Pigmented sweetened rose petal crush enriched multi-millet cookies: investigating the physical properties, phytochemistry, molecular and structural transformations

Purpose This study aims to investigate the use of rose petals rich in bioactive components possessing several health benefits in the form of pigmented sweetened rose petals crush (P SRP C) at varying levels in the formulation of cookies to develop consumerfavored natural flavored food products. Design/methodology/approach PSRPC was used as functional ingredient in millet cookies at varying levels of 5%, 10%, 15% and 20%. Developed cookies were evaluated for physical parameters, bioactive components along with their associated antioxidant activity, texture (hardness, fracturability), surface morphology and molecular interactions. Most acceptable cookies were selected on the basis of sensory evaluation. Findings Cookies formulated from millet flour were significantly different from wheat flour cookies. Furthermore, the incorporation of PSRPC in millet cookies increased the total phenolic content, flavonoid content and antioxidant activity. Texture analysis results showed that cookies with higher level of PSRPC had lower hardness and fracturability. PSRPC-incorporated cookies were darker and redder due to the pigments found in rose. Surface morphology and functional groups were altered on addition of PSRPC. Cookies incorporated with 10% PSRPC were highly acceptable on the basis of sensory score. Originality/value The current study developed newer conditions for development of cookies from PSRPC. Results foresee the potential of PSRPC as a functional ingredient in value-added food products having health benefits.