chewy caramel mystery cookies

the goods:

3 cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon salt

1 and 1/4 teaspoons baking soda

1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature

1 cup packed light-brown sugar

1/2 cup granulated sugar

2 large eggs

1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

1 cup caramels such as Kraft (about 20), halved

1 cup roughly chopped miniature Mr. Goodbar (about 16)

3/4 cup orange M&M's or Reese's Pieces, for decorating

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, salt, and baking soda. In a large bowl using an electric mixer, beat butter and sugars on high until pale and fluffy, about 3 minutes. Beat in eggs, scraping down bowl as needed. With mixer on low, beat in flour mixture in three additions until combined. Beat in vanilla. Fold in caramels and candy bars.

 Using a 1/3-cup spring-loaded scoop, drop dough, 2-inches apart, on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake 8 minutes.

Remove from oven; immediately press orange candies onto cookies.

Return to oven and bake until golden around edges and set in centers, 8 minutes more.

Transfer cookies to wire racks to cool.

Repeat with remaining dough on fresh parchment.