Chocolate Bliss Peanut Butter Cookies

2 pkg. (8 squares each) BAKER'S Semi-Sweet Baking Chocolate, divided
3/4 cup firmly packed brown sugar
1/2 cup peanut butter
1/4 cup (1/2 stick) butter or margarine, softened
2 eggs
1 tsp. vanilla
1/2 cup flour
1/4 tsp. CALUMET Baking Powder
2 cups PLANTERS Salted Peanuts, chopped (optional)

PREHEAT oven to 350°F. Coarsely chop 8 of the chocolate squares; set aside. Microwave remaining 8 chocolate squares in large microwavable bowl on HIGH 2 minutes, stirring after 1 minute. Stir until chocolate is completely melted. Add sugar, peanut butter, butter, eggs and vanilla; stir with wooden spoon until well blended. Add flour and baking powder; mix well. Stir in chopped chocolate and peanuts. (Note: If omitting peanuts, increase flour to 3/4 cup to prevent excessive spreading of cookies during baking.)
DROP rounded tablespoonfuls of dough onto ungreased baking sheets.
BAKE 12 to 14 minutes or until cookies are puffed and feel set to the touch. Cool on baking sheets 1 minute. Remove to wire racks; cool completely.

KRAFT KITCHENS TIPS
Bite-Sized Cookies
Drop heaping teaspoonfuls of dough onto ungreased baking sheets. Bake 6 to 7 minutes or until golden brown. Makes about 5-1/2 dozen bite-sized cookies or 32 servings, 2 cookies each.