Salted Caramel Pecan Brookies

The Steps

1.  Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
2. Grease or line a 9×13 inch pan with parchment paper for easy lifting and cutting.
3. Using a medium sauce pan, melt the butter and chopped chocolate over medium-low heat until melted and combined.
4. Transfer chocolate to a stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment and let cool for 10 minutes. Whisk in the sugars on medium speed until combined, about 30 seconds.
5. Add eggs one at a time, whisking well after each addition. Add the vanilla and salt and mix until combined. Scrape bowl as needed.
6. Using a fine mesh sieve, sift the cake flour over the brownie batter, into the mixing bowl. Using a spatula, fold the flour into the batter until just combined.
7. Pour batter into the prepared pan, using an offset spatula to spread the batter gently into an even layer.
8. Drizzle the caramel on top of the brownie batter, sprinkle with a pinch of the course salt. Set aside.

For the Chocolate Chunk Cookies

1. Place the butter and sugars into the bowl of an electric mixer, fitted with the paddle attachment, and beat on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
2. Add the eggs into the mixing bowl and beat on medium speed until smooth, about 15 seconds. Add vanilla mixing briefly. Scrape the bowl as needed.
3. In a medium bowl, combine the flour, baking soda and salt. Place the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, and mix until just incorporated. Scrape the bowl and mix again for a few seconds. Add the chopped pecans and chocolate, reserving a few pieces of chocolate to place on top of before baking.
4. Using your hands or a spoon, carefully place globs of the cookie dough on top of the brownie batter. Try and cover a nice perimeter of cookie dough on top of the batter, but it is perfectly okay and actually preferred, if some of the brownie is seen peeking through the cookie dough. Finish by placing the remaining chunks of chocolate on top of the cookie dough.
5. Place into the oven and bake for 30-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out with just a few brownie crumbs. For my oven it takes about 35 minutes to bake. Let the Brookies cool completely before cutting into squares. Drizzle with additional caramel, if desired.