1 1/3 c. butter
1 c. packed brown sugar
1 c. granulated sugar
2 eggs
2 tsp. vanilla
2 1/4 c. flour
2/3 c. cocoa
3/4 tsp. baking soda
1/4 tsp. salt
2 (4 oz.) pkg. sweet baking chocolate, chopped
1 c. chopped pecans (optional)

Beat butter and sugars at medium speed with electric mixer until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs and vanilla. Gradually add combined dry ingredients; mix well. Stir in chocolate and nuts. Drop rounded measuring tablespoonfuls of dough, 2 inches apart, onto ungreased cookie sheets. Bake at 350 degrees for 12 to 14 minutes or until set. Let stand 2 minutes; remove to cooling rack. Yield: about 3 1/2 dozen cookies.

VARIATION: Substitute 1 (12 oz.) package peanut butter chips for sweet baking chocolate.