1️⃣ Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. 🔥

2️⃣ Soften butter in the microwave for about 20 seconds. Microwave an additional 5 seconds if needed. 🧈

3️⃣ Add peanut butter, brown sugar, and white sugar to the softened butter. Mix well until smooth. 🍯🥜

4️⃣ Add the egg and vanilla extract. Mix until combined. 🥚🍦

5️⃣ Slowly stir in the flour, baking soda, and baking powder until the dough is well mixed. 🌾🥄

6️⃣ Scoop dough out and shape into balls (about 2 tablespoons each), then place onto the baking sheet, spacing them 2 inches apart. 🍪

7️⃣ Use a fork to create horizontal and vertical lines on each cookie, flattening them slightly for the classic peanut butter cookie look. 🍪🍴

8️⃣ Sprinkle the cookies with sea salt if desired. Bake for 9 minutes (cookies will look a bit pale and slightly under-baked; they’ll continue to cook as they cool). ⏲️

9️⃣ Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 15 minutes before moving them to a cooling rack. ❄️