Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, combine the natural peanut butter, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and egg. Whisk them together until the mixture is smooth and well-combined.
Step 3: In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the whole wheat flour, rolled oats, baking soda, and a pinch of salt. Make sure there are no lumps.
Step 4: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the dough.
Step 5: Fold in the chocolate chips (or other desired mix-ins), ensuring they are evenly distributed.
Step 6: Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie. Gently flatten each cookie slightly with the back of a spoon or your fingers.
Step 7: Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the centers are still soft. They will firm up as they cool. Do not overbake!
Step 8: Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the cookies cool on the sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.