Brown sugar, firmly-packed

1. Beat brown sugar, butter or shortening, water and vanilla until well-blended.
   
2. Add eggs.
   
3. Combine flour, cocoa, baking soda and salt in a separate bowl. Mix into creamed mixture until just incorporated.
   
4. Stir in chocolate chips.
   
5. Place coconut in a shallow bowl. Roll pieces of dough into 1 ½ inch balls, then roll in enough coconut to cover.
   
6. Place on parchment lined sheet pans, 2 inches apart. Bake in 375°F oven for 7 - 9 minutes; do not overbake. Cool completely.

Source: Adapted from Recipe Source