Caramel Bars

My friend from work makes the most delicious Cookie caramel dessert bars. It's probably the most requested dessert treat for work parties and potluck dinners. I made them for the first time this past weekend for friends and they seemed to be a big hit! So yummy and so easy! I thought I would post the recipe for others to try and also I figured my friend Katie from Just Roll With It, who has a love/hate relationship with sugar might one day need these cookie bars!

Combine:
3 cups flour
1 1/2 cups brown sugar
1 1/2 tsp. baking soda
1/4 tsp. salt
1 1/2 cups (3 sticks) of melted Butter

Reserve half of this mixture. Lightly PRESS remaining 1/2 of mixture into a 13 X 9 pan (sprayed w/Pam) and bake for 15 mins. at 350* (should be lightly browned) Remove from oven. Sprinkle with approximately 1/2 a bag of chocolate chips (just enough to cover) Combine 12 oz. jar of caramel ice cream topping with 1/3 cup of flour and then drizzle over chocolate chips. Sprinkle with reserved crumb mixture. Do not press down! Bake for 20-25 mins. or until lightly browned. Let them sit and cool awhile before cutting.