Peanut Butter Cookies

Peanut butter cookies are a classic treat that are both simple to make and delicious! Here’s a basic recipe for peanut butter cookies:

Ingredients:

• 1 cup peanut butter (smooth or chunky)
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract (optional)
• 1/2 tsp baking soda (optional, for a little extra rise)

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
2. Mix the dough: In a large bowl, combine the peanut butter, sugar, egg, and vanilla extract (if using). Stir until smooth and well-combined. If you’re using baking soda, add it now and mix in.
3. Shape the dough: Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheet. You can use a fork to press a criss-cross pattern on top of each cookie, gently pressing them down.
4. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 8–10 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown. The center will still be a little soft, but the cookies will firm up as they cool.
5. Cool: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Optional Add-ins:

• Chocolate chips: Mix in about 1/2 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips for a chocolatey twist.
• Chopped peanuts: For extra crunch, add chopped peanuts to the dough.
• Brown sugar: Swap out some or all of the granulated sugar with brown sugar for a deeper flavor.

These cookies are chewy and a little crumbly, with the irresistible flavor of peanut butter. Enjoy!