These classic Peanut Butter Cookies are soft, chewy, and full of rich peanut butter flavor, making them perfect for a quick snack or dessert. They’re easy to make and require just a few ingredients you likely already have in your pantry. Whether you’re a peanut butter lover or just looking for a simple cookie recipe, these cookies will hit the spot every time!
Preheat the oven. Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Mix the ingredients. In a large bowl, combine the peanut butter, sugar, egg, vanilla extract, baking soda, and salt. Stir until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
Shape the cookies. Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on the baking sheet about 2 inches apart.
Create the crisscross pattern. Using a fork, gently press down on each ball to flatten them, making a crisscross pattern on top.
Bake. Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Be careful not to overbake; the cookies will continue to firm up as they cool.
Cool the cookies. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
For a softer texture, slightly underbake the cookies, pulling them out when they are just set. Try adding chocolate chips, chopped peanuts, or a sprinkle of sea salt on top for an extra flavor boost. If you prefer a more intense peanut flavor, use natural peanut butter (without added sugars or oils).