Chocolate Coconut Balls

. Prep Time: 45 minutes
. Chill Time: 30 minutes
. Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
. Servings: 30 balls
. Calories: 149 kcal

Ingredients
For the Centers:

. 1¾ cups desiccated coconut
. 1¾ cups powdered sugar
. ½ cup sweetened condensed milk

For the Coating:

. 2 cups dark or semi-sweet chocolate chips
. 2 tablespoons shortening

Optional Decorations:

. Additional coconut for rolling
. Chopped nuts
. Festive sprinkles

Instructions
Base Mixture:

In a large mixing bowl, thoroughly combine desiccated coconut and powdered sugar until evenly mixed. Add sweetened condensed milk gradually, mixing until a firm but moldable consistency is achieved. The mixture should hold its shape when pressed but remain pliable enough to roll.
Using clean hands or a small cookie scoop (about 1-inch diameter), portion the coconut mixture and roll into smooth, uniform balls. Place each formed ball on a wax paper-lined baking sheet, leaving space between them.