These cute DIY paper fortune cookies are super simple to make! Learn how to fold an origami fortune cookie using colorful scrapbook paper. Then add custom fortunes using the FREE printable fortune cookie messages template!!
Whether or not you celebrate Chinese New Year, I think you'll agree that these paper fortune cookies are super cute! And they're totally perfect for SO many other occasions beyond Lunar New Year — Valentine's Day, birthdays, as wedding favors, etc.
Forget the greeting cards — whether you stuff them with kind messages or funny fortunes, these paper cookies are a fun way for both kids and adults to show just how much they care.
In fact, my youngest daughter already asked if we can make all of her classmates a fortune cookie Valentine for her classroom party...
Luckily, these homemade fortune cookies don't require much effort, AND you don't have to pull out a baking sheet. Even large quantities won't take long, once you get the folding technique down!
"Can't thank you enough!"
Was looking for a simple craft for my Rainbows (5-7yr olds) & Brownies (7-10 yr olds) to do & found this! It's great & your instructions are so easy to follow.
Origami Fortune Cookie Supplies
And the best part? DIY paper fortune cookies are also inexpensive to make. There's no need to buy special origami paper — in fact, it's probably too flimsy to hold the fortune cookie shape.
Scrapbook paper is sturdier and comes in a HUGE assortment of colors and patterns at a more than affordable price.
Supplies you'll need for this DIY project:
- colorful scrapbook paper
- extra sticky craft glue dots*
- multi-purpose scissors
- bone paper creasing tool (optional)
- 3.5"-4" diameter lid, for tracing
- 0.5"x3" strips of paper for the fortunes (or download your FREE printable fortune cookie messages below!)
*Note: For best results, I don't recommend using the Duck double-sided tape pictured. It just wasn't sticky enough to hold the paper fortune cookies closed for more than a few minutes. Whomp, whomp...
If you can't find any extra sticky glue dots, a hot glue gun should work but will require supervision, of course!
FREE Fortune Cookie Printable Template
No scrapbook paper? No problem — these templates are a great way to get started!!
Whether you want some prewritten free printable fortunes or blank fortune cookie strips to write your own fortunes, I've got you covered. Plus I've included some colorful paper cookie circles.
Enter your email address below to receive TWO DIY fortune cookie template packs via email. Here's what you'll find in each digital file:
- Everyday Paper Fortune Cookie Template: contains blank printable fortune cookie messages (for those that want to write their own messages) and two sheets of ready-to-cut paper fortune cookie circles.
- Paper Valentine Fortune Cookies Template: contains cute prefilled Valentine fortune cookie quotes and two sheets of ready-to-cut Valentine-themed paper fortune cookie circles. Ideal for last-minute Valentines!
How To Make Paper Fortune Cookies
Okay, folks — this is origami at its easiest! Seriously, anyone can figure out how to make a fortune cookie out of paper...
It does require a few steps, but once you make one, you can churn a bunch out in no time at all! Even my 8-year-old got in on the action, after a quick demonstration.
- Step 1: Using a round lid as a template, lightly trace circles on the back side of a sheet of scrapbooking paper. Then carefully cut them out.
- Step 2: Select one of the scrapbook paper circles, and gently fold it in half with the printed side out.
- Step 3: Make a sharp crease about an inch wide across just the middle of the fold, as shown. A bone tool is optional but helps achieve a good, hard crease.
- Step 4: Open the circle back up, and then gently fold it in half again in the opposite direction from the existing crease. The initial crease should be perpendicular to the new fold.
- Step 5: Carefully push the fold inward with your index finger while using your thumb and middle finger to bring both ends together.
- Step 6: Slip a paper fortune in the opening on one side before bringing both ends completely together, adding a glue dot to secure the cookie's shape.
Hopefully my photos and instructions are clear enough for you to understand how to fold these origami fortune cookies. If you're struggling, let me know, and I can make a quick video to show the folding action!
Tara's Tip: How To Cut Perfect Circles
The tracing and cutting step can get a bit tedious, especially if you're making a large quantity of fortune cookies for classroom Valentines or party favors. Skip the tracing and easily cut perfect circles with this craft paper circle cutter!
This tool quickly cuts precise 1-inch to 8-inch circles from scrapbook paper or card stock. Just set your desired diameter, press the control knob, and spin the body to cut.
Customizing Paper Cookies
The dimensions listed in the instructions make a paper fortune cookie that's roughly the size of a real fortune cookie. But my suggested sizes are just that — suggestions.
You can totally customize these cute fortune cookies to your heart's desire! Make them BIG, or make them teeny tiny. Include a handwritten fortune, or print some off using my free template. Add shimmery glitter, or use shiny gold foil scrapbook paper. There are SO many possibilities!
