Cookie Dough Fritters

Inspired by the vibrant atmosphere and irresistible treats of the State Fair of Texas, our Chocolate Chip Fried Cookie Dough recipe offers the ultimate indulgent dessert experience right in your own kitchen! Prepare to amaze your taste buds with this unbelievably delicious and surprisingly simple sweet sensation.

Experience the Unforgettable: The Ultimate Fried Cookie Dough WOW Factor

Imagine perfectly portioned balls of rich, melt-in-your-mouth chocolate chip cookie dough, enveloped in a delicate, crispy batter, then deep-fried to golden perfection. That’s precisely what you get with our homemade Fried Cookie Dough balls. Each bite delivers an explosion of textures and flavors – the crunchy exterior giving way to a warm, gooey, chocolate-studded interior that truly brings the “WOW” factor. Forget long lines and crowded fairgrounds; this recipe brings that authentic, irresistible state fair magic directly to you, and it’s astonishingly easy to achieve. Once you experience the pure bliss of these sweet treats, you’ll want to recreate this delightful indulgence again and again.

Recreating State Fair Favorites at Home

For many, state fairs are synonymous with over-the-top, outrageously delicious, and often deep-fried culinary creations. As a passionate fan of state fair food, I understand the craving for those unique treats. From classic funnel cakes and savory corn dogs to sweet churros and iconic fried Oreos, the fair’s charm often lies in its indulgent food offerings. Among these legendary fair foods, deep-fried chocolate chip cookie dough holds a special place. It’s the epitome of a sweet indulgence, offering a harmonious blend of crispy, sweet breading and gloriously melting chocolate chip cookie dough that will truly make your knees weak with delight. This recipe captures the essence of that beloved fairground treat, allowing you to enjoy a taste of the carnival magic whenever the craving strikes.

Keep Calm and Fry On! The Simplicity of Deep-Fried Cookie Dough

Despite its impressive appearance and decadent taste, making these delectable fried cookie dough balls is surprisingly straightforward. The process involves a few simple steps that anyone can master. First, you prepare and freeze small balls of your favorite chocolate chip cookie dough. This crucial step ensures the dough stays intact and gooey inside when it hits the hot oil. While the cookie dough chills, you whip up a light, sweet batter and heat your frying oil. Then comes the magic: a quick dip in the batter, a swift fry, and voilà – golden, crispy, and unbelievably delicious fried cookie dough. The first bite is truly transformative, a moment of pure culinary joy that will have you chanting, “just keep calm and fry on!”

For those seeking an even quicker path to fried dessert bliss, feel free to use high-quality store-bought cookie dough. It’s a fantastic time-saver that yields equally delightful results. The key is the transformation in the fryer, creating that irresistible contrast between the crispy shell and the warm, soft center. This flexibility makes the recipe accessible to all, whether you prefer to make your cookie dough from scratch or opt for a convenient pre-made option.

Essential Ingredients and Supplies for Perfect Fried Cookie Dough

Crafting the perfect fried cookie dough requires a thoughtful selection of ingredients and a few standard kitchen tools. Each component plays a vital role in achieving that signature crispy exterior and warm, tender interior. For precise measurements and detailed instructions, refer to the comprehensive recipe card at the bottom of this post. For a deeper understanding of baking ingredients, their functions, and how to use them effectively, I recommend consulting my Complete Guide to Baking Ingredients.

Key Ingredients:

