Patent Document

REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application is a continuation application under 37 C.F.R. §1.53(b) of, and claims the benefit of priority to, U.S. Ser. No. 11/408,507, filed on Apr. 21, 2006, which claims the benefit of priority under 35 U.S.C. §119(e)(1) of a provisional patent application, U.S. Ser. No. 60/673,411, filed Apr. 21, 2005, both of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The invention relates to cookie dough and more particularly to rolled cookie dough sheets for easy preparation of cookie units for baking by a consumer. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    Refrigerated and/or frozen cookie dough products are readily available for purchase and use by consumers. Refrigerated and/or frozen cookie dough products are available in a wide variety of configurations such as, for example, extruded logs of cookie dough, scored cookie dough pads and individualized cookie dough units or pucks. 
         [0004]    Examples of representative frozen and refrigerated cookie dough products includes the cookie dough products presently available from companies such as General Mills, Inc., of Golden Valley, Minn. and The Nestle Company of Vevey, Switzerland. 
         [0005]    One popular, traditional cookie baking application is to cut sheets of sugar cookie dough with cookie cutters to make desirable, shaped cookies such as, for example, Christmas trees during the Christmas season. Cookie cutters are then pressed into the cookie dough to cut-out the desired shape. These cut cookie units could then be further decorated by adding candy, sprinkles, or other flavorants prior to baking. 
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0006]    While the currently available refrigerated and frozen cookie dough products described above provide some ease and convenience to users, there is still room for greater convenience of dough products for consumers, particularly those consumers that enjoy and desire adding a “personal touch” to a home baked process. Furthermore, there is currently no cost-effective method for producing, shipping and storing a pre-rolled sheet of cookie dough for use at the customer&#39;s discretion, such as, for example, cutting out shapes with cookie cutters. 
         [0007]    The embodiments of the invention described below are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed in the following detailed description. Rather, the embodiments are chosen and described so that others skilled in the art may appreciate and understand the principles and practices of the invention. 
         [0008]    In a representative embodiment, (refrigerated and frozen) cookie dough is rolled from a flat sheet configuration wherein the flat sheet can be rolled into a rolled up configuration for shipment, display and storage. The rolled configuration can be frozen and/or refrigerated and be subsequently unrolled prior to use. The rolled configuration can be unrolled to provide a flat sheet configuration without cracking and/or sticking. When unrolled, the flat sheet can be sliced/cut with cookie cutters or other cutting implements to create specially shaped cookie units for baking. Excess dough can be trimmed and rerolled for further cutting with a cookie cutter. 
         [0009]    In another representative embodiment, a cookie dough can be formulated so as to allow a flat sheet of dough to be rolled into a rolled-up configuration that can subsequently be unrolled without sticking to itself or suffering structurally such as, for example, suffering dough cracking and/or breaking. The sugar cookie dough can be formulated to include an anti-tackifier agent to substantially minimize or eliminate dough stickiness during the rolling and unrolling process. An anti-tackifier agent can, among other things, scavenge excess water to reduce the stickiness of the cookie dough. Representative anti-tackifier components can comprise powdered sugar, rice flour, wheat starch or a gum ingredient such as, for example, Xantham gum. 
         [0010]    In another representative embodiment, methods for preparing a high sugar content, sheeted undeveloped dough are described. In one aspect, mixing methods to produce a high sugar content, sheeted undeveloped dough can be conducted to form a dense cookie dough as opposed to a traditional “airy” cookie dough. In one representative embodiment, the dense cookie dough can be prepared by elimination of the traditional creaming process wherein air is whipped into a mixture of sugar and shortening and instead, performing a rapid mixing process under vacuum so as to avoid whipping air into the dough. In another aspect, mixing methods to produce a high sugar content, sheeted undeveloped dough can comprise a multi-stage mixing process distinguished by mixing rates such as high shear mixing stages having mixing rates from about 450 rpm to about 1200 rpm and lower shear mixing stages operating at mixing rates from about 125 rpm to about 350 rpm. 