How To Make Paper Fortune Cookies
Helpful Equipment
Supplies
- 2 sheets scrapbook paper
- 12 extra sticky craft glue dots
- 12 paper strips - measuring 0.5″x3″ (for the fortune cookie messages)
Instructions
- Using a 3.5-inch round lid as a template, lightly trace circles on the back side of a sheet of scrapbooking paper, then carefully cut them out. If you have a circle cutter, you can eliminate this step altogether. Just set it to a 3.5-inch diameter and start cutting.
- Select one of the scrapbook paper circles, and gently fold it in half with the printed side out.
- Make a sharp crease about an inch wide across just the middle of the fold, as shown. A bone tool is optional but helps achieve a good, hard crease.
- Open the circle back up, and then gently fold it in half again in the opposite direction from the existing crease. The initial crease should be running perpendicular to the new fold.
- Carefully push the fold inward with your index finger while using your thumb and middle finger to bring both ends together.
- Slip a paper fortune fortune in the opening on one side before bringing both ends completely together. Secure the fortune cookie closed with an extra sticky glue dot positioned near the fold.
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Another Fun Origami Project
If you love these paper fortune cookies or are just looking for more Chinese New Year crafts for kids, I think you'll also adore these origami paper lantern string lights!
Each string light cover is made from a simple folded paper water bomb. (Did you make these when you were little?!) AND we used scrapbook paper for them, as well!
Did you make this project?
I'd love to see how your paper fortune cookies turn out... Tag me @Unsophisticook on Instagram or use the hashtag #Unsophisticook so I can check it out. Enjoy!
Juli says
These are so cute. My husband is being deployed and I've been looking for ideas for care packages our kids and I can make for him. These will be perfect for little "I miss you" notes. Thank you
Tara @ Unsophisticook says
LOVE this idea, Juli — thanks for sharing!
april says
hello there, wondered if you would be able to show me a video of how you folded these. I can't seem to get it right ? thank you so much as i think these fortune cookies are so darn cute and i really want to make them.
Tara @ Unsophisticook says
Hi April! Sure, I won't be able to get to it today, but I'll see if I can throw one together tomorrow. I'll let you know when it's available!
Helen Johnson says
Was looking for a simple craft for my Rainbows (5-7yr olds) & Brownies (7-10 yr olds) to do & found this ! It's great & your instructions are so easy to follow. Can't thank you enough Helen, Girl Guiding Leader
Tara @ Unsophisticook says
Oh, I hope they love it! I was a Brownie when I was little, and I have such fun memories of the craft projects we used to do. Thanks so much for sharing with your troops, Helen.
sharon says
good idea for my granddaughter to make for thanksgiving...
Christine says
Thanks, I used these in place of a b-day card for my niece! I put 6 in a clear bag with a ribbon. My daughter made a few for her friend's b-day, too!
Susan says
Where exactly do you put the sticky tape. I can't quite tell
Tara @ Unsophisticook says
Hi Susan! You would position the sticky tape or glue dot inside the fold, near the crease. If you do this and then bring the two ends together, it will be hidden inside the fold.
beachgirlscrappin says
I'm so glad I found you fortune cookies project idea on pinterest. I have a swap where I needed to create a something sweet card and had no idea what i was going to do - after seeing your pin a bag of fortune cookie will be perfect idea. Thanks for sharing
Rikki Kruger says
Hey Tara, I linked you to my site. Made sure to credit the photos to you as well as I borrowed them. you can see it here:
if that's not ok, please let me know so I can edit or delete my post.
Thank you :)
Tara @ Unsophisticook says
Thanks, Rikki!
Sharon Sodman says
this is really a cute idea
Jennifer Moses says
Hello, I'm an SLP and have made a free product for students to work on understanding higher level language in quotes (fortune cookies). I'm wondering if I could reference this blog post on my blog and in my product to help teachers and other SLPs know how to make paper fortune cookies. Thanks, Jen
Tara @ Unsophisticook says
Hi Jennifer! Sure, I don't mind you including them. You may use a photo, but I'd appreciate it if you'd just include a link for them to get the instructions here. Thanks!
Jade Gunderson says
Great I'm making one right now
The Educational Tourist says
What fun!! Kids will enjoy making their own fortunes. This would be a great way to pass the time on a long road trip or airplane trip!
The kids could make enough for each day of the trip and have fun opening and reading fortunes each morning. LOVE!
Visit The Educational Tourist where I write about traveling with the kids.
Thanks for sharing,
Natalie, The Educational Tourist
Ronja Lotte says
I just wanted to let you know that I linked you here as part of a "Best of paper craft": https://nur-noch.blogspot.de/2014/09/best-of-paper-craft.html
I hope that is okay :-)
Best wishes, Ronja Lotte
(www.nur-noch.blogspot.de)
Tara @ Unsophisticook says
Thanks so much, Ronja!