Development of gluten-free cookie using composite flour from corn and lentil flours: Study by response surface methodology

The demand for gluten-free foods has increased due to health-based issues and lifestyle choices. This study aimed to develop a gluten-free cookie with enhanced nutritional value. For this reason, the composite flour from corn flour (CF) and lentil flour (LF) was prepared for cookie formulation. To eliminate the possible negative impact of LF on the sensorial properties of the cookie, lemon peel powder (LPP) was incorporated into the cookie formulation. The effects of the LF level of composite flour and the incorporation level of LPP on the physical, textural, and sensorial properties of the cookie were investigated via response methodology. The optimal levels were found as 16 g LF and 1 g LPP for 100 g composite flour. The physical, textural, and sensorial properties, proximate composition, vitamin C and total phenolic contents, and antioxidant capacity of the developed cookie and control cookies were determined. The developed cookie had a higher nutritional value than the control cookie made from CF in terms of protein, dietary fibre, ash, and vitamin C. Moreover, it presented higher total phenolic content and radical scavenging activity. According to these results, the developed cookie can be proposed for a gluten-free diet.