In a medium mixing bowl, combine the peanut butter, sugar, egg, and vanilla extract. Stir until smooth and fully blended. The dough will be thick but pliable — perfect for shaping.
Tip: If you prefer a richer flavor, use natural peanut butter. For a classic sweetness, stick with a creamy, traditional brand.
Step 3: Shape the Cookies
Roll the dough into wallet-sized balls (about 1 inch in diameter). Place them evenly on an ungreased cookie sheet, leaving about 2 inches between each to allow for spreading as they bake.
Use a fork to press gently on each dough ball twice — once vertically, once horizontally — to create the signature criss-cross pattern. This not only adds a classic look but helps the cookies bake evenly.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Place the tray in the preheated oven and bake for 8–10 minutes, or until the cookies are light golden brown around the edges. Be careful not to overbake — they’ll continue to set as they cool.
Step 5: Cool and Enjoy
Remove the cookies from the oven and let them rest on the baking sheet for 2–3 minutes. This helps them firm up before transferring.
Move the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, the cookies will have a delicate crispness on the outside and a soft, chewy center.
Serving & Storage
Serving: Pair these peanut butter cookies with a glass of cold milk, a cup of coffee, or even crumble them over vanilla ice cream for an extra treat.
Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. For longer storage, freeze in a sealed bag for up to 2 months.
