Shelf stable cookie product containing heat and shear sensitive

Abstract

The present invention relates to the production of a shelf stable unleavened cookie composition which can be leavened to exhibit a cookie crumb-like structure after baking in a convection, radio frequency, or microwave oven. The cookie composition is prepared by using a cooker extruder to mix ingredients and to heat the ingredients to preferably at least about 200.degree. F. to promote browning and flavor development. The resulting cookie composition has a water activity of less than 0.7, preferably less than 0.6. The cookie composition produced using the cooker extruder is shaped into cookie preforms, and leavened by heating in an oven such as a microwave, convection oven, or a combination thereof. The total moisture content of the cookie mixture is generally less than 10% and preferably less than 8%. Water or a source of water may be admixed with the cookie mixture in an amount sufficient to form a dough-like consistency. The water may be admixed in the extruder after the heating stage to prevent fat separation or alternatively after thc cookie composition has cooled and before use by the consumer. The cookie composition may contain a heat or shear sensitive additive. The additive is admixed with the heat treated cookie composition under conditions such that the additive is not deactivated.