Fortune cookies, with their crunchy sweetness and hidden messages, have long fascinated people around the world. Most of us assume they come from China, especially since they are often served at the end of a Chinese meal. But the reality is much more intriguing. The story behind these tiny desserts is filled with cross-cultural influence, mystery, and innovation that has delighted generations.

At PlanetSpark, we believe in unlocking creativity and storytelling through fun, engaging learning experiences. Our Creative Writing Courses are designed to spark imagination, improve articulation, and help children become confident writers and speakers. With one-on-one live classes, AI-backed feedback, and a vibrant community of learners, PlanetSpark is the perfect place for young storytellers to grow their skills. Just like the messages in fortune cookies, we encourage kids to discover the power of words and imagination in exciting new ways.

What Are Fortune Cookies?

Fortune cookies are sweet, folded, crunchy cookies typically made from flour, sugar, vanilla, and sesame seed oil. What sets them apart is the small piece of paper tucked inside, often bearing a proverb, advice, or lucky numbers. These "fortunes" are what make the cookies so popular and fun, especially in the U.S., where they have become a cultural phenomenon.

Though often associated with Chinese cuisine, these cookies are not traditionally found in China. Many Chinese natives are unfamiliar with them. So, where did they come from?

The Real Origin of Fortune Cookies

Let us explore the fascinating and somewhat disputed history behind these iconic desserts.

The Mysterious Beginning

Fortune cookies are believed to have originated in California, but the exact origins remain shrouded in mystery. Was it Chinese immigrants? Japanese immigrants? Or perhaps a clever entrepreneur? No one knows for sure. There are multiple claims and stories, each offering a glimpse into how fortune cookies might have come to be.

In 1983, this debate got so intense that a mock trial was held in San Francisco’s pseudo-legal Court of Historical Review to determine the true inventor. Although the court made a decision, the controversy didn’t end there.

History #1: David Jung, Los Angeles

One of the most widely accepted stories is that David Jung, a Chinese immigrant and the founder of the Hong Kong Noodle Company in Los Angeles, invented fortune cookies in 1918. According to him, he was inspired to create the cookies after seeing poor and hungry people on the streets. He made the cookies with small encouraging messages inside and distributed them for free.

These messages were aimed at lifting spirits and offering hope. This act of kindness quickly became a trend, and the cookies gained popularity.

History #2: Makoto Hagiwara, San Francisco

Another compelling story involves Makoto Hagiwara, a Japanese immigrant and the landscape designer of the Japanese Tea Garden in San Francisco's Golden Gate Park. After being wrongfully fired and later reinstated in 1914, Hagiwara created fortune cookies as a gesture of gratitude toward the friends who supported him.

He reportedly began serving them at the tea garden, and by 1915, these cookies were showcased at the Panama-Pacific International Exposition. Many believe that this event played a significant role in making fortune cookies a household name in the U.S.

History #3: Japanese Origins

Even earlier evidence suggests that fortune cookies may have originated in Japan. A woodblock print from 1878 shows Japanese vendors selling folded cookies with messages tucked into the fold, not inside the cookie like we see today.

These cookies, called "tsujiura senbei," were grilled and often flavored with sesame and miso. They were sold at shrines and festivals in various Japanese districts, including Kyoto. Unlike modern versions, the fortune paper was placed outside the cookie rather than hidden within.

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Evolution in the U.S.

After World War II, fortune cookies exploded in popularity across the United States, especially among Chinese restaurants seeking to add a sweet and interactive end to their meals. Ironically, though rooted in Japanese culture, fortune cookies became a staple of Chinese-American cuisine.

In 1988, Mike Fry introduced a fun twist by inventing Fancy Fortune Cookies, adding new colors and flavors like chocolate-dipped, fruit-flavored, and even fortune cookies with custom messages and branding. These innovations helped keep the tradition alive and exciting.

Today, opening a fortune cookie is a cherished American tradition, especially after a hearty meal or during festive occasions.

Fortune Cookies Today: Evolution and Innovation

Mass Production and Global Spread

• Modern factories, especially in the U.S., produce billions of fortune cookies annually using automated machines. Brooklyn-based Wonton Food Inc. is among the most prolific, churning out millions per day.

• Although globally known, these cookies remain something of a Western novelty, rare in actual Chinese cuisine.

Creative Flavors & Customizations

• Fancy Fortune Cookies, founded by Mike Fry in 1988, introduced colorful, flavored, and chocolate-dipped fortune cookies, plus giant versions and caramel-dipped variants, turning fortune cookies into personalized gourmet treats.

• Custom messages, especially for weddings, corporate events, or branding, have turned the cookie into a versatile keepsake.

AI and Fortune Cookie Content

• With the rise of AI tools, some companies now use generative algorithms (like ChatGPT and Riku.ai) to craft fortunes, saving time while experimenting with personalized, themed messages. Still, many artisanal makers resist the trend, valuing the human touch and creative nuance in their slips.

• AI tools also now offer users ways to generate custom fortunes at home based on mood, occasion, or keywords, merging tradition with modern personalization.

Art Meets Fortune: The Kortunefookie Project

• Inspired by fortune cookies, public art installations like Kortunefookie in New York let visitors press a button on a giant wooden fortune cookie to receive randomly generated messages written by others, adding a social and interactive twist to the nostalgic treat.

Give your child the tools to become a confident storyteller. PlanetSpark’s Creative Writing Course includes a free trial session to get started!

Why Fortune Cookies Capture Our Fancy

Fortune cookies aren’t just sugary snacks served at the end of a meal, they’ve become a symbolic ritual, a shared moment of curiosity and surprise. But what exactly makes them so appealing, across ages and cultures?

