Hi! I’m Cassandre, and today on Caramel Loafing, we’re making a delightful and interactive treat that never fails to spark a smile: Homemade Fortune Cookies! These crisp little cookies are perfect for sharing fun messages with loved ones, whether it’s a romantic note, an inspiring quote, or a playful riddle for parties.
In the U.S., most people first discover fortune cookies at the end of a meal in a Chinese restaurant—they crack one open and find a folded slip with a short message or a lucky number inside. While they’re often associated with Chinese cuisine, the truth is: fortune cookies are a uniquely American invention, inspired by Japanese senbei and reimagined by early Chinese-American restaurateurs in California. Regardless of their origin, these cookies have become a beloved part of pop culture around the world.
Fortune cookies are more than just an after-dinner sweet—they add a playful and thoughtful element to any party, gathering, or date night. The joy of reading a tiny personalized note is simply irresistible. And making them from scratch? Easier than you think! The trickiest part is shaping them while they’re still hot and pliable, but we’ll walk you through it step by step. Want to give it a try?
Love Fortune Cookies and their playful surprises? Explore these reader-favorite dessert recipes—easy to make, crowd-pleasing, and perfect for parties or everyday treats:
Rich, nutty, and a true American classic: Peanut Butter Cookies
Crackly on the outside, fudgy inside—a must for chocolate lovers: Double Chocolate Crinkle Cookies
Festive, fun, and irresistibly cute holiday cookies: Mini Gingerbread Houses & Gingerbread Cookies
Decadent, chocolatey, and beautifully layered: Chocolate Babka
Chewy, gooey, and inspired by a famous New York bakery: Levain Bakery-Style Chocolate Chip Walnut Cookies
Bright, tangy, and a timeless British tea-time favorite: Glazed Lemon Butter Cookies
Homemade Fortune Cookies Recipe
Ingredients
Yield: 10–12 cookies
Be sure to pre-print and cut your fortunes ahead of time. You’ll also need 2–3 muffin tins or small tart molds to help shape the cookies.
- 2 egg whites
- 100g (3.5 oz) sugar
- 63g (2.2 oz) all-purpose flour
- 3g (0.1 oz) cornstarch
- 20g (0.7 oz) rice flour
- 1.5g (0.05 oz) salt
- 32g (1.1 oz) vegetable oil
- 25g (0.9 oz) water
- 5g (0.2 oz) vanilla extract
Use our dessert nutrition calculator to view the nutritional breakdown of this recipe.
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the egg whites, vanilla extract, water, and vegetable oil until frothy and well combined. Set aside.
- In a separate bowl, combine the sugar and salt. Sift in the flour, rice flour, and cornstarch.
- Mix the dry ingredients thoroughly.
- Create a well in the center of the dry mixture. Gradually pour in the wet mixture in two additions, stirring until you have a smooth, thick batter with no lumps.
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat. Using a spoon, drop a scoop of batter and spread it into a thin 9cm (3.5-inch) circle. A flat spoon back or an offset spatula works best for this.
- Repeat with a second cookie—we recommend baking just two at a time to allow time for shaping before they harden.
- Preheat your oven to 340°F (170°C). Bake for 10–11 minutes, or until the edges turn a light golden brown.
- Wearing gloves (preferably fitted ones), flip each cookie as soon as it comes out of the oven. Place a fortune slip in the center.
- Quickly fold the cookie in half to form a half-moon shape, then bend the folded edge over a bowl rim or cup edge to create the classic fortune cookie shape.
- Place the shaped cookies into muffin tins or tart molds to hold their form as they cool.
- Once completely cool, store the cookies in an airtight container to keep them crisp.
Watch the full tutorial here: How to Make Fortune Cookies