Really Easy Peanut Butter Cookies

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.

2. Mix the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the creamy peanut butter, granulated sugar, egg, and vanilla extract. Mix everything together until you have a smooth and well-combined dough.

3. Form the Cookies: Using a spoon or cookie scoop, portion out small amounts of dough and roll them into balls. If desired, you can roll the dough balls in additional granulated sugar for a slightly crunchy exterior.

4. Place on Baking Sheet: Once you have formed all the cookie dough balls, place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.

5. Create Crosshatch Pattern (Optional): Using a fork, gently press down on each dough ball in a crisscross pattern to flatten them slightly. This step not only gives the cookies a classic look but also helps with even baking.

6. Bake the Cookies: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake the cookies for about 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown. Be careful not to overbake them, as you want the cookies to remain soft and chewy.

7. Cool and Enjoy: Once the cookies are done baking, remove them from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes. Transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely before serving.