Maple Pecan Cookie Dough Fritters

Featured in: Sweet Cravings

Maple pecan cookie fritters combine gooey dough with a crisp golden exterior, making them an indulgent treat for dessert lovers. Cookie dough balls are prepared and chilled, wrapped in batter, then deep-fried to create a crunchy shell. Warm fritters are finished with a drizzle of maple syrup and a dusting of powdered sugar. Pecans add a rich nutty flavor, while maple syrup brings sweetness. Serve these fritters freshly fried for the best texture, paired with coffee or vanilla ice cream. They’re a festive choice for gatherings or cozy celebrations, and simple tweaks like swapping nuts or adding cinnamon can personalize each batch.

Updated on Thu, 30 Oct 2025 10:14:00 GMT
Crispy Maple Pecan Cookie Dough Fritters drizzled with syrup and dusted sugar.  Save
Crispy Maple Pecan Cookie Dough Fritters drizzled with syrup and dusted sugar. | crumbnest.com

Golden, crispy fritters filled with gooey maple pecan cookie dough make a decadent treat perfect for festive desserts or whenever you crave something extra special.

I first made these fritters for a family holiday party, and they quickly became the highlight of the dessert table with their irresistible taste and texture.

Ingredients

  • Cookie Dough: 100 g (1/2 cup) unsalted butter (softened), 100 g (1/2 cup) light brown sugar, 50 g (1/4 cup) granulated sugar, 2 tbsp pure maple syrup, 1 large egg, 1 tsp vanilla extract, 160 g (1 1/4 cups) all-purpose flour, 1/2 tsp baking soda, 1/4 tsp salt, 80 g (3/4 cup) chopped pecans, 60 g (1/3 cup) mini chocolate chips (optional)
  • Fritter Batter: 120 g (1 cup) all-purpose flour, 1 tbsp granulated sugar, 1/2 tsp baking powder, 1/4 tsp salt, 180 ml (3/4 cup) whole milk, 1 large egg, 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • For Frying: 1 liter (4 cups) vegetable oil (for deep frying)
  • To Finish: 2 tbsp maple syrup (for drizzling), powdered sugar (for dusting)

Instructions

Prepare the Cookie Dough:
Cream together butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar in a mixing bowl until light and fluffy. Beat in maple syrup, egg, and vanilla extract.
Combine Dry Ingredients:
In another bowl, whisk flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add to wet ingredients and mix just until combined. Stir in pecans and chocolate chips, if using.
Shape and Freeze:
Scoop tablespoon-sized dough portions, roll into balls, and place on parchment-lined tray. Freeze for at least 30 minutes, until firm.
Prepare Fritter Batter:
In a bowl, whisk flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. In another bowl, mix milk, egg, and vanilla. Combine and whisk until smooth.
Heat Oil:
Heat oil in a deep saucepan or fryer to 170°C (340°F).
Coat and Fry:
Dip each frozen cookie dough ball in batter to coat. Fry in batches of 3 or 4 for 2 to 3 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown.
Drain and Finish:
Remove with slotted spoon, drain on paper towels. Drizzle with maple syrup and dust with powdered sugar before serving.
Golden brown fritters filled with gooey cookie dough and crunchy pecans.  Save
Golden brown fritters filled with gooey cookie dough and crunchy pecans. | crumbnest.com

Making these together as a family has become a sweet tradition, with everyone pitching in to roll dough and watch the fritters puff up in the fryer.

Required Tools

Mixing bowls, an electric mixer or whisk, deep saucepan or fryer, slotted spoon, parchment paper, and accurate measuring spoons and cups are all needed for this recipe.

Allergen Information

Contains eggs, milk, wheat (gluten), tree nuts (pecans), and possible soy (if using chocolate chips). Always check ingredient labels.

Nutritional Information

Each fritter contains approximately 160 calories, 10 g total fat, 16 g carbohydrates, and 2 g protein.

Decadent Maple Pecan Cookie Dough Fritters served warm with a sweet drizzle. Save
Decadent Maple Pecan Cookie Dough Fritters served warm with a sweet drizzle. | crumbnest.com

Enjoy these fritters fresh and warm for the ultimate dessert experience. They're a festive addition to any gathering or simply a cozy treat for a night in.

