A fortune cookie is a crisp and sweet cookie made from flour, sugar, vanilla, and sesame seed oil. The cookie is typically formed into a hollow shape, resembling a small bowl or half-circle, and then folded around a slip of paper containing a “fortune” or a short message. These messages can range from aphorisms and proverbs to vague predictions or advice about the future.
Fortune cookies are commonly associated with Chinese cuisine in the United States, although they are not traditionally served in China. They are often served as a dessert or snack in Chinese restaurants in Western countries, and they have become a popular part of American culture, particularly after meals at Chinese restaurants.
The origin of the fortune cookie is somewhat disputed, with both Japan and the United States laying claim to its invention. However, they gained widespread popularity in the United States, particularly on the West Coast, in the early 20th century and have since become a staple of Chinese-American cuisine and a symbol of good luck and fortune.