Triple Peanut Butter Cookies

This cookie is so rich and delectable that I typically only make them for special occasions.  Christmas is one of those occasions.  Let's face it, peanut butter is so good, how can a cookie that incorporates it in 3 forms be anything BUT delicious?  These are sweet, a bit salty, chewy, rich and the perfect thing to eat with a glass of milk.

Triple Peanut Butter Cookies
source:  Lightly adapted from a recipe by King Arthur Flour
Makes 6 dozen cookies

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup light brown sugar
1 cup granulated sugar
1 1/4 cups creamy peanut butter
2 large eggs, at room temperature
2 2/3 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup chopped salted peanuts
1 cup peanut butter chips

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.  Prepare 2 baking sheets by either lightly greasing them or lining them with parchment paper or silpat liners.

In a large bowl, mix together the butter, sugars, and peanut butter.  Cream until fully incorporated.  Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each.  Add the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.  Mix just until combined.  Stir in the peanuts and peanut butter chips.

Drop the dough by Tablespoonful onto the prepared baking sheets.  Bake for 12-14 minutes, until cookies are set and lightly browned around the edges.  Remove the pans from the oven to a cooling rack.  Allow the cookies to cool on the pans for 5 minutes then transfer them to cooling racks to cool completely.