Preheat oven to 425 degrees F. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the sugar and shortening until fluffy. Add eggs and continue to beat. Stir together buttermilk, boiling water, vanilla, and combine into the creamed mixture at low speed. Sift together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and cocoa. Add to mixture 1 cup at a time, beating well at low speed.( Batter will be very thin but do not worry). Drop by teaspoons or with a cookie scoop, onto ungreased cookie sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake 5 minutes. Allow to cool and transfer onto waxed paper.