National Fortune Cookie Day: History, Facts & Insights

This is an in-depth look at all the must-know facts about National Fortune Cookie Day (2024) 🗓️ that no one tells you about. National Fortune Cookie Day is observed on July 20th.

Among the information you’ll find below: the history of National Fortune Cookie Day, activities to do on and how to observe this holiday, as well as intriguing facts you should know about National Fortune Cookie Day.

📅 What day is National Fortune Cookie Day 2024?

In 2024, National Fortune Cookie Day is on Thursday, July 20th. It is the 3rd Thursday in July; in 2024, it is Saturday. There are until the next observance. You also can see all fascinating details and facts about July 20, 2023, that you might not be aware of.

On July 20th, which is National Fortune Cookie Day, we witness people indulging in a crispy and sweet treat. This day serves as a celebration of the popular Chinese take-out classic, the fortune cookie. These crunchy and folded biscuits have a delicious buttery flavor. When you crack them open, you’ll discover a small piece of paper containing a message. These messages can range from profound wisdom to tough challenges or even simple common sense. Some fortunes even feature quotes from famous philosophers. Each year, more than three billion fortune cookies are made and enjoyed by enthusiastic fans. Let’s join in the celebration of National Fortune Cookie Day with everyone!

📜 National Fortune Cookie Day History

In the 1870s, Japanese confectionery stores started making small crackers that were folded into shapes to hold messages. These early versions of fortune cookies were less sweet and darker in color, made with miso and sesame seeds. When Japanese immigrants arrived in California and Hawaii in the late 1800s and early 1900s, this concept was believed to have influenced the fortune cookies now commonly found in American-Chinese restaurants.

Today, the majority of fortune cookies are consumed in the US, with “Wonton Food” in New York and “Yang’s Fortunes” in California being the largest producers. “Wonton Food” alone makes over four million fortune cookies daily. These cookies are made in a disk-like shape, with a fortune written on one side. While still warm from the oven, the cookie is folded over and pressed together. The fortunes are small pieces of paper with proverbs or words of wisdom, often featuring Chinese phrases or lucky numbers. “Wonton Food” prints more than 15,000 different fortunes. Despite their mild taste, made with basic ingredients like flour, sesame seed oil, butter, vanilla, and sugar, the allure of a fortune has made these cookies popular among millions of people who enjoy breaking them open throughout the year.

✅ National Fortune Cookie Day Facts

🔖 Constructed differently from the original
The original fortune cookies were quite different from what we are familiar with today. Back then, they were made using sesame oil and had a larger and darker appearance compared to the current version.

🔖 Only four ingredients

🔖 Invented in Japan
Based on records from the past, it is believed that Japan is the birthplace of the first-ever fortune cookie.

👍 Why Is National Fortune Cookie Day Important

What better way to connect than to converse as the scent of freshly cooked fortune cookies wafts through the air? Recruit some friends or family to help you make the cookies, then sit back and enjoy all of the laughter and talk that follows.

Nothing brings us closer together like freshly cooked food. Whether you made the fortune cookies yourself or not, it’s always nice to watch the person who receives them grin.

These tempting pastries frequently hold a properly cryptic clairvoyant message within, which usually promises the receiver good health, luck, or money. It’s always nice to know that good things are on their way.

🙂 How To Observe National Fortune Cookie Day

⚡ Fortune cookie party with friends
Why not consider purchasing fortune cookies as a delightful party favor for your coworkers or friends? You can also surprise your new neighbor by arriving at their doorstep with a basket filled with fortune cookies, which can be a pleasant and unique way to make a friendly connection.

⚡ Try making your fortune Cookie
Creating homemade fortune cookies can be an enticing activity for individuals who enjoy baking as well as those who have a passion for calligraphy and crafting personalized messages for loved ones. Today, why not give cookie baking a try?

⚡ Go to Chinese restaurant
One popular way to commemorate the occasion is by indulging in a delicious Chinese lunch, which could include the customary fortune cookies served as a delightful finale. Although dining at American-Chinese restaurants is not a traditional Chinese practice, it has become a customary tradition nonetheless.

📅 When is National Fortune Cookie Day?

See all 🔗 July holidays, including 🔗 Special Interest and other 🔗 American holidays.

We will continue to update this page with new information and fun facts about National Fortune Cookie Day. So be sure to check back soon.