Each spring my kids make sure that the kitchen is stocked with two specific ingredients: marshmallows and crescent rolls. It just isn’t Easter without making Resurrection Rolls. And when you see how easy they are to make and the learning potential the rolls provide, I believe you will want to give them a try.
What is a Resurrection Roll?
Enjoying Resurrection Rolls is a beautiful Easter tradition to help children understand the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus. Marshmallows, placed in a crescent roll, melt during the baking process to create an empty “tomb” in the hot roll. Because of the simplicity of the ingredients and baking process, children of almost all ages can help.
Resurrection Rolls INGREDIENTS
Crescent Rolls
Mini Marshmallows (can also cut a large marshmallow into 3 pieces)
Making Resurrection Rolls
#1: Preheat oven based on crescent roll directions.
#2: Unroll the crescent rolls and place the three marshmallows in the center.
#3: Do not roll the crescent roll as you typically would. Instead fold the crescent roll around the marshmallow making sure to seal off any holes. Bake as directed.
When done, each roll will contain a hole where the marshmallows were.
Resurrection Rolls Object Lesson
While making the rolls, discuss the following with the child, adding more or less based on the child’s maturity.
Jesus died on the cross for our sins. What are sins? The bad choices that we make. Since we can’t pay for our sins, Jesus took our place by dying on the cross. After Jesus died, men placed His body in a tomb or grave just like we are putting these marshmallows in the rolls. Then the men rolled a heavy stone in front of the grave so that no one could bother it (pinch the bread seams). But that is not the end of the story. No, Jesus said that after three days he would raise again. Even though He was dead, He would be alive again.
DISCUSSION AFTER BAKING
Review the earlier discussion. Remember that just like Jesus’ body was put into the tomb, we placed three marshmallows in our crescent roll. (Open roll and let the child see the hole.) Where did the marshmallows go? They are gone. Just like the marshmallows, Jesus is no longer in the tomb. He is alive. This is why we celebrate Easter – to remember that Jesus didn’t just die on the cross for our sins but that He rose again to save us from our sins. Matthew 28:6 says, “Jesus is risen, as He said.”
Resurrection Rolls HINTS
- Be sure to firmly seal the dough. Any leakage will result in a marshmallow mess on the pan.
- To assure that the marshmallows melt, only use 1 big or 3 little marshmallows. I’ve found that fresh marshmallows melt better.
- While bread dough may be used to make little rolls, in my experience the dough failed to seal well and the marshmallows did not fully melt.
- Melted butter (anointing oil) and cinnamon (burial spices) can be added to the symbolism but may cause the “tombs” to leak. Placing the rolls in a muffin tin can limit the mess. And if your tomb leaks tell your child that the tomb was not strong enough to hold Jesus! Idea from Buffy
- To add extended meaning, the marshmallows can signify the three nails or individual sins.
- If a little portion of marshmallow is left in the roll, you can explain that it is Jesus’ linen wrappings. John 20:6
For more fun activities, check out all the amazing Easter ideas at ABCJesusLovesMe.
Now is the time to order your Be Intentional Planner! Available in the large size, use this spiral-bound book to intentionally guide you from June 2022 – June 2023. Only $15 to help you “look to the Lord and His strength,” as you “seek His face” these next few months (I Chronicles 16:11). Order now!
