An expectant hush falls over the crowd. Eager anticipation is barely contained with fidgets and twistings for a better view. The air is full of sweet perfume and warmth. As the longed for arrival comes into view, a murmur begins to arise. What would they find? What would it look like? You’ll see, whispered those who had witnessed the miracle before. You’ll see! And then one nugget was plucked from the rest and held aloft for all to see. Carefully an end was removed from the fragrant brown oval. A spontaneous gasp from the gathering. It was true! The tomb was empty! The miracle lasted long enough for the teacher to swiftly distribute the remaining nuggets without fuss and disagreement. Then silence as the warm nuggets disappeared into anxious mouths. And discussion could begin – not always at a comfortable decibel. But always a lesson well-learned.
This scene is repeated year after year in churches or homes around the country. And the reaction is always the same! It is a hands on lesson that kids always understand. I stress that it is not magic. The dough does what it is supposed to do. The marshmallow does what it is supposed to do. And God’s love remains to be found in the sweetness that remains. Other symbolism includes:
- Marshmallow – the body of Jesus
- Butter – oils used in burial
- Cinnamon and sugar – the spices used to perfume the body
- Dough – the tomb
- Baked roll with empty center is, of course, the empty tomb following the resurrection
Also known as Easter Rolls or Empty Tombs, I first saw this recipe in a church school teacher’s guide. Some clever Christian Educator took a popular Pillsbury Bake Off recipe from ages ago and gave it new meaning. Some tips I’ve gathered for doing this with a group whether at home or church: Have fun! Guide the kids, but remember it is impossible to do this wrong. Pass around a bottle of hand sanitizer as you begin. Pinching the dough around the marshmallow is key. I usually have kids put the marshmallow on the narrow tip of the crescent and roll toward the larger end because it’s easier to pinch together and completely cover the marshmallow. Use Pillsbury Crescent Rolls because they seem to stay pinched better (leak less!) than other brands. Line the baking sheets with aluminum foil or parchment paper for quick cleanup – because, in spite of your best efforts, some marshmallow will leak out of at least one roll! You may have leftovers of butter and the cinnamon sugar mixture – but that allows for possible loss due to “mess”. Just before rolls are done, begin to build the anticipation as the rolls are removed from the oven and the first one opened. Have fun!
These are also a great addition to any dinner, or as an accompaniment to a light soup or salad. The original recipe called for a confectioner sugar glaze and chopped nuts on the top to make a breakfast treat.
You might also like Easter Breakfast Casserole
This recipe featured on Chef In Training Tuesday Talent Show , Miz Helen’s Country Cottage Full Plate Thursday , Kristen’s Creations Share Your Creations ,
PrintResurrection Rolls
Sweetly delicious hollow rolls make a fabulous addition to breakfast or dinner table. They also are a creative and interactive way to explain the Easter Story to children.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 15 mins
- Total Time: 25 mins
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Bread
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 package refrigerated crescent rolls, preferably Pillsbury
- 8 large marshmallows
- 3 Tablespoons melted butter or margarine
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ½ tsp cinnamon
Instructions
- Mix cinnamon and sugar together ahead of time.
- Melt butter in microwave ahead of time.
- Preheat oven to 375. (Turn oven on just before beginning to assemble rolls.)
- Separate crescent rolls and lay individual triangle on workspace.
- Dip marshmallow in butter and roll to thoroughly coat.
- Roll buttered marshmallow in cinnamon sugar mixture.
- Place marshmallow on narrow tip of crescent dough and roll toward the large end.
- Pinch dough together firmly at edges and any thin spots.
- Place on ungreased baking sheet.
- Bake 10-15 minutes until golden brown.
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Miz Helen says
Congratulations!
Your recipe is featured on Full Plate Thursday this week. Hope you have a wonderful week end and enjoy your new Red Plate.
Come Back Soon!
Miz Helen
six sisters says
We love these! Thanks joining us and we hope you’ll be back to our “Strut Your Stuff Saturday”. We loved having you! -The Sisters
Julia says
Your rolls turned out so beautifully. My kids begged me to make these again this year!
Kristen says
Wow! What a wonderful idea…I bet they are delicious too. They sure do sound like it. Thanks for linking to the party. I don’t think I ever thanked you for the award. I really appreciated it!! Kristen
Traci says
Found you on Chef in Training thanks for this recipe, we will be using it Easter Morning.
Miz Helen says
Good Morning Charlene,
Wow, these are wonderful Resurrection Rolls and perfect for Easter Morning. Hope you have a wonderful Easter Celebration and thank you so much for sharing at Full Plate Thursday.
Come Back Soon!
Miz Helen
Deana says
What a great recipe I can’t wait to try this with my little one.
D @ TheShadyPorch says
Hi Charlene! I love these rolls. I’m glad you shared them! I am posting this on my FB page today. Thanks for joining the Rock ‘N Share!
Patty says
These are awesome!! I am so going to make these!
Sara says
Just found this blog and link party, so many great ideas!
Charlene says
I am so glad you found your way here!