On every special occasion like hubby’s birthday, our wedding anniversary or Valentine’s Day I spend a considerable amount of time thinking what to buy for him but ultimately I end up giving him a simple sweater or a shirt with a card. You know why it’s so difficult because he is not fond of anything! I mean nothing! He isn’t fond of clothes, shoes, watches, perfumes, electronics, games etc etc. Whatever you can think of he isn’t a fan and that’s what makes it so so difficult. It’s so easy to give me a gift, just give me some kitchen stuff/bakeware or bags or clothes and I will be the happiest girl in this world but my husband? Anyway so this time around on Valentine’s Day I thought of making something special for him at home after all anything made at home with all your love is always the best gift, isn’t it? and that’s how these fortune cookies were made! And after receiving this he said this is the best gift he has ever received!
I will not say that fortune cookies are easy to make. The batter is actually super simple to make but the shaping part is tricky because you have to mold the cookies right after they are out of the oven and that is little difficult. It’s best to use kitchen gloves if you have one, I didn’t so I had to use my hands and I burnt them twice, not good I tell you. These cookies are a labor of love but when you see that smile on the face of the person you give it to, it all seems worth it. I was in the kitchen for 3-4 hours while making these and the reason is that I could bake only 2 cookies at once and each batch took around 11 minutes. I will tell you later why I was able to bake only 2 fortune cookies at a time.
Ingredients2 egg whites large
¾ teaspoon vanilla extract
¼ teaspoon almond extract
3 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 tablespoon orange juice
½ cup all purpose flour
1.5 teaspoons cornstarch
¼ teaspoon salt
½ cup granulated white sugar
2.5 teaspoons water
candy melts or wafers
sprinkles
Method* Have your fortune/messages ready. You can print them online or write your own messages.
* Line you baking tray with parchment paper or silicone mat and set aside. Try to use a thick baking pan.
* Separate the eggs and transfer egg whites to a clean bowl.
* To the bowl containing egg whites add orange juice, vanilla extract, almond extract, vegetable oil and water.
* Whisk the mixture using a hand whisk till the mixture is frothy [not stiff], around 20-25 seconds.
* Sift all purpose flour, sugar, salt and cornstarch into the mixture.
* Whisk till the dry ingredients are well incorporated and you get a smooth batter.
* Keep the batter in the refrigerator for 10-15 minutes, this is optional but makes it easier to work with the batter. Preheat your oven to 325 F degrees.
* Take 1 tablespoon of batter per cookie and drop it on the baking mat.
* Using the back of your measuring spoon spread the batter to a thin circle, around 4-5 inch in diameter from both sides.
* Remember you have to bake only 2 cookies at a time.
* Bake at 325 F degrees for 11 minutes. [every oven is different so be careful of the baking time]
* Take out the baking sheet from the oven and release the cookies from the mat using a spatula. Flip the cookies immediately and place the fortune in the center.
* Fold the cookie in half, it's better to do this by holding the cookie upright.
* With the folded side down, pull the edges downwards over rim of a mug/coffee cup.
* It will take the shape of fortune cookie, hold it for few seconds and then transfer it to a muffin tray so that the cookie can maintain it's shape as it cools.
* Repeat the process with the entire batter, baking 2 cookies at a time. I was able to get 2 dozen cookies.