1/2 c. soft shortening, part butter
1 c. sugar
1 egg
3/4 c. buttermilk or sour cream
1 tsp. vanilla
1 3/4 c. sifted Gold Medal flour
1/2 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 c. cocoa
1 c. cut up nuts or raisins, optional

Mix thoroughly shortening, sugar and egg. Stir in buttermilk or sour cream and vanilla. Sift together and stir in flour, soda, salt, cocoa and mix in, if desired nuts or raisins. Chill at least 1 hour. Drop rounded teaspoonfuls about 2 inch apart on lightly greased baking sheet. Bake on 400 degrees for 8-10 minutes just until when touched lightly with finger, almost no imprint remains. Frost cooled cookies, if desired with browned butter glaze or chocolate icing and sprinkle with chopped nuts or chocolate shot. Makes 3 1/2 dozen 3 1/2 inch cookies