• Ambiguous yet hopeful — Their vague guidance sparks curiosity and introspection. A single sentence like “An exciting opportunity awaits you” can feel tailored and meaningful, prompting reflection on personal goals or decisions.
• Cross-cultural storytelling — Fortune cookies have a fascinating origin story. Though popularized in American Chinese restaurants, they likely evolved from a Japanese tradition and were reshaped during wartime America. This evolution makes them a compelling example of how cultural artifacts can be born out of migration, conflict, and adaptation.
• Interactive experience — There’s something delightfully ritualistic about cracking open the cookie, pulling out the strip of paper, and reading the message aloud. It creates a shared social moment, whether it’s laughter over an odd fortune or debate about how accurate it is.
• Creative inspiration — Writers and teachers often use fortunes as creative prompts. In classrooms or writing workshops, students may be asked to expand a fortune into a short story. They're also used as conversation starters at parties or as icebreakers in creative writing exercises.
• Mystery with a side of dessert — The hidden message tucked inside a cookie plays on our love for mystery and surprise. The contrast between something edible and something philosophical makes the fortune cookie uniquely memorable.
• Modern reinterpretation — Today, fortune cookies have evolved beyond restaurants. They’re printed with custom messages for weddings, marketing campaigns, and personalized gifts, a testament to their enduring charm and adaptability.

Ultimately, fortune cookies capture the human love for narrative, surprise, and symbolism, all wrapped in a sweet, crunchy shell.

PlanetSpark's Creative Writing Courses: Turning Fortune into Future

Just like a tiny fortune cookie contains a message that sparks curiosity, PlanetSpark's Creative Writing courses are designed to spark curiosity and creativity in every child. Here's how we do it:

1. 1:1 Personal Trainers for Every Child

Our certified trainers offer personalized attention, adapting to your child’s pace, learning style, and interests. They focus on:

• Fluency
• Storytelling
• Grammar
• Creative writing
• Public speaking

2. Personalised Curriculum and Learning Roadmap

We assess your child’s current skills and tailor a step-by-step roadmap:

• Addresses grammar, fluency, vocabulary, and content structuring
• Tracks progress and updates based on feedback
• Sets actionable milestones for steady growth

3. SparkX: AI-Powered Video Analysis Tool

Students upload video recordings of speeches or stories. Our AI provides detailed feedback on:

• Voice clarity
• Grammar
• Body language
• Confidence level

4. AI-Led Practice Sessions

AI-powered coaches simulate real-time speaking environments for practice with instant feedback on fluency, pacing, and grammar.

5. Spark Diary: Digital Writing Journal

Students write:

• Stories
• Speeches
• Poems
• Daily reflection.s This helps nurture consistency, clarity, and expression.

6. Gamified Learning Modules

Fun, interactive tools like:

• Grammar Guru Challenge
• Spell Knockout
• Word Wisdom
• Antonyms Quiz: These games enhance learning through play.

7. Structured PTMs

Regular Parent-Teacher Meetings:

• Share detailed performance updates
• Collaborate on next steps
• Identify areas of improvement

8. Comprehensive Progress Reports

Reports cover:

• Grammar & syntax
• Voice modulation
• Confidence level
• Thought clarity

9. Clubs and Communities

Your child joins:

• Debate Club
• Writers Guild
• Story Writing Club
• Podcasting Club
• Comedy Club
• Poetry Circle Encouraging teamwork, leadership, and peer learning

10. Sparkline: Safe Sharing Platform

Kids safely post:

• Creative stories
• Speeches
• Journal:s They get peer feedback and boost digital confidence.

11. Contests & Recognition

Regular events include:

• Storytelling competitions
• Poetry showcases
• Open mic events
• Podcast launch

These help build stage presence and celebrate achievements.

12. SparkBee & SparkShop

• SparkBee offers gamified grammar and vocabulary quizzes
• SparkShop sells affordable eBooks for reading, grammar, and writing practice

Let your child’s creativity take flight with PlanetSpark. Join our Creative Writing Course with a free trial and see the magic unfold.

Conclusion

While the origin of the fortune cookie remains unclear, its popularity and influence are undeniable. Whether it was the compassionate David Jung, the grateful Makoto Hagiwara, or ancient Japanese traditions that gave birth to the fortune cookie, it stands today as a symbol of hope, mystery, and sweetness.

Like the messages hidden inside fortune cookies, PlanetSpark’s Creative Writing program inspires every child to find their voice, express themselves, and discover the power of words.

Give your child the creative edge with PlanetSpark’s writing programs. Book a free trial class and watch their storytelling skills grow.

FAQs

1. What was the outcome of the disputed claims about the history of fortune cookies in 1983? 

The mock court ruled in favor of Makoto Hagiwara, declaring him the inventor. However, the verdict was controversial and rejected by many in Los Angeles.

2. What year did David Jung reportedly create fortune cookies? 

According to his claims, Jung invented them in 1918 in Los Angeles, giving them to the poor with motivational messages.

3. Are there different types of fortune cookies available today? 

Yes, fancy fortune cookies now come in various colors, flavors, and with personalized messages. Options include chocolate-dipped and fruit-flavored cookies.

4. Who produces the most fortune cookies in the world? 

Wonton Food Inc. in Queens, New York, produces over 4.5 million fortune cookies daily.

5. Were fortune cookies ever a part of traditional Chinese culture? 

No, they are not traditional in China and were actually introduced in the U.S., inspired by Japanese treats.

6. How does PlanetSpark help improve writing and communication in kids? 

Through personalized live classes, AI-based analysis tools, gamified learning, and community-based clubs, PlanetSpark enhances creativity, grammar, storytelling, and confidence.

7. Can my child join PlanetSpark's Creative Writing Course at any skill level? 

Absolutely! Whether your child is just starting or already enjoys writing, our customised learning roadmap ensures growth at every level.