Peanut Butter Cookies: Soft and Chewy

Instructions:

1. Beat the peanut butter, brown sugar, and white sugar together until the mixture looks fluffy and lightened in color.
2. Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing on medium speed until the batter is completely smooth and velvety.
3. Sift in the flour, baking soda, and salt. Stir by hand using a spatula or wooden spoon just until the white streaks of flour disappear.
4. Scoop rounded tablespoons of dough and roll them into 1-inch balls.
5. Roll each ball in the extra granulated sugar and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
6. Press down on each ball with a fork in a crisscross motion to create the classic crosshatch pattern.
7. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10–12 minutes. Remove when edges are set and pale gold, but centers still look slightly underbaked.
8. Allow cookies to firm up on the hot pan to preserve the chewy texture.