Step 1: Prepare the Pineapple Mixture

1. Drain the crushed pineapple well by pressing it through a fine mesh strainer to remove excess liquid. It’s important to drain the pineapple thoroughly, as too much moisture can make the mixture too soft to roll into balls.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained pineapple, 1 cup of shredded coconut, graham cracker crumbs, sweetened condensed milk, vanilla extract, almond extract (if using), and a pinch of salt.
3. Mix the ingredients together with a spatula or spoon until everything is well combined. The mixture should be thick and hold together when pressed.

Step 2: Chill the Mixture

1. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. Chilling helps firm up the mixture, making it easier to roll into balls.
2. If you’re in a rush, place the bowl in the freezer for 20-30 minutes to speed up the process.

Step 3: Roll into Balls

1. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
2. Once the mixture is firm, use a small cookie scoop or tablespoon to portion out the mixture. Roll each portion into a ball with your hands, about 1 inch in diameter.
3. Roll each ball in additional shredded coconut to coat, pressing gently so the coconut adheres. For a more festive look, you can mix edible glitter or holiday sprinkles into the coconut coating.

Step 4: Chill and Serve

1. Place the finished balls on the prepared baking sheet and refrigerate for another 30 minutes to allow them to set.
2. Once chilled, transfer the Pineapple Christmas Balls to a serving platter or store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Step 5: Optional Decoration

1. For a decorative touch, dust the tops with powdered sugar for a “snowy” look, or add a few holiday sprinkles on top.
2. Serve chilled or at room temperature, and enjoy the tropical flavor in every bite!