Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). You want it nice and hot when those cookies hit the sheet!

Step 2: In a large bowl, mix together the peanut butter and sugar until it’s smooth and well combined.

• Use a spoon, a mixer, or even your hands (I won’t judge). You’re just getting them to cozy up together.

Step 3: Add in the egg, vanilla extract, baking soda, and pinch of salt. Mix it all up until everything is nicely blended.

• Don’t worry, no flour here, just simple ingredients that work in harmony.

Step 4: Now it’s time to scoop out the dough! You can use a spoon or a cookie scoop.

• Roll the dough into balls, about 1 tablespoon each. Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving a little space between them because they’ll spread just a tad.

Step 5: Time for the classic peanut butter cookie crisscross! Using a fork, press down on each cookie ball, making a crisscross pattern on top.

• This is also the moment to gently press the edges down if they look a bit too high and rounded. We want soft and chewy, not super thick!

Step 6: Bake these little beauties for about 8-10 minutes. Don’t overdo it! You’ll know they’re ready when they’ve got that golden brown edge, but the center is still soft and slightly underbaked.

• Don’t worry, they’ll set as they cool!

Step 7: Once they’re out of the oven, let them sit on the baking sheet for a minute or two before transferring them to a wire rack.

• This helps them firm up just the right amount.