Preheat your oven to 180°C and line a baking tray with baking paper.
In a bowl, mix the peanut butter and sugar together until smooth.
Add the egg and vanilla essence. Mix well until fully combined. You’ll have a thick dough.
Optional: Stir in the baking soda for a slightly softer texture.
Roll small balls of dough (about a tablespoon each) and place them on the tray, leaving space between each one.
Use a fork to gently press each ball flat in a criss-cross pattern.
Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
Allow the cookies to cool on the tray for 5 minutes before moving them to a wire rack.