Fortune Cookies

Fortune Cookies

Food Wiki
The fortune cookie is a fascinating creation, both in terms of its intricate process and diverse origins. A predecessor cookie with similarities was served at ancient Japanese temples before Japanese immigrants introduced a modern version to the United States in the 19th century. Magoto Hagiwara is credited as the first person to offer these cookies to Americans at the Golden Gate Japanese Tea Garden in San Francisco. However, during the aftermath of the Pearl Harbor bombings, Japanese immigrants were forced into internment camps, resulting in the closure of many businesses associated with this beloved cookie's introduction to America. Subsequently, Chinese American restauranteurs embraced the cookie, forever linking it with Chinese American cuisine.
Given its complex history, it's no surprise that the recipe for this cookie is also intricate. While it doesn't require any special ingredients, it demands careful planning, timing, and a touch of trial and error. Here are some essential tips to consider as you embark on this recipe:
Avoid overmixing the batter once the flour is incorporated. Overmixing leads to gluten formation, which hinders crispiness. If you accidentally overmix (making it difficult to spread on the silpat), simply add water, one tablespoon at a time, until it reaches a crêpe batter-like consistency.
Opt for a reliable method like using a silpat to achieve perfectly crisp and golden brown fortune cookies. While some recipes suggest high-quality parchment as an alternative to regular parchment paper, the cost of both is similar. Therefore, investing in a reusable silpat is a better choice than using expensive parchment that will ultimately be discarded.
Bake only two cookies at a time and keep a close eye on them in the oven. The cookies are ready when they turn golden brown around halfway along the edges. Remember, they will continue to bake outside the oven due to carry-over cooking, so be cautious not to let them brown too much.
Act swiftly once the cookies are out of the oven because they quickly become rigid. If necessary, wear gloves to handle them effectively.
Embrace the spirit of trial and error! Making fortune cookies is akin to a scientific experiment. It's likely that you may encounter a few failures (or perhaps a couple of hours of experimentation, like my experience) before achieving the desired results.
By following these guidelines and maintaining a sense of exploration, you'll master the art of making fortune cookies and unlock their hidden potential.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 10 minutes
Course Breakfast
Cuisine world cuisine
Servings 18

Ingredients
  

  • 2 egg whites, room temperature
  • 1/2 c. (100 g.) granulated sugar 
  • 2 tbsp. unsalted butter, melted and cooled
  • 1/2 tsp. vanilla or almond extract
  • 1/2 c. (60 g.) all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp. cornstarch
  • 1/4 tsp. ground cardamom (optional)
  • 1/4 tsp. kosher salt
  • 4 tbsp. water, divided

Instructions
 

  • Preheat oven to 350°. Line a small baking sheet with silpat or thick, high-quality parchment. 
  • In a large bowl, whisk egg whites until just foamy. Whisk in granulated sugar, butter, and vanilla. Whisk in flour, cornstarch, and cardamom, if using, until flour is dissolved and batter has an even consistency, about 30 seconds. (Do not overwhisk or batter will start to develop gluten, which will prevent a crispy texture.) Let sit 20 minutes at room temperature.
  • Meanwhile, write or print fortune messages you wish to place inside each cookie. 
  • Whisk 2 tablespoons water into batter and check the consistency. It should be loose and spreadable like crêpe batter. If it’s sticky and difficult to spread, add 1 to 2 tablespoons water. 
  • Dollop 1 tablespoon batter on one-half of baking sheet. Using the back of a spoon, evenly spread batter to create a thin 4" circle. Repeat on the other side (only bake 2 cookies at a time because you’ll want to assemble and shape quickly while they're warm). Firmly tap sheet against a countertop or table a few times to ensure batter is evenly distributed. 
  • Bake cookies until golden brown around the edges, 10 to 13 minutes. Keep a close eye on them, as they can easily overbake. 
  • Working quickly, using an offset spatula or a butter knife, gently release edges of 1 cookie and place a fortune in the middle. Fold in half to make a half-moon shape, then gently press edges together with tip of offset spatula. Fold cookie over rim of a mug, edge side up, to create a fortune cookie shape. Place in a muffin tin and let cool. Repeat with remaining batter. 
Keyword Fortune Cookies
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