Homemade Fortune Cookies Recipe (Video) (2024)

By Brandy 17 Comments

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Make your own fortune cookies at home. The best part is that you can customize the fortunes inside. Bonus: homemade fortune cookies taste better than store bought cookies! This post contains affiliate links.

Make a batch of our fortune cookies and serve with one of our homemade Chinese food recipes! We have recipes for chicken chow mein, egg rolls and more!

Homemade Fortune Cookies Recipe (Video) (1)

Watch our step by step video!

We first started making our own fortune cookies in 2010. I made about a dozen batches that year and gave them as gifts to the kids’ teachers, and we (of course) enjoyed a few batches for ourselves. We also made ice cream bowls out of the fortune cookie batter and they were SO good! The kids gobbled them right up. I love almond extract which is why I think I love this recipe so much. It has the perfect amount. These cookies are crispy, sweet, and have a wonderfully light texture.

Homemade Fortune Cookies Recipe (Video) (2)

Tips for Baking Fortune Cookies

  1. You can use baking sheets lined in silpat, parchment paper or non stick baking sheets. We’ve found the easiest method is to LIGHTLY spray non stick cooking spray onto a baking sheet. Don’t use too much spray or your cookies will lose their shape, but a light coating helps them come right off.
  2. Only bake 2-3 cookies at a time. You have to work while the cookies are hot, and they cool down pretty quickly. So only bake 2-3 cookies at a time. While you are forming them into shapes you can have another sheet of cookies baking in the oven.
  3. Check the cookies at 5 minutes. If the edges are golden, they are just about done. You can see the color you are looking for in my photos. Darker on the edges, lighter inside. If your cookies are too dark they will crumble instead of bending into the correct shape.
  4. Fortune cookies are crunchy on day 1, but might soften slightly on day 2. You can crisp them up again by heating in the oven at 200 degrees for a few minutes.
  5. Check out our video to help you learn how to fold a fortune cookie. It’s pretty simple!

We’ve made these about a dozen times over the years and they are always a hit. My favorite is when the kids write their own fortunes inside and give them as Valentine’s Day gifts to their teachers. Their cute handwriting really sets them apart. If you’d like to take these up a notch, try dipping them in white chocolate!

Homemade Fortune Cookies Recipe (Video) (3)

Homemade Fortune Cookies

Homemade Fortune Cookies Recipe (Video) (4)

Homemade Fortune Cookies

Make your own fortune cookies at home. The best part is that you can customize the fortunes inside. Bonus: homemade fortune cookies taste better than store bought cookies!

5 from 3 votes

Print Pin Rate

Prep Time: 2 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 5 minutes minutes

Total Time: 7 minutes minutes

Servings: 10 cookies

Calories: 25kcal

Ingredients

  • 2 egg whites
  • 1/2 cup flour
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 2 Tbsp. water
  • 1 teaspoon almond extract

Instructions

  • Set oven to 400F degrees.

  • Beat egg whites until frothy peaks form.

  • Add flour, sugar, and almond extract.

  • Whisk until completely incorporated.

  • Stir in water.

  • LIGHTLY spray a baking sheet with non stick cooking spray.

  • Pour a small amount (1T.) onto baking sheet. Spread into a 4" or 5" circle.

    Homemade Fortune Cookies Recipe (Video) (5)

  • Make 2 -3 circles per baking sheet. Baking in small batches helps ensure that you can shape the cookies before they harden and cool.

  • Bake for 5 minutes, or until edges start to brown.

    Homemade Fortune Cookies Recipe (Video) (6)

  • Working fast, quickly remove one cookie from the baking sheet and place a paper fortune across the center. Bring two sides of the cookie together (to form a semi circle) then bend the cookie (on the fold) over the edge of a cup to create the fortune cookie shape.

    Homemade Fortune Cookies Recipe (Video) (7)

  • I like using a small ramekin to form the cookie, then I place the cookie inside the ramekin while it cools.

  • Repeat for remaining cookies.

Nutrition

Calories: 25kcal

Brandy

Website | + posts

Welcome! I'm Brandy, mother to 5 darling kiddos and a cute black lab named Toby. My husband is in the Coast Guard so we've lived all over the place, turning each house into a home. I love baking, sewing, making cute things with my kids, and sharing what I've learned with all of you!

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Homemade Fortune Cookies Recipe (Video) (9)

About Brandy

Welcome! I'm Brandy, mother to 5 darling kiddos and a cute black lab named Toby. My husband is in the Coast Guard so we've lived all over the place, turning each house into a home. I love baking, sewing, making cute things with my kids, and sharing what I've learned with all of you!

Disclaimer: I am a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for me to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com without any additional cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Homemade Fortune Cookies Recipe (Video) (10)JHill says

    So cute! I am going to bookmark this one because we are going to do a yummy Chinese meal on V-day since it’s also Chinese New Year’s. Thanks for the idea!

    Reply

  2. Homemade Fortune Cookies Recipe (Video) (11)Jennifer says

    We did a Chinese New Year Family Home Evening last year with food and games and such and I tried fortune cookies but the paper ended up sticking to the cookie. I’m not sure if it was the recipe or perhaps I didn’t bake it quite long enough. I’ll definitely have to try this recipe and hopefully it works a little better. Thanks for the link!

    Reply

    • Homemade Fortune Cookies Recipe (Video) (12)Gwen says

      I ran into that too the first time I tried this recipe. But I tried reducing the temperature to 375F and baking for 8 minutes and it got more even bake all the way to the center and fixed the sticking issue for me!

      Reply

  3. Homemade Fortune Cookies Recipe (Video) (13)Steph @ somewhatsimple says

    i have been wanting to make these forever now!

    Reply

  4. Homemade Fortune Cookies Recipe (Video) (14)Angie@treasures for tots says

    Delicious!! Yummy!!

    Thank you for sharing at Thursday’s Treasures!

    Come share again this week!

    Reply

  5. Homemade Fortune Cookies Recipe (Video) (15)Kalleen at Second Street says

    Thanks for linking up so many great ideas brandy!

    Reply

  6. Homemade Fortune Cookies Recipe (Video) (16)Leslie Germain says

    Hello Brandy. Thand you for posting this fun idea. I found your blog through a pin for the fortune cookies. I made these for my son’s Ninjago party. Thank you. The party will be featured on my blog tomorrow with a link to your page. If you have a chance, stop by and check it out.
    Leslie
    http://www.thememorynest.blogspot.com

    Reply

  7. Homemade Fortune Cookies Recipe (Video) (17)Kay says

    How long will these stay fresh?

    Reply

    • Homemade Fortune Cookies Recipe (Video) (18)Brandy says

      Because they are homemade, they will start to soften around day 3. Best eaten within a couple of days. If you’re looking for cookies that snap when you break them open they are best fresh.

      Reply

  8. Homemade Fortune Cookies Recipe (Video) (19)Lora says

    Thinking of making these for a wedding as seating cards. We would need a lot of them. Can they be frozen once cooked and shaped? Thanks!

    Reply

    • Homemade Fortune Cookies Recipe (Video) (20)Brandy says

      Hi Lora! How exciting! Honestly, I’m not sure I’d use homemade fortune cookies for a giant crowd. They are fun to make, but time consuming, and after a day, begin to soften a little. I’m just not sure they’d stay crispy after being frozen.

      Reply

  9. Homemade Fortune Cookies Recipe (Video) (21)Jenni says

    Just made these this morning. Yum! And fun! I found that using silicon baking sheets was easiest for getting them off the pan and making them round. For some reason when I sprayed the pan, the shape was weird and they were still hard to get off.

    Reply

    • Homemade Fortune Cookies Recipe (Video) (22)Brandy says

      Yay! They can be a little tricky so I’m glad you found a system that worked best!

      Reply

  10. Homemade Fortune Cookies Recipe (Video) (23)Kelly says

    Hi Brandy,
    I would love to make these but I don’t know how much 1/2 cup is. Could you tell me how much that is in grams? As I am from The Netherlands 🤗
    Thank you!

    Reply

    • Homemade Fortune Cookies Recipe (Video) (24)Brandy says

      65 grams flour
      108 grams sugar

      Reply

  11. Homemade Fortune Cookies Recipe (Video) (25)Nikki says

    Hello!
    I made these for the first time and can’t seem to get the temperature and timing right for my oven. I have tried the 400 degrees for 5 minutes and the 375 degrees for 8 minutes. I have also played around with the timing on both. The issue I am having, is the center part of the cookie is soft and not crunchy like the rest of the cookie. The outside edges are a nice golden brown color and almost to the point of not wanting to cook it longer or it will burn. They look like the cookies in the picture where it shows you what they should look like when you take them out of the oven. Any thoughts? Also, I am spreading the batter very thin so I don’t think that is the issue. Please help!

    Reply

    • Homemade Fortune Cookies Recipe (Video) (26)Brandy says

      Hi Nikki! It’s frustrating how things can vary from kitchen to kitchen. What works for mine won’t necessarily work for yours since the cookies are so thin! You might try baking them on parchment paper instead of directly on the pan to see if that extra layer helps them cook more evenly!

      Reply

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Homemade Fortune Cookies Recipe (Video) (2024)

FAQs

What does it mean if my fortune cookie is empty? ›

There are two popular beliefs about what an empty fortune cookie means but don't worry, both are good. The first is that you will soon have something good happen to you. The reasoning behind this is that you are now owed a fortune and it will be repaid to you with a good event.

How do you fill a fortune cookie? ›

Turn the cookie over so that the sesame seeds are face down and put the fortune in the middle of the circle. Fold the circle in half to secure the fortune and pinch the 2 edges together to seal. Pop the cookie on the rim of a mug or cup and very gently pull the 2 corners down to get the fortune cookie shape.

What are the rules for eating fortune cookies? ›

THE instructions on the red wrapper are very explicit: (1) Open the packaging. (2) Use both hands to break open the fortune cookie. (3) Retrieve and read the fortune. (4) Eat the cookie.

How do they put messages in fortune cookies? ›

Answer. The cookies are baked as flat circles. After they are removed from the oven, slips of paper are folded inside while the cookies are still warm and flexible. As the fortune cookies cool, they harden into shape.

What are the lucky numbers for fortune cookies? ›

This will give you a better chance at winning the lottery

The six numbers in FORTUNE COOKIES associated with the most winners are: 4, 14, 15, 22, 26 and 28.

What does a perfect statue never comes from a bad Mould mean? ›

We are not perfect, but that does not mean we are a bad mold. We can still create beautiful people and things. Our children will never be the perfect “statues” that this fortune claims, because the mold will always have a flaw. We should accept that and be content that they are pliable enough to correct their wrongs.

What are some good fortunes to put in fortune cookies? ›

Fortune Cookie Sayings
  • Do not be afraid of competition.
  • An exciting opportunity lies ahead of you.
  • You love peace.
  • Get your mind set… ...
  • You will always be surrounded by true friends.
  • Sell your ideas-they have exceptional merit.
  • You should be able to undertake and complete anything.
  • You are kind and friendly.

What gives fortune cookies their taste? ›

There's a unique flavor in fortune cookies, and it's from a combination of vanilla and sesame oil. You know how when you take cookies out of the oven they're still soft? Same with fortune cookies. They start their life as simple round cookies, then they're folded around the fortune.

Can you put your own message in a fortune cookie? ›

Unique personalised fortune cookies can be created for your special day as a memento for yourself and all your guests with your choice of custom message to be inserted into the cookie. Custom Fortune Cookies are also popular for promotional events and advertising promotions.

Will your fortune come true if you don't eat the cookie? ›

“Some people read the fortune and then eat the cookie, but I have to eat the whole cookie before I can read the fortune,” Luman said. “It”s just a family superstition. The fortune won”t work unless you do it that way.”

Can you keep fortune cookies? ›

They do keep well for a few days in an airtight container (if it's humid, slip in a piece of bread to keep them crisp), so they can be made ahead. Write out, or print, fortunes on pieces of paper that are about 3/8 inch (1 cm) wide. Cut them out. Preheat the oven to 300F (150C).

Who invented the fortune cookie? ›

The exact origin of fortune cookies is unclear, though various immigrant groups in California claim to have popularized them in the early 20th century. They most likely originated from cookies made by Japanese immigrants to the United States in the late 19th or early 20th century.

What are the odds of getting an empty fortune cookie? ›

When I told the young lady at the cash register about it, she told me that "over 99% of the cookies contain fortunes, so you are extra lucky, because you got one of the less than 1% that is empty."

How many fortune cookies have no fortune? ›

Therefore, in my experience, the probability is less than 1 in 8640 of a cookie with no fortune. Consequently the cookie with no message must be a dark omen indeed.

Do you have to eat the fortune cookie for the fortune to come true? ›

There are many superstitions when it comes to eating fortune cookies. Some people claim that you must eat the whole cookie in order for the fortune to come true or, if the fortune is ill fated, that you cannot eat any of the cookie or the bad fortune will come true.

Are fortune cookies accurate? ›

As for predicting the future, no, fortune cookies don't have special powers of foresight. The fortune cookie you open at a Chinese restaurant came into your hands randomly. If it happens to contain a fortune that comes true, it's just coincidence. Besides, many fortunes don't even predict the future.

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