How do I return to Thailand after a short trip back to the US on a tourist visa?

Since you'll be in your home country, might as well get a SETV, which is 1 month longer in total (60+30 day extension). You could also check for the STV (special tourist visa), which is even longer, but the requirements are much stricter, I believe. Make sure to prepare things much more in advance, to get issued the visa by your embassy before your plane ticket departure date (some people are not getting it in time). Same thing with the Thailand Pass (people aren't getting it in time as well). Although requirements will probably have changed by then.

Other option is the visa exemption, but which gives you only 30 days with the possibility to extend another 30 days for 1,900THB at an immigration office in Thailand. 60 days is not a lot. COVID extensions probably won't be continued in 2 months time.

Just get an Elite visa already and safe yourself trouble

You can enter Thailand on either a Visa-exemption or an appropriate visa, depending on how long and for what purpose you will be staying in Thailand.

You must use the on line application system.

You apply for a visa that fits your purpose and length of stay.