Fortune Cookie Day 🥠

Overview

Fortune Cookie Day, observed annually on September 13th, celebrates the iconic crisp cookie known for its unique folded shape and the small paper slip tucked inside. These slips typically contain a proverb, a vague prophecy, or a set of lucky numbers, adding an element of surprise and whimsy to many dining experiences, particularly in Chinese-American restaurants.

Origin and story

Despite their strong association with Chinese cuisine, fortune cookies originated in Japan, where they were known as 'tsujiura senbei' and appeared as early as the 19th century.

They became widely popular in the United States, particularly after World War II, when returning soldiers popularized them after encountering them in Japanese and Chinese-American restaurants.

Quick facts

• DateSeptember 13
• TypeFood / Dessert
• Great forFoodies, Chocolate lovers, Home bakers

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Ways to celebrate

A dessert that feels quintessentially Chinese-American actually traces back to Japanese temple bakeries near Kyoto, and the paper trail proving it took researchers decades to piece together.

Crack one open

Celebrate by:

• Cracking open an actual fortune cookie and paying attention to what it says for once.
• Writing your own fake fortunes and slipping them into cookies for a group activity.
• Saving a fortune that actually resonates with you somewhere you'll see it again.

Trace the real origin

Helpful resources:

• Cracking Open the History of Fortune Cookies (Smithsonian Magazine)

See how it crossed the Pacific

• Looking into how fortune cookies became popular in the U.S., through Japanese-American bakeries and later Chinese restaurants.

Did you know?

Researchers found bakeries near a Kyoto shrine still making a nearly identical cracker called tsujiura senbei, along with an 1878 woodblock print showing a baker using the same style of grill — evidence that undercuts the cookie's supposedly Chinese origin.

Fun facts

• Despite their strong association with Chinese cuisine, fortune cookies originated in Japan, where they were known as 'tsujiura senbei' and appeared as early as the 19th century.
• They became widely popular in the United States, particularly after World War II, when returning soldiers popularized them after encountering them in Japanese and Chinese-American restaurants.
• Many fortune cookies include 'lucky numbers' which, despite being randomly generated, have occasionally been used by people who later won lotteries.

Sources and attribution

Cracking Open the History of Fortune Cookies (Smithsonian Magazine)

External links may lead to third-party websites.

Continue your streak

Open one more holiday before you go to build daily momentum.

• Yesterday: National Chocolate Milkshake DayQuick context from the day before.
• Tomorrow: National Cream-Filled Donut DayKeep the streak going with tomorrow's pick.
• Random pick: Fruitcake Toss DayJump to another surprise holiday.
• Popular: Gingerbread House DayA fan favorite with broad appeal.

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FAQ

When is Fortune Cookie Day?

It is observed on September 13 each year.

What is Fortune Cookie Day?

Fortune Cookie Day, observed annually on September 13th, celebrates the iconic crisp cookie known for its unique folded shape and the small paper slip tucked inside. These slips typically contain a proverb, a vague prophecy, or a set of lucky numbers, adding an element of surprise and whimsy to many dining experiences, particularly in Chinese-American restaurants.

How do people celebrate Fortune Cookie Day?

Crack open an actual fortune cookie and pay attention to what it says — despite the association with Chinese restaurants, fortune cookies actually originated in Japan as 'tsujiura senbei' as early as the 19th century.

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