Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the creamy peanut butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Using an electric mixer, beat on medium speed until well combined and fluffy.
Add in the egg, vanilla extract, baking soda, and salt. Beat until everything is thoroughly mixed.
If using, gently fold in the chocolate chips for a delightful twist.
Using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, drop rounded balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet. Leave about 2 inches of space between each cookie as they will spread slightly.
For a classic peanut butter cookie texture, use a fork to press down on each ball, creating a criss-cross pattern on top.
If desired, sprinkle crushed peanuts on top of each cookie for added texture and flavor.
Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown but the centers still look soft.
Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
Arrange the cookies on a decorative plate and consider drizzling some melted chocolate over them for extra flair. Serve with a glass of cold milk for the perfect pairing!