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Homemade Fortune Cookies Recipe

Crispy, buttery homemade fortune cookies that taste fresher and better than takeout. Easy to make with simple ingredients.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 8 minutes
Total Time 23 minutes
Course Dessert, fortune cookie recipe
Cuisine American-chinese
Servings 12 servings
Calories 85 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large egg whites
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter melted and cooled
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/8 teaspoon salt
  • 12 small paper fortunes pre-written on strips

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with a silicone mat or lightly butter it.
  • In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, and salt.
  • Add the egg whites, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Whisk until the batter is smooth and free of lumps.
  • Drop 1 tablespoon of batter onto the prepared baking sheet. Using the back of the spoon, spread it into a thin 3-inch circle. Repeat with one more tablespoon, leaving at least 4 inches between them.
  • Bake for 6-8 minutes, until the edges are golden brown and the center is lightly set.
  • Working quickly, use a thin metal spatula to lift one hot cookie. Place a fortune strip in the center, then fold the cookie in half to create a half-moon shape.
  • Hold the folded cookie over the edge of a bowl, and gently press the center down to create the classic curved shape. Hold for 10 seconds until set.
  • Place the finished cookie in a muffin tin to cool completely and hold its shape. Repeat with the remaining batter.

Notes

1. Work with only two cookies per batch — they harden very quickly.
2. If the cookies become too hard to fold, return them to the oven for 30 seconds to soften.
3. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
4. For gluten-free cookies, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend plus 1 tablespoon cornstarch.
5. For vegan cookies, replace egg whites with 3 tablespoons aquafaba and use vegan butter.