In this study, shortening content in a wire‐cut cookie formulation was reduced at 10, 20, 30 and 40% and replaced with apricot kernel flour (AKF). The effects of increased concentrations of AKF on the properties of cookies were investigated. Protein, fat and total dietary fiber (TDF) contents of the apricot kernels were determined as 21.8%, 40.2% and 35.8%, respectively, which confirmed that the apricot kernel is an important source of dietary protein as well as oil and fiber. Addition of AKF decreased the spread ratio and increased the hardness of the cookies (P ≤ 0.01). However, sensory evaluation revealed that the cookies containing AKF were acceptable to the panelists at all concentrations (P ≤ 0.01). TDF contents of the cookies increased significantly (P ≤ 0.01) as the AKF supplemention increased. AKF is a suitable replacer of shortening in cookies at 10 and 20%. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS Province of Malatya (Turkey) is one of the major apricot and apricot kernel producing regions in the world. Apricot kernels are generally exported and the importing countries use it especially in the production of oil, benzaldehyde, cosmetics, active carbon and aroma. Apricot kernels are also utilized in retail bakeries and consumed as appetizers. Cookies are one of the most popular bakery products and textural characteristics of cookies are highly influenced by their fat content. Health specialists recommend that daily fat consumption should not exceed 30% of the total calories in a diet. In this study, the preparation of apricot kernel flour (AKF), which does not require much processing and has the advantage of including other nutrients, was achieved. With the production of high‐fiber and low‐fat cookies by the usage of AKF, an exciting new potential as a food ingredient, especially in cereal products, is offered.

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