Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment or a silicone mat. No sticking drama here.

In a bowl, mix peanut butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth. That’s the base of your flavor party.

Beat in the egg and vanilla. Stir until the batter looks glossy and cohesive.

Add baking soda and salt; fold in until evenly distributed. If you’re adding chocolate chips or cinnamon, fold them in now.

Scoop dough into rounded tablespoons and place on the sheet. Gently press with a fork to make the classic crisscross pattern, or just leave them round if you’re feeling minimal.

Bake 9–11 minutes, or until edges are set and centers look just slightly underdone. They’ll firm up as they cool.

Cool on the sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a rack. If you’re impatient, loot a warm one—just be ready for jaws that might burn a little.