Chocolate Twinkle Cookies

1/2 c. shortening
1 tsp. vanilla
1/2 c. cocoa
2 tsp. baking powder
1/2 c. milk (scant)
1 c. sugar
2 beaten eggs
2 c. flour
1/4 tsp. salt
1 c. nuts (optional)

Cream sugar and shortening; add vanilla and eggs. Stir together dry ingredients; add alternating with milk to creamed mixture. Stir in nuts. Drop by heaping teaspoons on a greased cookie sheet and bake at 350 for 10 to 12 minutes. Do not over-bake.