1 1/4 c. butter, softened
2 c. sugar
2 eggs
2 tsp. vanilla
2 c. all-purpose flour
3/4 c. cocoa
1 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. salt
1 (12 oz.) pkg. chocolate chips
1 c. finely chopped nuts (opt.)

Cream butter and sugar in large mixer bowl. Add eggs and vanilla; blend well. Combine flour, cocoa, baking soda and salt. Blend into creamed mixture. Stir in chocolate chips and nuts, if desired. Drop by teaspoonfuls onto ungreased cookie sheet. Bake at 350 degrees for 8 to 9 minutes. (They will puff during baking, flatten upon cooling.) Cool on cookie sheet until set, about 1 minute. Remove to wire rack to cool completely. Yield: about 4 1/2 dozen.