Recipes to Make With Kids: Easter Resurrection Rolls

Resurrection Rolls, also known as Empty Tomb Rolls, are more than just delicious treats; they are a meaningful way to tell an important story. As you roll each marshmallow, you can share the story of Jesus’s burial and resurrection. The recipe illustrates how He was laid in the tomb and how He rose to life.

Ingredients set out for making Resurrection Rolls.

Symbolism

Here are the symbolic components of this beautiful story:

• Crescent Rolls: The dough symbolizes the wrapping of Jesus’s body, much like the linen cloths in which He was laid.

• Marshmallows: The sweetness represents Jesus—the one who brings salvation to the world.

• Butter: The melted butter symbolizes the oil that was put on Jesus' body after his death on the cross as a preparation for burial.

• Cinnamon Sugar: This spice mixture symbolizes the spices and scents also used in preparing Jesus's body for burial.

  
  

Gathering Your Ingredients

Before you start, ensure you have the following ingredients ready:

• 1 can of crescent rolls (8 rolls)

• 2 TBSP granulated sugar

• 2 TBSP ground cinnamon

• 8 large marshmallows

• 1/4 cup melted butter

  
  

Having everything ready helps streamline the baking process. It also keeps the excitement high for the little ones!

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

Begin by preheating your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. While waiting for the oven to heat up, separate the crescent rolls into triangles. This is a fun activity for kids that helps them practice their motor skills. As they tear apart the dough, they are building hand coordination and learning about organization while lining up the triangles on a baking sheet.

Freshly unrolled crescent dough ready for Resurrection Rolls

Step 2: Combine Cinnamon and Sugar

In a small bowl, mix the sugar and cinnamon well. This step is an excellent chance to talk about how sugar represents Jesus's love and how cinnamon is reminiscent of burial spices.

Step 3: Prepare the Marshmallows

This is where the magic unfolds! Have the kids dip each marshmallow into the melted butter, ensuring it is thoroughly coated. Then, roll the buttery marshmallow in the cinnamon-sugar mixture until it is well covered. Watching the marshmallow transform into a sweet delight brings the idea of transformation to life—a key theme in the resurrection story.

Step 4: Assemble the Rolls

Now comes the big moment! Each child can place their coated marshmallow on the wide end of a crescent roll triangle. Teach them how to pinch the dough around the marshmallow tightly, sealing all edges. This action represents how Jesus was placed inside the tomb, emphasizing the importance of the stone door sealing him in tightly.

Encourage your kids to use their fingers to seal every edge. Explain how crucial it was for Jesus to remain undisturbed in the tomb. This makes the process all the more engaging and meaningful.

Step 5: Bake the Resurrection Rolls

Position the stuffed rolls on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake them for about 10 minutes or until they turn golden brown. As the rolls bake, take a quiet moment to discuss waiting and trust, drawing parallels with how the disciples waited for Jesus's resurrection. (See John, chapters 19 and 20.)

Step 6: Enjoy and Reflect

Once you've baked the rolls and they’ve cooled slightly, have the kids take a bite. What's inside?! They will discover that the marshmallow is gone, representing the empty tomb where Jesus once lay. This revelation is a wonderful moment that enhances their understanding of the Easter story. Like in our YouTube video, they'll say, "It's EMPTY!"

A New Tradition for Your Family

This Easter, begin a new tradition for your family by making Resurrection Rolls together. This tradition will create memories that will stick with them for years to come. Happy baking, and happy Easter!

Summary of Resurrection Rolls recipe with verses explaining significance of each ingredient.

For additional decoration, a cross made of royal or cookie icing can be added on top.

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Note: If you prefer to make these from scratch and not use canned crescent rolls, you can get the FROM SCRATCH version below.

Empty Tomb Rolls Recipe.pdf

Download PDF • 391KB

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For more baking inspiration, check out Recipes to Make with Kids on our blog, or consider signing your child up for a baking class in your area. Don't forget to follow us on Instagram @ittybittybakers and tag us in your photos!

Happy baking!