Thick and Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies: A Sweet Treat for All Ages

Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.

Cream the wet ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, beat together the peanut butter, softened butter, brown sugar, and white sugar until smooth and creamy. You can use an electric mixer or beat by hand.

Add eggs and vanilla: Beat in the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.

Mix the dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until combined.

Fold in chocolate chips: If using chocolate chips, fold them into the dough using a spatula or spoon.

Shape the cookies: Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls. Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. For the classic crisscross pattern, gently press each cookie with a fork in both directions.

Bake: Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the centers are set. The cookies will continue to firm up as they cool.

Cool and serve: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy the thick, chewy texture with every bite!

Serving and Storage Tips: