Fancy Fortunes

Let's Cook

1. Step 1.

   Preheat the oven to 375°F. Line 2 small baking sheets with parchment paper.

2. Step 2.

   In a small saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons unsalted butter over low heat. Remove from heat. Whisk in ¼ cup confectioners' sugar, 1 large egg white, 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract, and ⅛ teaspoon kosher salt until combined. Add ¼ cup all-purpose flour and mix until smooth.

3. Step 3.

   Drop heaping teaspoonfuls of batter onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them at least 4 inches apart. Using a small offset spatula or the back of a spoon, spread each portion evenly into a 3-inch round.

4. Step 4.

   Bake until the cookies are light golden brown, 6 to 7 minutes. Immediately loosen the cookies with a metal spatula and flip them over onto a flat surface.

5. Step 5.

   Working with one cookie at a time, place a paper fortune strip across the center of the hot cookie. Fold the cookie in half to form a semicircle, pressing the edges together gently.

6. Step 6.

   Quickly fold the semicircle over the edge of a small bowl to create the classic fortune-cookie shape. Place the shaped cookie in a mini muffin pan to hold its shape while it cools. Repeat with the remaining cookies.

7. Step 7.

   Repeat steps 3–6 with the remaining batter and fortunes, letting the baking sheets cool between batches.

8. Step 8.

   If desired, dip the cooled cookies into melted dark, milk, or white chocolate, or drizzle chocolate over them. Roll in chopped nuts, then place on parchment paper until the chocolate sets.