Homemade Fortune Cookies

The real fun of homemade fortune cookies is writing your own fortunes, sweet, silly, or personal, to tuck inside. It turns a simple wafer into a memorable party favor, gift, or even a proposal-in-a-cookie.

The batter is thin and pourable, lightly flavored with vanilla and almond. Spread it into thin 4-inch rounds and cook until golden, and they bake up into crisp, delicate wafers.

Speed is everything in the shaping. You have only seconds while the cookie is hot and pliable to lay in the fortune, fold it in half, then bend it over the rim of a cup or your finger into that classic crescent. Once it cools, it sets hard and will crack if you try to bend it.

Work one or two cookies at a time so they don’t crisp before you can fold them. A muffin pan holds the shapes while they firm up. Have your fortunes cut and ready before you start.

Pro Tips

• Cook just one or two at a time, since they harden in seconds and can’t be folded once cool.
• Spread the batter thin and even so the cookies are delicate and bend without cracking.
• Have the paper fortunes cut and ready before you begin shaping.
• Use a muffin pan or cups to hold the folded crescents while they set firm.

Variations

• Dip the cooled cookies in melted chocolate or drizzle it over the top.
• Add a few drops of food coloring or some sprinkles for festive cookies.
• Swap the almond extract for orange, lemon, or peppermint.