1 1/4 c. softened butter
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)
1 (12 oz.) pkg. chocolate chips (optional)
1 1/2 oz.) pkg. peanut butter chips (optional)
Mixture of nuts and chips or nonpareils (optional)

Cream butter with sugar in a large mixing bowl. Add eggs and vanilla; blend well. Combine flour, cocoa, baking soda and salt; gradually blend into the creamed mixture.

If adding nuts or chips, stir in now; if decorating with nonpareils, sprinkle these on after placing on cookie sheet.

Drop by tablespoonfuls onto ungreased cookie sheet. Bake at 350 degrees for 9 to 11 minutes. Do not over bake, cookies will be soft. Remove from oven and cool on cookie sheet for 1 minute. Transfer to racks to cool completely. Will make about 2 1/2 to 3 dozen cookies.

For smaller cookies, drop by teaspoonfuls and cook 8 to 9 minutes. About 5 dozen cookies.