         [0011]    Manufacturing doughs at commercial volumes and speeds can be used to make the doughs described herein. In one aspect, rolling a high sugar content, sheeted undeveloped dough can comprise dusting the dough sheet with a hydroscopic agent such as, for example, corn starch and/or rice flour, to prevent sticking of the dough and to act as a moisture barrier between dough surfaces when the dough is in a rolled-up configuration. In another aspect, a high sugar content, sheeted undeveloped dough can be rolled into a flat dough sheet using a staged series of rollers to achieve a desired sheet thickness from about 2.5 mm to about 15 mm in thickness. Finally, the high sugar content, sheeted undeveloped dough can be formed into a rolled-up configuration through the use of a drag chain that causes a leading edge of a dough sheet to be captured while the remaining portion of the dough sheet slides below the leading edge such that the dough sheet assumed a rolled-up configuration. 
         [0012]    In another representative embodiment, a rolled-up sheet of cookie dough can be formed through a process comprising the steps of mixing a cookie dough composition, forming a flat dough sheet configuration and rolling the flat dough sheet configuration into a rolled-up dough configuration. 
         [0013]    The above summary of the various representative embodiments of the invention is not intended to describe each illustrated embodiment or every implementation of the invention. The figures in the detailed description that follow more particularly exemplify these embodiments. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0014]    These, as well as other objects and advantages of this invention, will be more completely understood and appreciated by referring to the following more detailed description of the presently preferred exemplary embodiments of the invention in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, of which: 
           [0015]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a flat dough sheet configuration. 
           [0016]      FIG. 2  is a side view of the flat dough sheet configuration of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0017]      FIG. 3  is a perspective view of a partially rolled-up dough sheet configuration. 
           [0018]      FIG. 4  is an end view of the partially rolled-up dough sheet configuration of  FIG. 3 . 
           [0019]      FIG. 5  is a side view of a rolled-up dough sheet configuration. 
           [0020]      FIG. 6  is a section view of the rolled-up dough sheet configuration of  FIG. 5  taken at line  6 - 6  of  FIG. 5 . 
           [0021]      FIG. 7  is a process flow diagram for preparing the rolled-up dough configuration of  FIG. 5 . 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0022]    As illustrated in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , a cookie dough  100  can be rolled flat and formed into a flat sheet configuration  102  defined by first edges  103   a ,  103   b  and second edges  104   a ,  104   b . In one representative embodiment, first edges  102   a ,  102   b  can have a length of about 10 inches while second edges  104   a ,  104   b  can have a length of about 11.5 inches. Flat sheet configuration  102  can have a generally uniform sheet thickness  106  defining a first major surface  108  and a second major surface  110 . Sheet thickness  106  can range from about 1 mm to about 15 mm in thickness and most preferably ranging from about 4 mm to about 6 mm in thickness. 
         [0023]    Cookie dough  100  can comprise a refrigerated and/or frozen cookie dough suitable for storage and subsequent baking by a consumer. Cookie dough  100  can comprise any suitable cookie dough formulation such as, for example, a sugar cookie dough, having appropriate formulations and dough characteristic as discussed below. Alternatively, cookie dough  100  can be high-sugar content refrigerated and/or frozen doughs such as, for example, brownie and/or bar style doughs. 
         [0024]    As illustrated in  FIGS. 3 and 4 , second edge  104   a  can be directed toward second edge  104   b  to initiate a rolling process for forming a partially rolled-up dough sheet  112 . 
         [0025]    Prior to rolling, first major surface  108  can be dusted with a suitable hydroscopic agent  114 . This can prevent surface  108  and surface  110  from sticking together as partially rolled-up dough sheet  112  is formed. Hydroscopic agent  114  can function as a moisture scavenger to effectively reduce sticking between surface  108  and surface  110 . In one representative embodiment, hydroscopic agent  114  can comprise rice flour having an average moisture content from about 8% by weight to about 14% by weight, or an average moisture content of about 12% by weight. 
         [0026]    As illustrated in  FIGS. 5 and 6 , continued rolling of partially rolled-up dough sheet  112  results in the formation of a rolled-up dough sheet configuration  116  having a generally uniform and substantially circular cross-section  118 . Cross-section  118  can have a diameter  120  that can range from about 27 mm to about 66 mm, and more preferably about 30 mm. As illustrated in  FIG. 5 , second edge  104   b  remains exposed on an exterior rolled-up perimeter surface  122 . 
