Chewy Chocolate Cookies

1 1/4 cups butter or margarine, softened
1 teaspoon baking soda
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour, unsifted
3/4 cup cocoa
2 cups granulated sugar
2 eggs
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup nuts, finely chopped

Cream butter or margarine and sugar in large mixing bowl. Add eggs and vanilla extract; blend well.

Combine flour, cocoa, baking soda and salt; gradually blend into creamed mixture. Stir in nuts (optional). Drop by teaspoonsful onto greased cookie sheet. Bake at 350 degrees F for 8 to 10 minutes. They will puff up during cooking, then flatten upon cooling.

Cool on cookie sheet until set (about 1 minute). Remove to wire rack to cool completely.

Makes about 4 1/2 dozen.

Variation: You may add 2 cups peanut butter chips to batter, if desired.