Step 1

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 2

In the bowl of a stand mixer using the paddle attachment, beat the granulated and brown sugars and butter on high until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes. Add the peanut butter, eggs, and vanilla, reduce the speed to medium, and beat until thoroughly combined.

Step 3

Mix the flour and salt together in a small bowl. With the mixer on low, slowly add the flour and salt to the peanut butter mixture and blend thoroughly. In a small bowl, stir together the baking soda and hot water and add it to the cookie dough, mixing until just combined.

Step 4

Drop the dough in heaping tablespoons onto the parchment. Gently press a fork into each cookie, first vertically, then horizontally, to create the classic peanut butter cookie crisscross. (If an extra sparkly, extra crunchy cookie is desired, dip your fork in a little granulated sugar prior to pressing it into the dough.)

Step 5

Bake for 8 to 12 minutes, until the cookies have barely begun to turn golden at the edges.

Step 6

Let the cookies cool for a minute or more on the baking sheet, then move them to a wire rack to cool at least a little. (The cookies will get crisper the longer they cool.) Store the cookies in an airtight container for up to 5 days.