Five Tips for Making DIY Fortune Cookies

I'm sorry I don't have detailed photos of the rest of the process. It's hard to take pictures when both hands are occupied. Also, from the time the the cookies come out of the oven, there exists about a 10 second window to get them folded into shape, which is why only two are baked at one time.

Laura Gill

Fourth - Use a spatula to lift one side of the cookie and fold it in half like a taco. Use your fingers to lift the cookie and pinch the halves together. Stick your fingers into the spaces in the side of the cookie while using your thumbs to bend the cookie into place. It helps to practice with a piece of paper first.

Also, while this recipe says it makes 15 cookies, I had enough batter for about 45. Maybe Martha's stencil is gigantic? I didn't make 45 though cause cooking only two cookies at a time for 6 to 7 minutes each was driving me INSANE. I'm learning that I should start recruiting baking buddies... (That's my fifth tip!)

But seriously, fussing aside, this is a really sweet gesture that is sure to make this Valentine's Day extra special. Especially if you can recruit a few kids to write the notes... Yes, I think I know what I'll be doing again next weekend - my fingers could use a little more toughening up.

Ingredients:

4 large egg whites
1 cup superfine sugar
1 cup all purpose flour - sifted
pinch of salt
5 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted and cooled
3 tablespoons heavy cream
scant teaspoon almond extract

Directions:

Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.

In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the whisk attachment, beat egg whites and sugar on medium speed for 30 seconds. Add flour and salt and beat until combined. Add butter, heavy cream, and almond extract and beat until combined, about 30 seconds.

Spoon the batter onto circle stencil shapes, or onto one side of the pan and spread the batter into a thin disc. Transfer to oven and bake until the edges turn golden brown, about 6 to 7 minutes.

Follow the above directions to shape the cookie, or refer to Martha's description.