Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter Cookies

Since it's the holidays I want to make lots of different cookies. These are a simple type and who doesn't like peanut butter and chocolate? I didn't have smooth peanut butter so I used chunky. I think this added more texture to the cookie once it was finished. This cookie is really similar to my chocolate chip cookies but it's a bit creamier due to the peanut butter. This is a great cookie to make with kids or for a first time baker.

Ingredients:

1/2 pound unsalted butter at room temperature
1-1/2 cups light brown sugar, packed
2/3 cup granulated sugar
2 extra-large eggs at room temperature
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
1 cup good smooth peanut butter
2-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1 pound good semisweet chocolate chunks

Directions:
1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.

2. In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream the butter and sugars until light and fluffy.

3. Add the eggs, one at a time. Add the vanilla and peanut butter, and mix.

4. Sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt and add to the batter, mixing only until combined. Fold in the chocolate chips.

5. Drop the dough on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, using either a 1-3/4-inch ice cream scoop or a rounded tablespoon.

6. Dampen your hands, flatten the dough lightly, then press the tines of a wet fork in both directions. Bake for exactly 17 minutes (the cookies will seem underdone). Do not overbake. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly on the pan, then transfer to a wire rack and let cool completely.