         [0027]    Representative formulations for cookie dough  100  according to this description can be high sugar content dough compositions that are adapted for refrigerated or frozen storage while rolled up without a slip liner or other form of plastic or paper sheet inserted between dough surfaces. A rolled up cookie in accordance with embodiments of the invention can be stored for at least about 60 days at refrigerated temperatures, and still be unrolled without substantial damage. Furthermore, the inventive cookie dough in rolled configuration can be stored at freezing temperatures for at least 90 days. In some embodiments, frozen storage can be followed by refrigeration storage, and such rolled-up cookie dough can still be unrolled without substantial damage. Unrolling can be conducted at room temperature. Such rolled-up dough compositions are capable of being removed from refrigerated or frozen storage and used to produce a flat dough sheet configuration by unrolling followed by individual cookie formation steps such as, for example, cutting, forming, shaping, and combining the dough with other ingredients as appropriate or desired. Suitable rolled-up dough compositions can be formulated such that the rolling and subsequent unrolling of the rolled-up dough compositions structurally survive the rolling and unrolling manipulation it may undergo, e.g., the rolled-up dough compositions minimize potential cracks and/or breakage during any rolling or unrolling. Certain details of the following description are directed to “sugar cookie” doughs. “Sugar cookies” are generally known in the art as cookies made with butter (or margarine or shortening), sugar, eggs, flour, baking powder, salt, and vanilla, but can include other flavor notes; (see www.wikipedia.com). Although sugar cookies can be baked and consumed in circular form, sugar cookies are most known for being rolled out into sheets from which shapes are cut. They generally do not include particulates within the dough itself, but can be topped or decorated with icing, sprinkles, and other decorations. It is to be understood, however, that other high sugar content dough such as, for example, alternatively flavored doughs such as peanut butter flavored cookie dough and other doughs such as, for example, brownie and/or bar-style doughs, that would be advantageously configured in a rolled-up sheet configuration, can be produced similarly. 
         [0028]    Suitable dough formulations, and the ingredients they contain, can differ depending on the processing method and the finished product the dough formulation is to be used for. However, most cookie doughs generally have a number of ingredients in common, examples of which are described and illustrated in more detail below. Suitable cookie doughs will generally contain a grain constituent that contributes to the structure of the dough. Different grain constituents lend different texture, taste and appearance to a baked good. Flour is the most commonly used grain constituent in baked goods, and in most baked foods is the primary ingredient. 
         [0029]    Suitable flour types include hard wheat flour, soft wheat flour, corn flour, high amylose flour, low amylose flour, and the like. For example, a dough product made with a hard wheat flour will generally have a more coarse texture than a dough made with a soft wheat flour, due to the presence of a higher amount of gluten in hard wheat flour. In one representative embodiment, a desirable flour type comprises conventionally milled, soft red winter flour having a moisture content of about 12.5% by weight to about 13.6% by weight and most and in a further embodiment, about 13.0% by weight to about 13.2% by weight. 
         [0030]    In addition, a suitable cookie dough can comprise wheat starch in addition to the flour. Wheat starch can provide additional advantageous structure qualities to the cookie dough such as, for example, improved elasticity and plasticity that will positively effect the ability to roll and unroll cookie dough. Wheat starch can provide additional functional characteristics advantageous for use in rolling and unrolling dough including acting as a lubricant and binding moisture. Wheat starch generally comprises processed flour that has undergone further processing to reduce the protein content to less than about 0.5% and to remove (to nothing above a trace amount) any non-starch components such as, for example, gluten. Suitable cookie doughs can comprise effective amounts of wheat starch ranging from about 5% by weight to about 30% by weight of the cookie dough. 
         [0031]    Suitable cookie doughs can include leavening agents that increase the volume and alter the texture of the final baked cookie. Exemplary leavening agents include, but are not limited to, chemical leavening agents. 
         [0032]    Chemical leavening typically involves the interaction of at least one leavening acid and at least one leavening base. The leavening acid generally triggers the release of carbon dioxide from the leavening base upon contact with moisture. The carbon dioxide gas aerates the dough or batter during mixing and baking to provide a light, porous cell structure, fine grain, and a texture with a desirable appearance and palatability. 
         [0033]    Sodium bicarbonate, or baking soda, a leavening base, is the primary source of carbon dioxide gas in many chemical-leavening systems. This compound is stable and relatively inexpensive to produce. Other leavening bases include for example potassium bicarbonate, ammonium carbonate and ammonium bicarbonate. 
