Step 1

Preheat oven to 375F.

Step 2

In a large mixing bowl, beat together the shortening, peanut butter, brown sugar, milk, and vanilla with an electric mixer until well blended. Add the egg and mix just until combined.

Step 3

In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Add the dry mixture to the wet mixture and stir until combined.

Step 4

Scoop the cookie dough onto an ungreased cookie sheet to form 1 to 1 ½ inch dough balls. Use a fork to press the dough down and create the traditional crisscross pattern on each cookie.

Step 5

Bake for 7-8 minutes at 375F just until set around the edges. Cool for 2 minutes on the cookie sheet, then transfer to a wire cooling rack to cool.