Step 1

Use an electric hand mixer and cream the softened butter, sugar, and brown sugar together in a bowl until smooth. Add the eggs and vanilla and mix until combined. Lastly, add in the peanut butter and mix until creamy.

Step 2

Next add the flour to the wet batter, 1/2 a cup at a time and mix until incorporated. The dough will be thick but soft. Cover dough tightly with plastic wrap and chill for at least 1 hour (and up to 2 days) in the refrigerator before baking.

Step 3

Preheat oven to 375°F. Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.

Step 4

Using a small or medium cookie scoop, place balls of dough on the cookie sheet 2 inches apart.

Step 5

Lightly press down with the bottom of a glass cup and criss cross with a fork.

Step 6

Bake for 8-12 minutes (depending on size) or until cookies are lightly browned on bottoms and sides.

Step 7

Remove from the oven and let cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely before decorating.

Step 8

Decorate cookies using melted chocolate, sprinkles, peanut butter cups, and other ingredients, if desired.