What better use for an extra case of Girl Scout cookies than a Chow Bella Showdown? In years past we've challenged our contributors to make something delicious out of Thin Mints and Trefoils. This time: Savannah Smiles. Stay tuned for more recipes and a decision from our "judge," web editor Eric Tsetsi.
Okay, I'll be the first one to admit that there isn't anything "XXX" or extreme about these cinnamon rolls. Unless you consider spending almost six hours on one batch of cinnamon rolls obscene or extreme.
That's right, I spent six freakin' hours making cinnamon rolls. SIX HOURS!
Most of that time was spent waiting for things to rise, but six hours of waiting around sucks. And since I spent so much time waiting to get a "rise" out of these suckers, I figured I should throw the "XXX" in (and let's not forget about a certain porn star that used Savannah as her, ahem, "stage" name).
Moving on. When I first acquired my box of super sweet lemon cookies, I immediately thought about making tarts. Lemon tarts with a cookie crust would be the easiest idea. Or maybe lemon bars? Or, maybe, I could just make things really difficult on myself and make cinnamon rolls from scratch?
I love a challenge (and I needed the practice for my baking class), so I took the difficult route (duh).
And, if I do say so myself, they turned out pretty good for my first try even if they were a little dried out by the time our meeting rolled around. I was a little worried about the cinnamon and lemon combo, but in the end, I feel that the spice complimented the light citrus flavor.
Plus, a good helping of cream cheese icing can save pretty much anything.
Got a bunch of free time on your hands? Get out the Kitchen Aid and make your own. XXX-Treme Cinnamon Rolls
Bread 16 oz bread flour 1/4 oz active dry yeast 1 oz sugar 1 1/2 oz butter 1 tsp salt 1/2 tsp lemon extract 1/2 tsp vanilla extract 1 1/2 tsp white rum 4 oz milk 1 egg
Streusel Filling 4 oz sugar 2 oz butter 2 oz vegetable shortening 1 medium egg 1/2 tsp. vanilla 1 tsp cinnamon 1/4 tsp cardamon 25 Savannah Smiles Cookies
Cream Cheese Icing 4 oz cream cheese 16 oz of powdered sugar 4 oz milk or cream
Put all bread ingredients into the bowl of your stand mixer. (don't worry about creaming anything, or mixing dry ingredients first. Just dump everything into the bowl at once)
Combine ingredients using a dough hook until the mixer forms a nice dough ball. (You may have to add a little more milk if the dough doesn't come together. If the dough is too stick, add a little more flour) this will take about 8 minutes.
Remove the dough hook and cover the bowl until the dough double in size. Depending on how hot or cold your house is, this could take awhile.
While your waiting for your dough to rise, make up your cookie filling. Put cookies into a food processor and pulse until the cookies are ground down to a fine pulp. Cream butter and sugar and add egg and flavoring. With and on and off motion, add the cookie "flour" and combine until it forms a paste.
Once your dough has doubled, pour it out onto a floured surface. Roll the dough out into a long rectangle. The the filling and spread it generously onto the dough. Very carefully roll the dough up into a tube.
With a serrated knife, slice the dough log into two inch slices. Place rolls into a round greased pan. Cover and let rise again.
Once they have yet again doubled in size stick them in a 375 degree over for 25 minutes.
While those are baking, mix all of your icing ingredients together until creamy. Adjust sugar and milk until you reach your desired consistency. Spread on cinnamon rolls as soon as they come out of the oven. Eat Immediately!
