About Fortune Cookies
Fortune cookies are crisp cookie wafers, usually made from flour, sugar, vanilla, and sesame seed oil, with a piece of paper inside, a 'fortune', on which is an aphorism, or a vague prophecy.
Originating in 19th-century Japan and popularized in America, these cookies have become a symbol of concluding a meal with a moment of reflection and fun.
A Brief History
1900s
Japanese tsujiura senbei (fortune crackers) served at Kyoto temples — the earliest known ancestor.
1914
Makoto Hagiwara allegedly serves fortune cookies at the Japanese Tea Garden in San Francisco's Golden Gate Park.
1950s
Fortune cookies spread across all US Chinese-American restaurants, becoming a post-meal staple.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many cookies can I open?+
You can open as many as you like, though typically one a day is traditional.
Do the numbers mean anything?+
They are random lucky numbers often used for lottery tickets or games of chance.
Where do fortune cookies come from?+
They are likely derived from Japanese tsujiura senbei crackers.
Are the fortunes real predictions?+
They are general proverbs and pieces of advice meant to inspire or amuse.
Can I save my fortune?+
You can screenshot or write down your fortune to keep it with you.