The Jargon File (version 4.4.7, 29 Dec 2003):

cookie file
 n.

    A collection of fortune cookies in a format that facilitates retrieval by
    a fortune program. There are several different cookie files in public
    distribution, and site admins often assemble their own from various sources
    including this lexicon.


The Free On-line Dictionary of Computing (30 December 2018):

cookie file

    A collection of fortune cookies in a
   format that facilitates retrieval by a fortune program.
   There are many cookie files in public distribution, and site
   admins often assemble their own from various sources.

   [Jargon File]

   (1997-01-07)