         [0034]    Leavening bases can be modified in order to alter the way in which they work. For example, they can be encapsulated. Encapsulated leavening bases, such as encapsulated baking soda, will tend to delay the onset of the leavening reaction because the encapsulating material must dissolve before the leavening reaction can occur. 
         [0035]    Generally, suitable cookie doughs can utilize modified or non-modified leavening bases as part of a chemical leavening system. Specifically, however, one representative embodiment of a suitable cookie dough utilizes non-encapsulated leavening bases as part of the chemical leavening system. 
         [0036]    Leavening acids include sodium or calcium salts of ortho, pyro, and complex phosphoric acids in which at least two active hydrogen ions are attached to the molecule. Baking acids include compounds such as monocalcium phosphate monohydrate (MCP), monocalcium phosphate anhydrous (AMCP), sodium acid pyrophosphate (SAPP), sodium aluminum phosphate (SALP), dicalcium phosphate dehydrate (DPD), dicalcium phosphate (DCP), sodium aluminum sulfate (SAS), glucono-delta-lactone (GDL), and potassium hydrogen tartrate (cream of tartar). 
         [0037]    Suitable cookie doughs can also contain additional ingredients. Some such additional ingredients can be used to modify the texture of dough. Texture modifying agents can improve many properties of the dough, such as viscoelastic properties, plasticity, or dough development. One representative example of a texture modifying agent includes fats. Cookie doughs can also include flavorings such as sweeteners, spices, and specific flavorings such as bread or butter flavoring. Representative examples of sweeteners include, for example, regular and high fructose corn syrup, sucrose (cane or beet sugar), dextrose and peanut butter. In addition to flavoring the baked good, sweeteners such as sugar can increase the moisture retention of a baked good, thereby increasing its tenderness. Flavorings can also comprise particulate ingredients such as, for example, whole and bit portions of candies, chocolate chips, nuts, fruit and the like. 
         [0038]    Another ingredient in formulating a suitable cookie dough is shortening. Shortening helps to improve the volume, grain and texture of the final product. Shortening also has a tenderizing effect and improves overall palatability and flavor of a baked good. Suitable shortenings can be selected from natural shortenings including animal fats such as lard, vegetable based shortenings or synthetic shortenings. Generally, shortening is comprised of triglycerides, fats and fatty oils made predominantly of triesters of glycerol with fatty acids. Fats and fatty oils useful in producing shortening include cotton seed oil, ground nut oil, soybean oil, sunflower oil, rapeseed oil, sesame oil, olive oil, corn oil, safflower oil, palm oil, palm kernel oil, coconut oil, or combinations thereof. 
         [0039]    Another dough ingredient for the formulation of cookie doughs suitable for use in the production of rolled cookie sheet configuration is sugar. Through the use of sugar having suitable characteristics, such as, for example, desired granulation sizes, cookie dough can be formulated to substantially reduce and/or eliminate dough stickiness by acting as a moisture scavenger and keeping the cookie dough drier. In one representative dough formulation, powdered sugar can be used in combination with sucrose so as to provide desirable taste, texture, and appearance while simultaneously reducing and/or eliminating dough stickiness. 
         [0040]    In one representative dough formulation, powdered sugar having a particle size distribution wherein less than about 2% of powdered sugar particles are retainer by a 100 mesh screen and more than 90% of the powdered sugar particles pass through a 200 mesh screen, can be employed to assist in reducing dough stickiness and to further promote the ability to unroll the rolled cookie dough configuration. 
         [0041]    Another dough ingredient for use in a representative dough formulation can comprise an anti-tackifier agent to substantially minimize or eliminate dough stickiness during the rolling and unrolling process. By minimizing and/or eliminating dough stickiness, advantages such as, for example, easier and more reliable processing of the dough as well as user friendly characteristics such as eliminating cracking and or sticking during unrolling by an end user can be realized. An anti-tackifier agent can, among other things, scavenge excess water to reduce the stickiness of the cookie dough. Representative anti-tackifier components can comprise powdered sugar, rice flour, wheat starch or a gum ingredient such as, for example, Xantham gum. 
         [0042]    In general, a variety of suitable dough formulations are contemplated for the invention. For example, it has been found that cookie doughs can be formulated within the following composition ranges that are suitable for forming cookie dough units and achieving desirable baked cookie units. Representative dough formulations can comprise: 
         [0000]    
       
