Peanut Gems

Makes 2-1/2 dozen cookies

2-1/2	cups all-purpose flour
1	teaspoon baking powder
1/8	teaspoon salt
1	cup (2 sticks) butter, softened
1	cup packed light brown sugar
2	eggs
2	teaspoons vanilla
1-1/2	cups cocktail peanuts, finely chopped
	Powdered sugar (optional)

Preheat oven to 350°F. Combine flour, baking powder and salt in small bowl.
Beat butter in large bowl with electric mixer at medium speed until smooth. Gradually beat in brown sugar; increase speed to medium-high and beat until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs, one at a time, until fluffy. Beat in vanilla. Gradually stir in flour mixture until blended. Stir in peanuts.
Drop heaping tablespoonfuls of dough about 1 inch apart onto ungreased cookie sheets; flatten slightly with fingertips.
Bake 12 minutes or until set. Let cookies stand on cookie sheets 5 minutes; transfer to wire racks to cool completely. Dust cookies with powdered sugar, if desired. Store in airtight container.