Quality, Sensory and Nutritional Characteristics of Cookies Fortified with Chestnut Flour

Abstract

The influence of the physicochemical properties of chestnut flour (CF) on the cookies quality was investigated. The experiments are planned on the base of 32 factorial plan with independent variables: chestnut flour quantity (20, 40 and 60% based on wheat flour) and moisture dough (20, 22 and 24%). The physical and sensory attributes of CF cookies were compared to control sample containing 100% wheat flour (WF). Substitution of WF with CF contributes to the increased cookies hardness for 10–40%. By increasing the dough moisture, the hardness of cookies containing 60% CF is reduced by 20–30%. Formulations with 20 and 40% CF and 24% dough moisture had the best sensory properties and improved nutritional quality. By increasing the share of CF, the red tone increases (a* parameter) and the color lightness of cookies reduces (parameter L*). In conclusion, the application of CF in cookie formulations can improve sensory and nutritional quality of cookies. Practical Applications Tea cookies are widely consumed as confectionary products, which are traditionally made from wheat flour. Several studies demonstrated that chestnut flour contains nutrients that have many health-care functions. In this regard, it would be beneficial to develop a novel formulation for cookies with chestnut. This study explores the possibility of utilizing chestnut flour, at different substitution levels in order to produce cookies with acceptable sensory properties for consumers.