         
               
               
               
             
           
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 Ingredient 
                 Weight Percent Range 
               
               
                   
                   
               
             
             
               
                   
                 Granulated Sugar 
                 15-35 
               
               
                   
                 Shortening 
                 10-30 
               
               
                   
                 Flour 
                 15-45 
               
               
                   
                 Wheat Starch 
                 10-20 
               
               
                   
                 Baking Powder 
                 0.5-1.0 
               
               
                   
                 Water 
                  4-15 
               
               
                   
                 Whole Egg Solids 
                  .2-2.0 
               
               
                   
                 Powdered Sugar 
                  2-10 
               
               
                   
                 Flavor 
                 0.1-2.0 
               
               
                   
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
         [0043]    As used through the present disclosure, percentages and ratios are calculated by weight unless otherwise indicated. In addition, all percentages and ratios, based on weight or otherwise, are calculated based on the total composition unless otherwise stated. Within the aforementioned composition ranges, a variety of specific formulations are contemplated. The invention is now illustrated in greater detail by way of the following specific examples, but it should be understood that the invention is not to be construed as being limited thereto. 
         [0044]    A representative process for forming rolled-up dough sheet configuration  116  is illustrated in  FIG. 7 . Generally, the process can comprise a series of operational steps including a mixing stage  140 , an extrusion stage  142 , a sheet forming stage  144 , a cutting stage  146  and a rolling-up stage  148 . As shown in  FIG. 7 , the process of forming rolled-up dough sheet configuration  116  can be accomplished utilizing a transport mechanism  150  such as, for example, a conveyorized system as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,838,105 to Finkowski et al., which is herein incorporated by reference to the extent not inconsistent with the present disclosure. 
         [0045]    Mixing stage  140  generally utilizes a mixer  152  to combine and mix a 5 formulation of dry and wet ingredients  153  to form cookie dough  100 . Mixer  152  can comprise a variety of suitable mixers selected for characteristics such as shear rates and mixing rates (measured in revolutions per minute “RPM&#39;S). Representative mixers  152  can comprise, for example, Stephan or Shaffer dough mixers. In one embodiment, mixer  152  can comprise a vacuum mixer to promote the formation of a dense cookie dough as opposed to mixing in air/oxygen to form a light/airy dough. Depending upon the dough formulation and desired product characteristics, mixing stage  140  can be varied based on mix times, ingredient addition and mix rates. Various illustrative examples contemplated for mixing stage  140  are described in the following example table. 
         [0000]    
       
         
               
             
               
               
               
               
               
             
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
             
               
               
               
               
             
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
             
           
               
                 ILLUSTRATIVE TABLE I 
               
             
             
               
                   
               
               
                 Illustrative Example for Mixing Stage 140 
               
             
          
           
               
                   
                 Ingredient 
                 Mix Variables 1 
                 Mix Variables 2 
                 Mix Variables 3 
               
             
          
           
               
                 Ingredient 
                 Temperature 
                 Time 
                 rpm 
                 Time 
                 rpm 
                 Time 
                 rpm 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 Stage 1 
                   
                 30 seconds 
                 490 
                 30 seconds 
                 720 
                 30 seconds 
                 1200 
               
               
                 Sugar 
                 60-90° F. 
               
               
                 Lard 
                     120° F. 
               
               
                 Stage 2 
                   
                 30 seconds 
                 490 
                 30 seconds 
                 720 
                 30 seconds 
                 1200 
               
               
                 Baking Powder 
                 60-80° F. 
               
               
                 Flour 
                      65° F. 
               
               
                 Wheat Starch 
                      65° F. 
               
               
                 Slurry 
               
               
                 Water 
                 30-40° F. 
               
               
                 Powdered Sugar 
                 60-90° F. 
               
               
                 Whole Egg Solids 
                 60-80° F. 
               
               
                 Flavor 
               
               
                 Stage 3 
                   
                 30 seconds 
                 137 
                 30 seconds 
                 200 
                 30 seconds 
                 350 
               
             
          
           
               
                   
                 (with vacuum) 
                 (with vacuum) 
                 (with vacuum) 
               
             
          
           
               
