Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Cookies:
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter (or chunky for added texture)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- Pinch of salt
Optional Add-Ins:
- 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup rolled oats (for added chewiness)
- Dash of cinnamon (for warmth)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat Your Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
2. Mix Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the peanut butter and sugar until smooth and creamy. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until fully combined.
3. Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, mix the baking soda and salt. Gradually add this mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the cookies light and chewy.
4. Fold In Optional Add-Ins
If using chocolate chips, oats, or other mix-ins, fold them into the batter now.
5. Form the Cookies
Use a tablespoon or small cookie scoop to drop rounded portions of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Flatten each ball slightly with a fork, creating a crisscross pattern for that classic peanut butter cookie look.
6. Bake Until Golden
Bake in the preheated oven for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden but the centers remain soft. Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
7. Cool and Enjoy!
Let the cookies cool completely before storing them in an airtight container. Serve warm or at room temperature for maximum enjoyment.
