1️⃣ Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.

2️⃣ Cream the butters and sugars: In a large bowl, beat together the peanut butter, softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth and creamy.

3️⃣ Add wet ingredients: Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until fully combined.

4️⃣ Mix dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.

5️⃣ Combine the mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring just until incorporated. Fold in chocolate chips if using.

6️⃣ Shape the cookies: Scoop tablespoon-sized amounts of dough and roll into balls. Place them on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Flatten slightly with your hand or the back of a spoon.

7️⃣ Bake: Bake for 8–10 minutes, or until the edges are set but the centers are still soft. Do not overbake.

8️⃣ Cool and serve: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.