Classic Peanut Butter Cookies

Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

In a large bowl, combine the chunky peanut butter, softened butter, the large egg, and vanilla extract; mix until smooth.

Add the white granulated sugar and packed brown sugar; mix well until fully incorporated.

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all‑purpose flour, baking soda, and coarse salt; fold this dry mixture into the wet ingredients until just combined.

If desired, fold in white chocolate chips.

Scoop the dough with a 1‑tablespoon measuring spoon onto the prepared sheet; flatten each cookie with a fork to create a criss‑cross pattern. For some cookies, roll the dough balls in large white sugar crystals before flattening.

Bake for about 12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown.

Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool on a wire rack.