Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, combine the melted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Mix until well combined. Add in the eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt until evenly mixed.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Fold in the chocolate chips until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Take a spoonful of cookie dough and flatten it in your palm. Place a few pieces of caramel in the center, then take another spoonful of dough, flatten it, and place it on top of the caramel. Pinch the edges to seal the caramel inside. Roll gently into a ball and place on the prepared baking sheets.
Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the cookies are set and just slightly underbaked in the center. They will continue to cook on the baking sheet after being removed from the oven.
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Optionally, sprinkle with sea salt while they are still warm for an extra flavor boost.
Notes
For an extra flavor boost, sprinkle with sea salt while still warm.