1. Preheat the oven to 375º.
2. In a large electric mixer, cream butter/shortening, sugar, water and vanilla.
3. Beat in eggs, one at a time. Combine flour, cocoa, salt and baking soda in a separate bowl. Gradually add to the creamed mixture and beat until just blended.
4. Stir in chocolate chips and nuts if desired. Drop by round teaspoonfuls 2 inches apart on ungreased baking sheets.
5. Bake for 7-9 minutes. Cool 2 minutes before removing to wire racks.
2. In a large electric mixer, cream butter/shortening, sugar, water and vanilla.
3. Beat in eggs, one at a time. Combine flour, cocoa, salt and baking soda in a separate bowl. Gradually add to the creamed mixture and beat until just blended.
4. Stir in chocolate chips and nuts if desired. Drop by round teaspoonfuls 2 inches apart on ungreased baking sheets.
5. Bake for 7-9 minutes. Cool 2 minutes before removing to wire racks.