Creating fortune cookies out of paper is a delightful and easy craft that is perfect for Chinese New Year festivities or just for fun.
These whimsical creations can add a personalized touch to any celebration, and they’re so simple that even the littlest hands can help make them. Not only are these paper fortune cookies a nod to the beloved dessert often found at the end of a Chinese meal, but they also make for a creative way to share uplifting messages or predictions with friends and family.
While fortune cookies are not traditionally Chinese, they’ve become synonymous with Chinese American dining experiences.
They’re known for the little piece of paper inside that often includes a proverb or a prediction. Creating your own means you can customize these fortune cookie messages, making the craft both personal and interactive.
Involving children in crafting can be a wonderful way to develop their fine motor skills and foster creativity. It’s also a great opportunity for parents to bond with their children, creating memories and traditions, especially around festive times like Chinese New Year.
DIY Paper Fortune Cookie Craft
This craft is not only about making something cute; it’s about the experience and the joy that comes from creating something with your own hands.
So, let’s dive into how you can make your own paper fortune cookies.
Paper Craft Fortune Cookies
This easy craft is a colorful collection of paper fortune cookies, made using simple materials such as construction paper, scissors, and double-sided tape.
These paper creations are folded into the recognizable shape of fortune cookies and can be crafted in various colors.
This fun and easy activity is suitable for all ages and can be used to celebrate occasions like Chinese New Year or as a creative way to deliver personalized messages or 'fortunes' to friends and family.
Materials
- Colored construction paper (red and yellow, or colors of your choice)
- Scissors
- Double sided tape
- Optional: paper fortunes
Instructions
- Choose your desired colors of construction paper. This is where you can get creative – traditional reds and yellows are great for Chinese New Year, but feel free to use any colors you or your children love.
- Cut out circles from the construction paper. The size can vary, but around 3-4 inches in diameter is a manageable size for little hands.
- Fold the circle in half gently, without making a sharp crease, to create a semi-circle.
- Place a small piece of double-sided tape on one of the corners of the semi-circle.
- Fold the semi-circle in half again, but this time, do not press down the entire fold – you want to leave a little pocket of space. Stick the two corners together with the tape.
- Gently push the edges towards the center, creating the characteristic fortune cookie shape.
- Repeat the process with different colors to create a collection of vibrant paper fortune cookies.
You can store these in a jar 
- Feel free to slip in your own fortunes before sealing them up! These can be added while making the first semi circle fold.
Once your delightful paper fortune cookies are ready, it’s time to bring them to life with a dash of mystery and fun.
Gather them all and place them gently into a jar or a bowl, creating a vibrant mix of colors that’s irresistible to pick from.
Invite your family and friends to draw a cookie at random, savoring the anticipation as they gently pull apart the folds to reveal their personalized fortunes inside.
Whether it’s a whimsical prediction, a thoughtful proverb, or a playful challenge for the day, each opened cookie is sure to bring a smile and a moment of joy. It’s a perfect icebreaker for gatherings or a sweet end to a family meal, making every pick a cherished little event of its own.
Whether you’re celebrating Chinese New Year or just looking for a fun and simple craft, these paper fortune cookies are a fantastic choice.
They’re quick to make, they don’t require many materials, and they can be customized for any occasion. Happy crafting and, perhaps, even happier fortune-telling!
Related: 100+ Fortune Cookie Messages Printable Chinese New Year 2024
More Chinese New Year Crafts and Activities
As we usher in the vibrant festivities of Chinese New Year, it’s a wonderful opportunity to engage in a variety of crafts and activities that celebrate this rich cultural event.
From the traditional red envelopes to the intricate paper lanterns, each craft is steeped in heritage and symbolizes wishes of prosperity, health, and happiness for the new year. Below, you’ll find a curated selection of Chinese New Year crafts and activities that are not only fun but also serve as a gateway to understanding and appreciating the significance behind this auspicious occasion.
So, grab your scissors and paint, and let’s create some festive magic!
- 14 Chinese New Year Facts for Kids That Are Fascinating And Fun
- Chinese New Year Greetings (with Free Printables for Crafts)
- How to Make Red Envelopes for Chinese New Year
- Chinese Zodiac Animal Coloring Pages
- 30 Best Chinese New Year Books for Kids
- Chinese New Year Color By Number Pages (Free Printable)
- Chinese New Year Shaker
- Paper Plate Chinese Lantern Craft for Chinese New Year
- Recycled TP Roll Chinese Lanterns for Chinese New Year
If this craft brought joy to your day and a splash of creativity to your home, don’t keep it to yourself! Share it with friends and family, or show off your paper fortune cookies on social media. It’s a fun way to spread some cheer and maybe even inspire others to get crafty. Plus, who doesn’t love seeing a feed filled with colorful, handmade delights? Share the fun, spread the fortune!
Anna Marikar, mum of four and seasoned blogger, has spent over a decade sharing her parenting journey and passion for kid-friendly crafts and free printables.
Her easy-to-follow craft ideas and practical parenting advice have transformed In The Playroom into a cherished resource for parents.
2 thoughts on “Paper Craft Fortune Cookies for Chinese New Year”