Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

Mix the dough: In a medium bowl, stir together the peanut butter, sugar, and egg until smooth and thick. If using vanilla or spices, add them now. The mixture should look glossy and scoopable.

Shape the cookies: Scoop 1 tablespoon portions and roll into balls. Place them on the prepared sheet, leaving about 2 inches of space between each.

Make the crisscross: Use a fork to gently press a crisscross pattern on top of each dough ball, flattening them slightly to about 1/2 inch thick.

Bake: Bake for 8–10 minutes, until the edges are set and the tops look dry. They should still feel soft in the center.

Cool: Let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. They firm up as they cool.