Deep Fried Cookie Dough

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes
Yield: 44 fried cookie dough balls

Ingredients:

Cookie Dough:

• 2 sticks of butter (1 cup), softened 
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 3/4 cup brown sugar 
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 egg
• 2 cups flour
• 1 tsp baking soda 
• 1 cups chocolate chips

Batter:

• 1 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup milk (or more for consistency)
• 2 tsp vegetable oil
• 1 quart oil, for frying 

For Serving:

• Cinnamon sugar
• Vanilla ice cream
• Caramel Syrup

Directions:

For Cookie Dough:

1. Cream together butter, sugar, brown sugar, vanilla, and eggs.
2. Slowly mix in flour and baking soda until thoroughly combined.
3. Stir in chocolate chips. Form into balls and chill.

For Batter and Frying:

1. Whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar in a medium bowl. Add the milk and 2 tsp vegetable oil, and whisk until the batter is smooth and free of lumps. 
2. Pour the frying oil into a medium saucepan so that it's 2 inches deep. Heat the oil over medium heat for about 4 minutes. 
3. Once oil is hot, take a chilled ball of cookie dough and dip it in the batter, turning it over with a fork until it's completely covered. Then gently place battered dough into the oil. Repeat with 2-3 more dough balls so you're frying 3-4 at a time. 
4. Fry the balls for about 2 minutes per side, flipping as necessary so that they cook evenly. Fry the cookie dough balls until they're puffed and dark golden brown on all sides. Remove from the oil using a frying skimmer or tongs and place on a paper towel lined plate to drain. Repeat with remaining dough.  
5. If oil gets too hot, turn down to low or remove from heat until it is cool enough. Then return to heat if it is not hot enough. 
6. For serving: Toss fried balls with cinnamon sugar until lightly coated. Top with vanilla ice cream and and drizzle with caramel. Best served warm.

*Adapted from recipe, "Fried Cookie Dough," found at www.sugarhero.com