Celebrated on 07/20/2026
Fortune cookies are not actually Chinese in origin; they were invented in California in the early 20th century. The first known reference to a modern fortune cookie was in 1918 by David Jung, a Chinese immigrant living in Los Angeles. Today, over 3 billion fortune cookies are produced each year, mostly in the United States.
National Fortune Cookie Day is celebrated annually on July 20. The exact origins of the day are unclear, but it is believed to have been established by fortune cookie manufacturers and enthusiasts to honor this iconic dessert. The day gained popularity through social media and food blogs in the early 2000s, and is now recognized by many food lovers and cultural historians.
Initially, National Fortune Cookie Day was a niche observance, but it has grown with the rise of Asian cuisine's popularity in the West. Today, it is celebrated by enjoying fortune cookies with meals, sharing fortunes on social media, and even creating homemade cookies. Some bakeries and restaurants offer special promotions, and there are contests for the best or funniest fortunes.
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