- 1 cup butter, softened
 - 1 1/2 cups white sugar
 - 2 eggs
 - 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
 - 2 cups all-purpose flour
 - 2/3 cup cocoa powder
 - 3/4 teaspoon baking soda
 - 1/4 teaspoon salt
 - 2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
 - 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
 
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
 - In large bowl, beat butter, sugar, eggs, and vanilla until light and fluffy. Combine the flour, cocoa, baking soda, and salt; stir into the butter mixture until well blended. Mix in the chocolate chips and walnuts. Drop by rounded teaspoonfuls onto ungreased cookie sheets.
 - Bake for 8 to 10 minutes in the preheated oven, or just until set. Cool slightly on the cookie sheets before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.