Recipe FAQ

Can different nuts be used instead of pecans?

Yes, walnuts make a great substitute and add a similarly rich flavor to the fritters.

What oil is best for deep frying?

Neutral vegetable oil is recommended for deep frying, as it won’t overpower the sweet flavors.

How can the fritters be served for extra decadence?

Pair with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of extra maple syrup for added indulgence.

How do I achieve a gooey center every time?

Freeze the dough balls before battering and frying to ensure they stay soft and gooey inside.

Are chocolate chips required in the dough?

Chocolate chips are optional. They add sweetness and texture but can be omitted or replaced.

Is powdered sugar necessary for finishing?

Powdered sugar adds a light sweetness and appealing finish, but the fritters can be enjoyed without it.

Maple Pecan Cookie Dough Fritters

Golden fritters with gooey maple-pecan centers, finished with syrup drizzle and powdered sugar. Perfect for dessert.

Prep duration
20 min
Cook duration
20 min
Complete duration
40 min
Created by Chloe Martin


Skill Level Medium

Heritage American

Output 20 Portions

Dietary considerations Meat-Free

Components

Cookie Dough

01 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
02 1/2 cup light brown sugar
03 1/4 cup granulated sugar
04 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
05 1 large egg
06 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
07 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
08 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
09 1/4 teaspoon salt
10 3/4 cup chopped pecans
11 1/3 cup mini chocolate chips (optional)

Fritter Batter

01 1 cup all-purpose flour
02 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
03 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
04 1/4 teaspoon salt
05 3/4 cup whole milk
06 1 large egg
07 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For Frying

01 4 cups vegetable oil, for deep frying

To Finish

01 2 tablespoons maple syrup, for drizzling
02 Powdered sugar, for dusting

Directions

Phase 01

Mix Cookie Dough Base: In a mixing bowl, blend together unsalted butter, light brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture becomes pale and aerated. Incorporate maple syrup, egg, and vanilla extract, beating thoroughly until smooth.

Phase 02

Combine and Fold Dry Cookie Dough Ingredients: In a separate bowl, sift together all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually mix the dry blend into the creamed mixture until just integrated. Gently fold in chopped pecans and mini chocolate chips if desired.

Phase 03

Shape and Freeze Dough Balls: Portion dough into tablespoon-sized balls and roll evenly. Arrange on a parchment-lined tray and freeze for a minimum of 30 minutes, or until firmed.

Phase 04

Prepare Fritter Batter: In a separate bowl, combine flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt. In a different bowl, whisk together whole milk, egg, and vanilla extract. Integrate wet ingredients into dry, stirring to achieve a smooth batter without lumps.

Phase 05

Heat Oil for Frying: Fill a deep saucepan or fryer with vegetable oil and heat to 340°F. Monitor oil temperature for consistency.

Phase 06

Coat Cookie Dough and Fry: Immerse each frozen cookie dough ball in fritter batter, ensuring a full coat. Carefully lower several pieces into hot oil, frying 3–4 at a time. Cook for 2–3 minutes, turning for even browning, until golden and crisp.

Phase 07

Drain Fritters: Retrieve cooked fritters using a slotted spoon and transfer to paper towels to drain excess oil.

Phase 08

Finish and Serve: Drizzle finished fritters with maple syrup and dust with powdered sugar. Serve while warm for optimal texture.

Tools needed

  • Mixing bowls
  • Electric mixer or whisk
  • Deep saucepan or fryer
  • Slotted spoon
  • Parchment paper
  • Measuring spoons and cups

Allergy details

Review each component for potential allergens and seek medical guidance if you're uncertain about ingredients.
  • Contains eggs
  • Contains milk
  • Contains wheat (gluten)
  • Contains tree nuts (pecans)
  • Possible soy if using chocolate chips

Nutritional information (each portion)

These values are approximate guides only and shouldn't replace professional medical consultation.
  • Energy: 160
  • Fats: 10 g
  • Carbohydrates: 16 g
  • Proteins: 2 g