Cindi says: "These became my traditional Christmas cookies at my old office. They're not exactly Christmas-y, but I brought them in one year and after that, they were at the top of everyone's request list, every year. The last Christmas before I moved, I brought in the cookies AND the recipe!"

1 cup (2 sticks) butter or margarine, softened
1 ½ cups sugar
2 eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2/3 cup baking cocoa
¾ teaspoon baking soda
¼ teaspoon salt
2 cups (1- 12 oz bag) Semi-Sweet chocolate chips
½ cup coarsely chopped nuts (I use pecans)

Heat oven to 350° F.

In large bowl, beat butter, sugar, eggs and vanilla until light and fluffy. Stir together flour, cocoa, baking soda and salt. Add to butter mixture. Stir in chocolate chips and nuts, if desired.

Drop by rounded teaspoonsful onto ungreased cookie sheet. Bake 8 to 10 minutes or just until set. Cool slightly; remove from cookie sheet to wire rack. Cool completely.

About 4 ½ dozen cookies.