Fats perform a textural function in doughs. During the mixing of a dough there is
competition for the flour surface between the aqueous phase and the fat. The water or
sugar solution interacts with the flour protein to create gluten which forms a cohesive and
extensible network. When fat coats the flour this network is interrupted and the eating
properties after baking are less hard, shorter and more inclined to melt in the mouth. If the
fat level is high the lubricating function in the dough is so pronounced that little or no
water is required to achieve a desired consistency, little gluten is formed and starch
swelling and gelatinisation is also reduced giving a very soft texture. The dough breaks
easily when pulled, it is short. This is the origin of the term ‘shortening’ for a dough fat.
Where the sugar level is high the fat combines in the oven with the syrupy solution
preventing it