Salted Caramel Pretzel Cookies (Soft & Chewy Bakery-Style!)

Ingredients

• 1 cup butter (room temperature)
• ¾ cup brown sugar (packed)
• ¼ cup white sugar
• 3.4 oz instant vanilla pudding mix
• 2 large eggs
• 1½ teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 2¼ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup caramel bits ((such as Kraft caramel baking bits))
• 1 cup pretzels (lightly crushed into small pieces (not powdered))
• Sea salt flakes (for sprinkling on top)