Looking to add a touch of whimsy and tradition to your next gathering? Why not try your hand at making your own Chinese Fortune Cookies? These delightful treats not only offer a sweet ending to any meal but also come with a fun surprise hidden inside. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or simply want to spread some joy, these homemade fortune cookies are sure to impress your guests and leave them smiling. So, let’s roll up our sleeves and get baking!
**Chinese Fortune Cookies**
**Ingredients:**
– 2 large egg whites
– 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
– 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 3 tablespoons water
– 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 1/2 teaspoons cornstarch
– 3/4 cup white sugar
– Pinch of salt
**Instructions:**
1. **Prepare Your Fortunes:**
Gather small strips of paper (roughly 2 inches long) and write your fortunes on each one. Be creative and think of positive messages or whimsical predictions to bring a smile to those who crack open the cookies.
2. **Preheat Your Oven:**
Start by preheating your oven to 300°F (150°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This is where you’ll shape your cookies, so make sure the surface is ready for them.
3. **Whisk the Ingredients:**
In a bowl, whisk together the egg whites, vanilla extract, almond extract, vegetable oil, and water until well combined.
4. **Add Dry Ingredients:**
Gradually add the flour, cornstarch, sugar, and salt into the wet mixture, stirring until a smooth batter forms with no lumps.
5. **Form the Cookies:**
Using a small spoon, drop tablespoon-sized dollops of batter onto the prepared baking sheet. Using the back of the spoon, spread the batter into thin, round circles of about 3 inches in diameter. Make sure to leave enough space between each circle for when they spread during baking.
6. **Bake and Shape:**
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake the cookies for about 10-12 minutes, or until the edges start to turn golden brown. Keep a close eye on them as they can burn quickly.
7. **Add the Fortunes:**
As soon as the cookies come out of the oven, work quickly—place a fortune in the center of each cookie. Fold the cookie in half, then gently bend it over the edge of a mug or glass to create the classic fortune cookie shape. Hold it in place for a few seconds until it holds the shape.
8. **Cool and Enjoy:**
Once shaped, transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely. Repeat the process until all the batter is used up. Serve your homemade Chinese Fortune Cookies as a delightful ending to your meal or package them up as unique and heartwarming gifts.
There you have it – a simple recipe for making your own Chinese Fortune Cookies at home. It may take a little practice to perfect the folding technique, but the joy of cracking open a homemade fortune cookie to reveal a personalized message makes it all worth it. Get creative with the fortunes and have fun sharing these special treats with your loved ones.
