chocolate chunks
- 1/2 cup milk chocolate chips

- 1/2 cup caramel pieces
- 3 tablespoons heavy whipping cream

- coarse sea salt, to taste

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Soften 9 tablespoons of butter in the microwave for 30 seconds or until partially melted. Soften the remaining 8 tablespoons of butter for 10 seconds or until you can make an indent with your finger.

Use an electric mixer to cream together the butter and sugars. Add the vanilla and maple syrup; mix again until smooth. Add the eggs; beat slowly until incorporated.

Add the flour in batches, along with the baking soda and salt. Mix until a smooth dough forms. The dough should feel dry to the touch; add several tablespoons of flour as needed. Stir in the chocolate chunks and chips.

Melt the caramel pieces and heavy cream in the microwave at 30 second intervals for 1-2 minutes, until they can be stirred together until smooth.

Press half of the dough mixture into a 9-inch cast iron skillet lined with parchment paper. Pour the caramel over the dough. Top with the remaining cookie dough.

Bake for 20-25 minutes. Remove from oven, sprinkle with sea salt, and allow to rest for at least 1 hour before serving.