• Unsalted butter: This provides rich flavor, essential moisture, and forms the creamy base of our classic cookie dough. If using salted butter, reduce the amount of salt in the recipe to maintain the intended sweetness and balance.
• Light brown sugar: Contributes not only sweetness but also a wonderful chewiness and a subtle depth of flavor, thanks to its molasses content.
• Granulated sugar: Sweetens both the cookie dough and the delicate batter, playing a crucial role in creating the desired crispness of the fried coating.
• Pure vanilla extract: A fundamental flavor enhancer that beautifully balances the sweetness and rounds out all the delicious elements in both the dough and the batter.
• Milk: In the dough, milk helps achieve a scoopable consistency and acts as a binder, replacing eggs for an edible raw dough. For the batter, it serves as the primary liquid, ensuring a smooth, easily dippable consistency.
• All-purpose flour: This foundational ingredient provides the necessary structure and body for both the cookie dough and the light, airy batter. A Note on Flour Safety: While the deep-frying process ensures the dough reaches high temperatures, some prefer to preheat their flour for added safety. To do so, spread the flour on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes, or microwave it in a bowl in 30-second intervals until it reaches 160°F (71°C). Personally, given the high heat of frying, I haven’t found this step necessary, but your comfort and safety are paramount. This recipe is all about enjoyment!
• Semi-sweet chocolate chips: The quintessential cookie dough mix-in. These chips add delightful texture, rich chocolate flavor, and provide those indulgent pockets of melting chocolate within the warm fried dough.
• Baking powder: Crucial for the batter, baking powder creates a light and slightly puffy coating, preventing the batter from becoming too dense and ensuring a wonderfully airy texture.
• Kosher salt: Essential for balancing the overall sweetness and truly enhancing all the flavors. If you only have table salt, remember it’s finer and thus saltier; adjust the quantity accordingly.
• Neutral Oil: Canola or vegetable oil are ideal choices. In the batter, a small amount adds tenderness and prevents a dry or tough coating. Most importantly, it’s used for deep frying, creating that irresistible golden-brown and crispy shell.
• Powdered sugar: The perfect finishing touch. Dusted generously over the fried treats, it adds a sweet, snowy presentation, evoking the beloved aesthetic of classic fair foods like funnel cakes and beignets.

Essential Supplies:

• Baking sheet: For freezing your cookie dough balls.
• Parchment paper: Prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier.
• Electric mixer with paddle attachment: For efficiently mixing the cookie dough.
• Mixing bowls: Multiple bowls for preparing the dough, dry batter ingredients, and wet batter ingredients.
• Large frying pan or Dutch oven: Essential for safe and effective deep frying.
• Paper towels: For draining excess oil after frying, ensuring a crispy finish.
• Kitchen thermometer (highly recommended): To accurately monitor oil temperature for perfect frying.

How to Make the Best Fried Cookie Dough: Step-by-Step Guide

Creating these sensational fried cookie dough treats is a fun and rewarding process. Follow these steps carefully to achieve that coveted crispy exterior and delightfully gooey interior:

• Begin by lining a standard baking sheet with parchment paper. This will prevent your cookie dough balls from sticking while they freeze. Set this prepared sheet aside.
• Crafting the Perfect Cookie Dough: In the bowl of your electric mixer, fitted with the paddle attachment, cream together the softened butter and both types of sugar until the mixture is light, fluffy, and smooth. This aeration is key for a tender dough.
• Next, incorporate the pure vanilla extract and milk into the butter-sugar mixture. Beat these ingredients until they are thoroughly combined and uniform.
• Gradually add the all-purpose flour to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until it is just combined. Be careful not to overmix the flour, as this can lead to tough cookie dough. Gently fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips until they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.

• Once your cookie dough is ready, use a spoon or small cookie scoop to form two-teaspoon sized balls. Place these dough balls onto your parchment-lined baking sheet, ensuring they have a little space between them.
• Transfer the baking sheet to the freezer and allow the dough balls to freeze for a minimum of 20 minutes. This freezing step is vital as it prevents the dough from completely melting and dissolving into the oil during frying, ensuring a molten center. Use this chilling time to prepare your batter and heat your frying oil.
• Preparing the Crispy Batter: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients for the batter: all-purpose flour, baking powder, granulated sugar, and kosher salt. Ensure they are well combined.

• In a separate, smaller bowl, whisk together the wet ingredients for the batter: milk, neutral vegetable oil, and pure vanilla extract until smooth.
• Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Whisk thoroughly until you achieve a thin, smooth batter with no lumps. The consistency should be similar to pancake batter, easily coating a spoon.

• Frying and Finishing for Golden Perfection: Pour your chosen frying oil into a large frying pan or Dutch oven. Heat the oil over medium-high heat until it reaches a temperature of 375°F (190°C). A kitchen thermometer is highly recommended for accurate temperature control, which is critical for successful frying.
• Once the oil is hot and ready, remove the cookie dough balls from the freezer. Briefly reshape each ball with your hands to ensure they are smooth and round – the warmth of your hands will slightly soften them, making them easier to handle.
• Place about 1/2 cup of all-purpose flour in a small, shallow bowl. Roll each frozen cookie dough ball lightly in the flour first. This helps the batter adhere better. Then, carefully drop the floured dough ball into the prepared batter, using a fork to gently roll it around until it’s completely coated.