                 FINAL DOUGH 
                 45-60° F. 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
         [0046]    Extrusion stage  142  can comprise any suitable process for converting the bulk dough mixed and formed in mixing stage  140  into a dough configuration suitable for further processing. In some instances, extrusion stage  142  can comprise extruding a bulk cookie dough  156  comprising cookie dough  100  with an extruder  154 . Extruder  154  can comprise a suitable, representative extruder known in the field of food processing such as, for example, extruders supplied by Bepex GmBh of Leingarten, Germany, Robert Reiser &amp; Co. of Canton, Mass., and Albert Handtmann Holding Gmbh &amp; Co. KG of Biberbach, Germany. In other instances, extrusion stage  142  can comprise a lapping process, either individually or in combination with an extrusion process, for forming a continuous sheet of cookie dough  100 . 
         [0047]    As cookie dough  100  exits the extrusion stage  142 , bulk cookie dough  156  is conveyed for further processing with transport mechanism  150 . Transport mechanism  150  directs the bulk cookie dough  156  through the sheet forming stage  144  wherein bulk cookie dough  156  is formed into a continuous flat sheet  158 . Sheet forming stage  144  can comprise a single roller or a plurality of rollers, for example roller  160   a ,  160   b ,  160   c  as illustrated in  FIG. 7 , for forming continuous flat sheet  158  having the desired uniform sheet thickness  106 . As illustrated in  FIG. 7 , rollers  160   a ,  160   b ,  160   c  can be configured with sequential rolling heights, i.e., largest rolling height to smallest rolling height, so as to promote desirable processing characteristics such as, for example, processing speed, throughput and consistency. 
         [0048]    As cookie dough  100  exits the sheet forming stage  144 , continuous flat sheet  158  substantially resembles the flat sheet configuration  102  with the exception of continuous flat sheet  158  being continuous. Continuous flat sheet  158  is then conveyed with transport mechanism  150  to the cutting stage  146 . Within cutting stage  146 , a cutting member  162  cuts and/or slices the continuous flat sheet  158  into a series of continuous flat sheet  158 . Cutting member  162  can comprise any cutting instrument suitable for use with cookie dough  100  such as, for example, a wire cutter, a cutting knife, an ultrasonic cutter and other suitable cutting instruments used in the field of food processing. 
         [0049]    Next, the individual flat sheet configurations  102  are carried by the transport mechanism  150  such that a leading edge of flat sheet configuration  102 , described and illustrated herein as being second edge  104   a , is caused to wrap back over the flat sheet configuration  102  in rolling-up stage  148  through interaction of the second edge  104   a  with a preroller assembly  164  so as to form partially rolled-up dough sheet  112 . As transport mechanism  150  continues carrying the partially rolled-up dough sheet  112 , a drag chain assembly  166  (or other contact or engaging mechanism) contacts the partially rolled-up dough sheet  112  causing additional rolling so as to ultimately form rolled-up dough sheet configuration  116 . Upon completion of the rolling process, rolled-up dough sheet configuration  116  can be conveyed by transport mechanism  150  for additional processing such as, for example, freezing and packaging. 
         [0050]    Prior to use by a consumer, rolled-up dough sheet configuration  116  can be transported and stored in a frozen state, a refrigerated state and combinations thereof. Through the use of a suitable cookie dough such as, for example, cookie dough  100 , rolled-up dough sheet configuration  116  can be stored in frozen and refrigerated states for extended periods without structurally comprising the ability to unroll rolled-up dough sheet configuration  116  to form flat sheet configuration  102  for ultimate use by a consumer. Specifically, rolled-up dough configuration  116  can be unrolled to form flat sheet configuration  102  without experiencing cracking and/or breaking of the cookie dough  100 . With respect to storing periods of rolled up dough sheet configuration  116 , frozen storage of up to one hundred twenty days and refrigerated storage of up to sixty days and combinations of said frozen storage and refrigerated storage can be accomplished using cookie dough  100  without experiencing cracking and/or breaking of the cookie dough  100  during unrolling and use. In some representative embodiments, a consumer can allow the rolled-up cookie dough composition to temper, or warm to about room temperature from either a frozen or refrigerated state prior to unrolling to form the flat sheet configuration  102 . 
         [0051]    A consumer can subsequently cut flat sheet configuration  102  with a cookie cutter or knife, to form one or more cookie dough intermediates for subsequent baking by the consumer. In some instances, excess cookie dough  100  will remain from flat sheet configuration  102  following the use of the cutting instrument by the consumer. This excess cookie dough  100  can be aggregated and hand rolled by the consumer such as, for example, with a rolling pin, so as to allow for additional cutting and forming by the consumer. 
       Illustrative Example I 
       [0052]    A representative embodiment of rolled-up dough sheet configuration  116  was made according to the following composition: 
         [0000]    
       
         
               
               
               
             
               
               
               
             
           
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 Ingredient 
                 Weight Percent Range 
               
               
                   
                   
               
             
             
               
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                   
                 Granulated Sugar 
                 17.64 
               
               
                   
                 Lard 
                 22.30 
               
               
                   
                 Flour 
                 29.40 
               
               
                   
                 Wheat Starch 
                 12.60 
               
               
                   
                 Baking Powder 
                 0.92 
               
               
                   
                 Water 
                 9.00 
               
               
                   
                 Whole Egg Solids 
                 1.25 
               
               
                   
                 Powdered Sugar 
                 5.89 
               
               
                   
                 Flavor 
                 1.0 
               
               
                   
                   
                 100% 
               
               
                   
