1 1/4 c. butter, softened
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. chopped nuts (optional)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Cream butter and sugar in large mixing bowl. Add eggs and vanilla; blend well. Combine flour, cocoa, baking soda and salt. Blend into creamed mixture. Stir in nuts, if desired.

Drop by teaspoonfuls onto ungreased cookie sheet. Bake for 8-9 minutes (do not overbake, cookies will be soft). Cool on cookie sheet until set, about 1 minute. Remove to wire rack. Makes about 4 1/2 dozen.

Variations: Add either chocolate chips, mint chips, peanut butter chips or M&M'S®.