This study revealed the functional differences of different shortening treatments on cookie quality attributes. Traditional allpurpose shortening displayed superior shortening functionality when compared to a monoglyceride stabilized oil in water emulsion, as seen through a variety of quality attributes, such as greater spread, lower break strength, and greater dough firmness values. Differences in the functionality of shortening between Crisco and the MAG gel and its unstructured components are likely attributed to the decreased amount of lipid present in the monoglyceride systems. The structured monoglyceride emulsion influenced cookie quality attributes in a different manner than its unstructured components, with the structured gel maintaining greater dough firmness, and decreased spread values compared to its unstructured components.
With knowledge of the functional differences between the structured
monoglyceride emulsion and all-purpose shortening, further strategies
can be developed to limit the functional gaps and create healthier
baked products.