Peanut Butter Cookies

Ingredients:

• 1 cup peanut butter (smooth or crunchy)
• 1 cup granulated sugar (or half sugar, half brown sugar for deeper flavor)
• 1 large egg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract (optional)
• 1/2 tsp baking soda (optional, for a softer texture)
• Pinch of salt (only if your peanut butter is unsalted)

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a bowl, mix together the peanut butter, sugar, egg, and vanilla until smooth.
3. If using, stir in the baking soda and salt.
4. Scoop about 1 tablespoon of dough per cookie onto the baking sheet.
5. Flatten each ball with a fork in a crisscross pattern.
6. Bake for 9–11 minutes, or until edges are lightly golden. Don’t overbake!
7. Let them cool on the sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.