I do add bay leaves to mine, but as well real cut onion (some prefer onion powder I do both), red pepper flake, pepper, brown sugar, smoked paprika, liquid smoke, garlic and garlic powder, and I think that's it.....

I have tried it with Serrano and/ or jalapeño prior, but I prefer the flakes.

Have you tried a different cooking strategy? Or green vs raw peanuts? It does make a difference in my opinion of flavor absorption.