We are often asked questions about fortune cookies and here are some answers:

Where did fortune cookies originate?  The answer is ... no one knows for sure!  Part of the myth around fortune cookies is that the original idea to put a message in a dessert was to (1) pass a message of love from an outside admirer to the princess in the Emperor’s household or (2) to pass spy messages in moon cakes to oppose foreign invaders who were occupying Chinese villages.

Even in America , we’re not sure of the origin of wrapping a message inside a cookie.  Some say the dessert was first eaten in San Francisco in 1915 at the Panama-Pacific exhibition.  Others claim a Los Angeles restaurant owner invented the treats about the same time.  We do know that from that point onward they became an American expectation at the end of a Chinese restaurant experience.  Surprisingly to some, not until recently did fortune cookies appear in China .  The American idea of that slip of paper filled with good wishes and fortunes inside the sweet cookie is slowly working its way around the world!

How do you get the fortune in the cookie?  Fortune cookies are made with a light batter, similar in look to a pancake batter.  It is pumped onto a hot round griddle and after reaching a golden brown color, when the cookie is still flexible, a fortune is placed (by machine or by hand) into the cookie, which is folded into its final shape.  In only seconds, the cookie hardens to a crispy treat with the message tucked secretly inside.

Who makes up the fortunes?  We add and subtract fortunes to our list of thousands on a regular basis.  If you would like to suggest a fortune, we would be happy to consider your suggestion.  The limitations include making a fortune that is appropriate for a male or female, from three to ninety-three, and doesn’t say “You like Chinese food!”  Check our “Contact Us” page for our e-mail address.  Who knows?  Maybe some day you could find your very own fortune inside our cookie!

Why are your cookies called “foookies®”?  We decided a fun combination of “fortune + cookies” would distinguish our trademarked name from others.  Coincidentally, the Chinese character “福” which is pronounced “fu” (u as in “food”) in Mandarin, and “fok” (similar in sound to “folk”) in Cantonese, means good fortune!

Do you make any special occasion fortune cookies?  Presently, we only make “special” fortune cookies (for promotions, weddings, etc.) if the quantities are in excess of 15,000 cookies.  Fortunes need to be printed by our printer and delivered to us. But we recommend a specialty cookie company who is more flexible and has great creative ideas for both chocolate dipping and specialty wrapping. Please visit their website.

Do you do any chocolate dipped fortune cookies? We don’t, but we recommend a local company who has beautiful packaging, selling both wholesale and retail chocolate dipped products including fortune cookies.  Please visit their website as well.