3/4 c. butter, softened
2 c. sugar
2 eggs
2 tsp. vanilla
2 c. flour
3/4 c. cocoa
1 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. salt
1 c. walnuts (opt.)

Cream butter and sugar. Add eggs and vanilla; blend well. Combine flour, cocoa, baking soda and salt; blend into creamed mixture. Stir in nuts. Drop by teaspoonfuls onto greased cookie sheet.

Bake at 350 degrees for 8 to 9 minutes. Do not over bake. Cookies will be soft. They will puff during baking, flatten when cooling. Cool on cookie sheet until set, about 1 minute. Remove from cookie sheet and cool on wire rack until completely cooled. Store in airtight container. Makes 4 1/2 dozen.