1 1/4 c. butter (soft)
2 c. sugar
2 eggs
2 tsp. vanilla
2 c. unsifted flour
3/4 c. cocoa
1 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. salt
1 c. finely chopped nuts (optional)

Cream butter and sugar in large bowl. Add eggs and vanilla; blend well. Combine flour, cocoa, baking soda, and salt; blend into cream mixture. Stir in nuts, if desired. Drop by teaspoonfuls onto ungreased cookie sheet. Bake at 350 degrees for 8-9 minutes. Do not over bake. Cookies will be soft. They will puff during baking, flatten upon cooling. Cool on cookie sheet until set, about 1 minute. Remove to wire rack to cool completely. Yields 4 1/2 dozen.