Modified oatmeal and chocolate chip cookies: evaluation of the partial replacement of sugar and/or fat to reduce calories

Oatmeal and chocolate chip cookies were prepared using a non-sucrose sweetener blend (dextrose/acesulfame-K) and/or prune puree to replace 50% of the sugar and/or fat, respectively, following manufacturers' recommendations. Similar effects of modification were found for both cookie types. Specific gravity (P < 0.05) and water activity (P < 0.05) increased with modification; cookie spread (P < 0.05) decreased. Probing (P < 0.05) revealed that the increase in hardness and chewiness associated with fat reduction was moderated to some extent when coupled with sugar reduction. Sensory assessments of texture using the Consumer Profile Ballot reflected the instrumental textural assessment. There were few significant sensory differences between the full-fat/full-sugar control oatmeal cookie and either modified oatmeal cookie. In chocolate chip cookies, sensory results (P < 0.05) suggest an increase in off-flavours and bitterness, and a decrease in sweet and buttery attributes with modification. Panelists indicated that all formulations of each cookie type were acceptable with ratings above mid-point on the scale for flavour and texture acceptability. Total fat reduction was 32% and 45% in the oatmeal and chocolate chip cookies respectively. Caloric reductions were 14-15% in the modified oatmeal cookies, and 12-13% in the modified chocolate chip cookies.