Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).

Cream sugar and vegetable shortening with an electric mixer in a large bowl until fluffy. Mix in 1 egg until incorporated. Beat in remaining egg along with water and vanilla until well combined.

Combine flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt in a small bowl. Stir flour mixture into creamed mixture at low speed until just blended; fold in chocolate chips. Drop spoonfuls of dough 2 inches apart onto the ungreased baking sheets.

Bake in the preheated oven until cookies are set, 7 to 9 minutes. Cool for 2 minutes on the baking sheets; transfer cookies to wire racks to cool completely.