The fortune cookie's history traces back to the early 20th century in California, USA. Although its exact origins are disputed, it's widely believed to have been invented by Chinese immigrants in either San Francisco or Los Angeles. Initially, these cookies were known as "fortune tea cakes" and were made with a simple recipe of flour, sugar, vanilla, and oil.

The modern fortune cookie as we know it, with a fortune or a piece of wisdom inside, emerged around the 1930s. They gained popularity in Chinese restaurants across the United States. During World War II, they became especially associated with Chinese cuisine, and soldiers returning from the Pacific theater brought the tradition back home with them.

Today, fortune cookies are enjoyed worldwide and are often seen as a fun part of dining at Chinese restaurants, with their messages offering a bit of intrigue or amusement to those who crack them open.