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
         [0053]    The above specified components were mixed in accordance with mixing stage  140 , Mix Variable  1  as previously described in Illustrative Table I. The resulting cookie dough  100  was processed according to the previously described operational steps including extrusion stage  142 , sheet forming stage  144 , a cutting stage  146  and a rolling-up stage  148 . Following, rolling-up stage  148 , the rolled-up dough sheet configuration  116  was packaged and frozen for a period of 90 days followed by refrigeration for 60 days. 
         [0054]    Rolled-up dough sheet configuration  116  was then removed from the refrigerator wherein the packaging was immediately opened and the rolled-up dough sheet configuration  116  was unrolled to form the flat sheet configuration  102  while still at refrigerated temperatures. During unrolling, no cracking or breaking of the cookie dough  100  was visibly observed and flat sheet configuration  102  was cut into representative shapes and figures with a cookie cutter for subsequent baking. The shaped cookie dough  100  was baked in a preheated oven at a temperature of 350° F. for 8-10 minutes. The resulting baked cookie exhibited similar taste, appearance and textural qualities as traditional sugar cookies. 
       Illustrative Example II 
       [0055]    A representative embodiment of rolled-up dough sheet configuration  116  was made according to the following composition: 
         [0000]    
       
         
               
               
               
             
               
               
               
             
           
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 Ingredient 
                 Weight Percent 
               
               
                   
                   
               
             
             
               
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                   
                 Granulated Sugar 
                 30.92 
               
               
                   
                 Shortening 
                 24.61 
               
               
                   
                 Flour 
                 34.15 
               
               
                   
                 Albumen 
                 0.50 
               
               
                   
                 Baking Soda 
                 0.30 
               
               
                   
                 Water 
                 7.08 
               
               
                   
                 Whole Egg Solids 
                 1.01 
               
               
                   
                 Salt 
                 0.54 
               
               
                   
                 Creamy Vanilla 
                 0.27 
               
               
                   
                 Enrichment 
                 0.17 
               
               
                   
                 SALP 
                 0.32 
               
               
                   
                 Xanthan gum 
                 0.13 
               
               
                   
                   
                 100% 
               
               
                   
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
         [0056]    The above specified components were mixed with a Stephan mixer in accordance with mixing stage  140 , Mix Variable  1  as previously described in Illustrative Table I. The resulting cookie dough  100  was processed according to the previously described operational steps including extrusion stage  142 , sheet forming stage  144 , a cutting stage  146  and a rolling-up stage  148 . Following, rolling-up stage  148 , the rolled-up dough sheet configuration  116  was packaged and frozen for a period of 90 days followed by refrigeration for 60 days. 
         [0057]    Rolled-up dough sheet configuration  116  was then removed from the refrigerator wherein the packaging was immediately opened and the rolled-up dough sheet configuration  116  was unrolled to form the flat sheet configuration  102  while still at refrigerated temperatures. During unrolling, no cracking or breaking of the cookie dough  100  was visibly observed and flat sheet configuration  102  was cut into representative shapes and figures with a cookie cutter for subsequent baking. The shaped cookie dough  100  was baked in a preheated oven at a temperature of 350° F. for 8-10 minutes. The resulting baked cookie exhibited similar taste, appearance and textural qualities as traditional sugar cookies. 
       Illustrative Example III 
       [0058]    A representative embodiment of rolled-up dough sheet configuration  116  was made according to the following composition: 
         [0000]    
       
         
               
               
               
             
               
               
               
             
           
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 Ingredient 
                 Weight Percent 
               
               
                   
                   
               
             
             
               
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                   
                 Granulated Sugar 
                 17.64 
               
               
                   
                 Shortening 
                 22.30 
               
               
                   
                 Flour 
                 41.94 
               
               
                   
                 Baking Powder 
                 0.92 
               
               
                   
                 Water 
                 9.68 
               
               
                   
                 Whole Egg Solids 
                 1.25 
               
               
                   
                 Powdered Sugar 
                 5.89 
               
               
                   
                 Vanilla 
                 0.25 
               
               
                   
                 Xanthan Gum 
                 0.13 
               
               
                   
                   
                 100% 
               
               
                   
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
         [0059]    The above specified components were mixed with a Stephan mixer in accordance with mixing stage  140 , Mix Variable  1  as previously described in Illustrative Table I. The resulting cookie dough  100  was processed according to the previously described operational steps including extrusion stage  142 , sheet forming stage  144 , a cutting stage  146  and a rolling-up stage  148 . Following, rolling-up stage  148 , the rolled-up dough sheet configuration  116  was packaged and frozen for a period of 90 days followed by refrigeration for 60 days. 
         [0060]    Rolled-up dough sheet configuration  116  was then removed from the refrigerator wherein the packaging was immediately opened and the rolled-up dough sheet configuration  116  was unrolled to form the flat sheet configuration  102  while still at refrigerated temperatures. During unrolling, no cracking or breaking of the cookie dough  100  was visibly observed and flat sheet configuration  102  was cut into representative shapes and figures with a cookie cutter for subsequent baking. The shaped cookie dough  100  was baked in a preheated oven at a temperature of 350° F. for 8-10 minutes. The resulting baked cookie exhibited similar taste, appearance and textural qualities as traditional sugar cookies. 
       Illustrative Example IV 
       [0061]    A representative embodiment of rolled-up dough sheet configuration  116  was made according to the following composition: 
         [0000]    
       