• Using the same fork or a slotted spoon, carefully transfer the coated cookie dough ball into the preheated hot oil. Do not overcrowd the pan; fry only a few at a time to maintain the oil temperature and ensure even cooking.

• Fry each dough ball for approximately 2-3 minutes, turning occasionally, until it achieves a beautiful golden brown color all around and is wonderfully crisp on the outside. The dough inside will be hot and gloriously melted.

• Using a slotted spoon, carefully remove the fried cookie dough balls from the oil and place them on a plate lined with several layers of paper towels to drain any excess oil.
• While still warm, liberally dust the fried cookie dough with powdered sugar before serving. This adds a beautiful presentation and an extra touch of sweetness.
• Serve immediately and prepare for an unforgettable dessert experience!

Storage and Reheating Tips for Fried Cookie Dough

For the absolute best taste and texture, fried cookie dough is a treat that truly shines when served immediately. The contrast between the hot, crispy exterior and the warm, gooey interior is at its peak right out of the fryer. However, if you find yourself with leftovers (a rare but possible occurrence!), you can store them. Place any remaining fried cookie dough balls in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to one day. Beyond that, the texture begins to degrade, losing its freshness and crispness.

To revive your chilled fried cookie dough, reheating is a great option. For optimal crispness, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and warm the cookie dough for a few minutes until the exterior is crisp again and the inside is warm. Alternatively, an air fryer works wonders for fried foods like these. Place the fried cookie dough in a single layer in the air fryer basket and reheat for a few minutes at a moderate temperature. Air fryers are often quicker than conventional ovens for reheating, but keep in mind that every model varies. Always consult your specific air fryer’s guidelines to achieve the best results and avoid overcooking.

If you embark on the delightful journey of making my Fried Cookie Dough recipe, I would absolutely love to see your creations! Be sure to snap a picture and share it with me on Instagram @thebakermama. Your culinary adventures inspire me! For those on Facebook, I invite you to join my exclusive Friends of The BakerMama group. It’s a wonderful community to connect with other food enthusiasts, share your successes, and explore all the fun and yummy recipes I’ve shared. I truly enjoy seeing how creative and inspired you all become with the ideas and recipes I provide. Enjoy every delicious bite!

xoxo,

Fried Cookie Dough Recipe

• Author: Maegan – The BakerMama
• Prep Time: 30 mins
• Cook Time: 15 mins
• Total Time: 45 mins
• Yield: 16 servings
• Category: Dessert

Print Recipe

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Description

Indulge in the ultimate sweet treat with this easy recipe for crispy, gooey chocolate chip fried cookie dough – just like you’d find at the state fair!

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Ingredients

Cookie Dough:

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
• 1/3 cup light brown sugar
• 1/3 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 3/4 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

Batter:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 cup milk
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Frying and Finishing:

• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour, for dipping
• 4-5 cups neutral vegetable oil, for frying
• Powdered sugar, for dusting

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Instructions

1. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
2. Make the Cookie Dough: In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the softened butter and both sugars until smooth and creamy. Add the vanilla and milk; beat until well combined. Stir in the flour until just combined, then fold in the chocolate chips until distributed throughout the dough.
3. Scoop two-teaspoon sized balls of dough onto the parchment-lined baking sheet. Freeze for at least 20 minutes while you prepare the batter and heat the oil.
4. Make the Batter: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the milk, oil, and vanilla. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and whisk until the batter is thin and smooth.
5. Heat the frying oil in a large frying pan or Dutch oven to 375°F (190°C).
6. Remove the cookie dough balls from the freezer and quickly reshape each into smooth, round balls with your hands.
7. Place 1/2 cup flour in a small bowl. Roll each cookie dough ball lightly in the flour, then dip it into the batter, using a fork to ensure it’s fully coated. Carefully transfer the coated dough ball to the hot oil for frying.
8. Fry each ball of dough for 2-3 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and crisp on all sides. Do not overcrowd the pan.
9. Remove the fried cookie dough to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. Dust generously with powdered sugar before serving. Best enjoyed immediately.

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Notes

If you’re concerned about raw flour safety, you can preheat the flour before making the dough. Spread it on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes, or microwave it in a bowl in 30-second intervals until it reaches 160°F (71°C). However, because the dough melts and becomes very hot during the deep-frying process, the flour is cooked sufficiently. Do whatever makes you feel most comfortable; this recipe is all about fun and deliciousness!