Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
In a medium bowl, mix together the peanut butter, sugar, egg, vanilla extract, baking soda, and salt (if using). Stir until well combined. The dough should be thick and sticky. If you prefer a firmer texture, you can mix in the flour at this stage.
Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls. Place them on the baking sheet, spaced about 2 inches apart. Gently flatten each ball with a fork, making a crisscross pattern on top of each cookie.
Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown. Keep an eye on them, as they can quickly go from golden to overbaked. If you want a chewier cookie, bake closer to 8 minutes.
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This allows them to firm up while retaining a soft and chewy center.
Serving and Storage Tips:
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