National Fortune Cookie Day is celebrated each year on July 20, honoring one of the most recognizable desserts served in American Chinese restaurants. Crispy, golden, and hiding a small message inside, the fortune cookie has become a symbol of luck, hope, and curiosity. While many people associate fortune cookies with Chinese cuisine, their history is actually rooted in the United States, making them a fascinating blend of cultures.

Whether you crack one open after a delicious meal or save the fortune inside as a keepsake, National Fortune Cookie Day is a fun reminder that sometimes life’s greatest joys come in the smallest packages.

The Surprising History of the Fortune Cookie

Despite its strong association with Chinese restaurants, the fortune cookie is not originally from China.

Most historians believe the modern fortune cookie was developed in California during the early 1900s. Two individuals are commonly credited with its creation:

• Makoto Hagiwara, a Japanese immigrant who served fortune cookies at the Japanese Tea Garden in San Francisco.
• David Jung, founder of the Hong Kong Noodle Company in Los Angeles, who also claimed to have invented cookies containing inspirational messages.

While historians continue to debate who created the first fortune cookie, it became popular after World War II when many Japanese-owned bakeries closed and Chinese restaurants adopted the cookie as a complimentary dessert.

Today, millions of fortune cookies are produced every day and enjoyed around the world.

What’s Inside a Fortune Cookie?

Every fortune cookie contains a folded strip of paper with a short message. These messages typically include:

• Words of encouragement
• Predictions about the future
• Inspirational quotes
• Lucky numbers
• Lucky lottery numbers
• Chinese vocabulary words
• Humorous sayings
• Relationship advice

For many people, opening the cookie is just as enjoyable as eating it.

Fun Fortune Cookie Facts

• More than 3 billion fortune cookies are made each year.
• Most fortune cookies are produced in the United States.
• Fortune cookies are often flavored with vanilla and sesame.
• Some companies create custom fortunes for weddings, birthdays, and corporate events.
• Giant fortune cookies have become popular gifts for special occasions.
• Some people believe you shouldn’t read your fortune until you’ve completely eaten the cookie.

Why People Love Fortune Cookies

Fortune cookies combine three things people naturally enjoy:

A Sweet Ending

Their light, crispy texture makes them the perfect dessert after a meal.

A Sense of Mystery

No one knows what message they’ll receive until they crack open the cookie.

A Little Hope

Even when fortunes are playful or humorous, they often encourage optimism and positive thinking.

Sometimes all it takes is a simple sentence to brighten someone’s day.

Creative Ways to Celebrate National Fortune Cookie Day

Visit Your Favorite Chinese Restaurant

Support a local restaurant and enjoy a meal that ends with a classic fortune cookie.

Make Homemade Fortune Cookies

Bake your own fortune cookies and write personalized messages for family and friends.

Create Custom Fortunes

Fill cookies with:

• Bible verses
• Inspirational quotes
• Family memories
• Date night ideas
• Vacation goals
• Words of encouragement

Host a Fortune Cookie Party

Invite friends over and exchange custom fortunes while enjoying Chinese-inspired dishes.

Start a Fortune Jar

Save every fortune you receive throughout the year and read them again next National Fortune Cookie Day.

Funny Fortune Cookie Messages

Not every fortune is serious. Many companies include humorous sayings like:

• “You will soon discover where you left your keys.”
• “Cookies are the answer. What was the question?”
• “A nap may solve more problems than hard work today.”
• “Adventure begins after dessert.”
• “Someone is thinking about ordering takeout.”

These playful messages make fortune cookies even more memorable.

Can You Eat the Paper?

No.

Although the paper inside the cookie is food-safe, it is not meant to be eaten. Always remove the fortune before enjoying the cookie.

Fortune Cookie Trivia

Are fortune cookies popular in China?
Surprisingly, they’re relatively uncommon in China and are considered more of an American tradition.

What are fortune cookies made from?
Most recipes use flour, sugar, vanilla, egg whites, butter or vegetable oil, and a small amount of sesame oil for flavor.

Who writes the fortunes?
Professional writers and marketing teams often create thousands of original messages that are randomly inserted during production.

DIY Fortune Cookie Activity for Families

National Fortune Cookie Day is a wonderful opportunity to create lasting memories with children.

Write encouraging fortunes such as:

• “You make the world brighter.”
• “Keep being kind.”
• “Believe in yourself.”
• “Your smile changes lives.”
• “Great adventures are ahead.”

Kids love opening cookies to discover personalized messages written just for them.

The Meaning Behind the Fortune

While fortune cookies aren’t intended to predict the future, they remind us that encouragement can come from unexpected places.

A few thoughtful words can inspire someone to keep going, believe in themselves, or simply smile during a difficult day.

In a world filled with uncertainty, there’s something comforting about opening a small cookie and finding a message of hope waiting inside.

Final Thoughts

National Fortune Cookie Day celebrates more than a crispy dessert—it celebrates optimism, curiosity, and the joy of life’s little surprises. Every fortune cookie offers a brief moment of anticipation followed by a message that may inspire laughter, reflection, or encouragement.

So this July 20, enjoy your favorite Chinese meal, crack open a fortune cookie, and see what words of wisdom—or humor—await inside. After all, sometimes the sweetest moments are the ones you never expected.

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