Relationship between the microstructure and physical properties of emulsifier based oleogels and cookies quality

In this paper, the correlation between microstructure and physical properties of emulsifier based oleogels and qualities of cookies, as well as the key factors affecting cookies hardness was studied by using four kinds of food-grade emulsifiers with different concentrations. Monoacylglycerol (MAG) and sorbitan monostearate (SPAN) cookies showed similar hardness and L*, a*, b* to those of shortening cookies, in the concentration range of 6-15% and 12-18%, respectively, and their cross sections are uniformly porous. The solid fat content and α crystals content of emulsifier based oleogels showed no significant effect on cookie hardness. Besides, oleogel cookies prepared with emulsifier gelators with higher hydrophile-lipophile balance value showed lower hardness. In the results, higher shear viscosity (at 25 °C) of emulsifier based oleogels were determined to be the key factor for softer cookies. This study provides theoretical support for the quality control of novel cookies with emulsifier based oleogels.