Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter (conventional brands work best)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- Optional: Red and green holiday sprinkles or sanding sugar
Instructions
- Step 1: Preparation Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking. In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the creamy peanut butter, granulated sugar, and the egg. Use a sturdy spatula or a wooden spoon to stir the ingredients together until the mixture is smooth and completely combined. If you are using sprinkles, you can fold a tablespoon of them directly into the dough now.
- Step 2: Shaping and Patterning Scoop about one tablespoon of dough at a time and roll it between your palms to form a smooth ball, roughly one inch in diameter. Place the balls onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about two inches apart. Take a fork and press it gently onto the top of each ball to create a crosshatch pattern. This flattens the cookie slightly and ensures even baking. For a festive look, dip the fork in red or green sugar before pressing, or scatter holiday sprinkles over the top of the pressed cookies.
- Step 3: Baking and Cooling Place the baking sheet in the center rack of the oven. Bake for 10 minutes, or until the edges are just barely golden brown. Do not overbake, as these cookies will continue to firm up as they cool. Remove the tray from the oven and let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for at least 5 to 10 minutes. This step is crucial because the cookies are very fragile while hot. Once firm, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before serving or storing.
- Cook Time: 20 minutes