2/3 c. butter
1 c. sugar
2 tsp. vanilla
2 eggs
2 1/2 c. flour, unsifted
1/2 c. unsweetened cocoa
1/2 tsp. baking soda
1/4 tsp. salt

Cream butter, sugar and vanilla in large mixing bowl until light and fluffy. Add eggs and blend well. Combine flour, cocoa, baking soda and salt. Gradually add to creamed mixture. Blend thoroughly. Chill until dough is firm enough to handle.

To shape bears: For each cookie, form a portion of the dough into one large ball for body (1 to 1 1/2 inches), one medium size ball for head (3/4 to 1 inch), four small balls for arms and legs (1/2 inch). Make two smaller balls for ears, one tiny ball for nose and 4 tiny balls for paws. On ungreased cookie sheet, flatten the large balls slightly for body. Place balls for arms, legs and ears, and a tiny ball on head for nose. Arrange with other tiny balls atop ends of legs and arms for paws. With a toothpick, draw eyes and mouth. Pierce a small hole at top of cookies for use as a tree ornament. Bake at 350 degrees for 6 to 8 minutes. Cool 1 minute on cookie sheet. Remove to wire rack. Makes about a dozen cookies.