1-First Step: Preparation and Mise en Place Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and positioning the racks in the center of the oven. Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. This preparation step prevents sticking and makes cleanup effortless.

2-Second Step: Creaming the Base In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 cup softened unsalted butter, 1 cup creamy peanut butter, 1 cup granulated sugar, and 1 cup packed brown sugar. Using an electric mixer on medium speed, beat these ingredients together until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This process typically takes 2-3 minutes and incorporates air into the batter, which helps create a lighter cookie texture.

3-Third Step: Adding Eggs and Flavor With the mixer running on low speed, add 2 large eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. This gradual incorporation ensures the eggs emulsify properly with the butter mixture. Once the eggs are fully incorporated, add 2 teaspoons vanilla extract and mix until just combined. Scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl to ensure all ingredients are evenly distributed.

4-Fourth Step: Incorporating Dry Ingredients In a separate medium bowl, whisk together 2.5 cups all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking soda, and 1/2 teaspoon salt. This step ensures the leavening agent is evenly distributed throughout the flour, which prevents uneven rising. With the mixer on low speed, gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Mix only until the flour streaks disappear. Overmixing at this stage develops gluten, which can make cookies tough rather than tender.

5-Fifth Step: Folding in Chocolate Chips Remove the bowl from the mixer and use a rubber spatula to fold in 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips. If you’re using optional add-ins like chopped peanuts, add them now as well. Folding by hand prevents overworking the dough and distributes the mix-ins evenly without breaking them.

6-Sixth Step: Shaping and Baking Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop rounded portions of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. For the classic peanut butter cookie appearance, flatten each dough ball slightly with the tines of a fork, creating a crisscross pattern. This not only looks traditional but also helps the cookies bake evenly. Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes, rotating the pans halfway through for even baking. The edges should be lightly golden while the centers may still appear slightly underbaked. This slight underbaking is crucial for achieving a soft, chewy texture after cooling.

7-Final Step: Cooling and Serving Remove the baking sheets from the oven and let the cookies cool on the pans for 5 minutes. During this time, they will set and firm up slightly, making them easier to transfer. After 5 minutes, carefully move the cookies to a wire cooling rack to cool completely. This final cooling step allows the texture to fully develop.