1 1/4 c. butter, softened
2 c. sugar
2 eggs
2 tsp. vanilla
2 c. unsifted all purpose flour
3/4 c. cocoa
1 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. salt
1 c. chopped nuts; optional

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

For variation 2 cups of peanut butter or chocolate chips can be added to batter.