         
               
               
               
             
               
               
               
             
           
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 Ingredient 
                 Weight Percent 
               
               
                   
                   
               
             
             
               
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                   
                 Granulated Sugar 
                 17.64 
               
               
                   
                 Shortening 
                 22.30 
               
               
                   
                 Flour 
                 41.96 
               
               
                   
                 Baking Powder 
                 0.92 
               
               
                   
                 Water 
                 9.55 
               
               
                   
                 Whole Egg Solids 
                 1.25 
               
               
                   
                 Powdered Sugar 
                 5.88 
               
               
                   
                 Vanilla 
                 0.25 
               
               
                   
                 Xanthan Gum 
                 0.25 
               
               
                   
                   
                 100% 
               
               
                   
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
         [0062]    The above specified components were mixed with a Stephan mixer in accordance with mixing stage  140 , Mix Variable  1  as previously described in Illustrative Table I. The resulting cookie dough  100  was processed according to the previously described operational steps including extrusion stage  142 , sheet forming stage  144 , a cutting stage  146  and a rolling-up stage  148 . Following, rolling-up stage  148 , the rolled-up dough sheet configuration  116  was packaged and frozen for a period of 90 days followed by refrigeration for 60 days. 
         [0063]    Rolled-up dough sheet configuration  116  was then removed from the refrigerator wherein the packaging was immediately opened and the rolled-up dough sheet configuration  116  was unrolled to form the flat sheet configuration  102  while still at refrigerated temperatures. During unrolling, no cracking or breaking of the cookie dough  100  was visibly observed and flat sheet configuration  102  was cut into representative shapes and figures with a cookie cutter for subsequent baking. The shaped cookie dough  100  was baked in a preheated oven at a temperature of 350° F. for 8-10 minutes. The resulting baked cookie exhibited similar taste, appearance and textural qualities as traditional sugar cookies. 
       Illustrative Example V 
       [0064]    A representative embodiment of rolled-up dough sheet configuration  116  was made according to the following composition: 
         [0000]    
       
         
               
               
               
             
               
               
               
             
           
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 Ingredient 
                 Weight Percent 
               
               
                   
                   
               
             
             
               
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                   
                 Granulated Sugar 
                 17.64 
               
               
                   
                 Powdered Sugar 
                 5.88 
               
               
                   
                 Shortening 
                 22.30 
               
               
                   
                 Flour 
                 41.95 
               
               
                   
                 Water 
                 9.68 
               
               
                   
                 Whole Egg Solids 
                 1.25 
               
               
                   
                 Creamy Vanilla 
                 0.25 
               
               
                   
                 Baking Powder 
                 0.92 
               
               
                   
                 Xanthan Gum 
                 0.13 
               
               
                   
                   
                 100% 
               
               
                   
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
         [0065]    The above specified components were mixed with a Stephan mixer in accordance with mixing stage  140 , Mix Variable  1  as previously described in Illustrative Table I. The resulting cookie dough  100  was processed according to the previously described operational steps including extrusion stage  142 , sheet forming stage  144 , a cutting stage  146  and a rolling-up stage  148 . Following, rolling-up stage  148 , the rolled-up dough sheet configuration  116  was packaged and frozen for a period of 90 days followed by refrigeration for 60 days. 
         [0066]    Rolled-up dough sheet configuration  116  was then removed from the refrigerator wherein the packaging was immediately opened and the rolled-up dough sheet configuration  116  was unrolled to form the flat sheet configuration  102  while still at refrigerated temperatures. During unrolling, no cracking or breaking of the cookie dough  100  was visibly observed and flat sheet configuration  102  was cut into representative shapes and figures with a cookie cutter for subsequent baking. The shaped cookie dough  100  was baked in a preheated oven at a temperature of 350° F. for 8-10 minutes. The resulting baked cookie exhibited similar taste, appearance and textural qualities as traditional sugar cookies. 
         [0067]    It will thus be seen according to the invention a highly advantageous rolled cookie dough for use by consumers has been disclosed. While the invention has been described in connection with what is presently considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiments, it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that the invention is not to be limited to the disclosed embodiments. It will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that many modifications and equivalent arrangements can be made thereof without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure, such scope to be accorded the broadest interpretation of the appended claims so as to encompass all equivalent structures and products.

Technology Category: 1