I started making Easter Ressurection Rolls when my son was 2, and haven’t looked back. This is such a wonderful tradition to start with your family. I love that it is a simple way to celebrate the WHY of Easter. It’s also a hands-on way for your loved ones to experience and learn about Jesus Christ’s resurrection. At 2 years old, with a little support and explanation, kiddos can successfully complete the steps almost 100% independently.
I’ve always used the simplified recipe that utilizes the can of crescent roll dough, however, the Friend published a fun (From Scratch) recipe that is sure to be a hit. You will find both recipes below, as well as my explanation of the steps and symbols, as well as a free-handout that makes for a really beautiful, and meaningful gift for ministering, family members, neighbors, friends, primary kiddos, activity days, mutual…etc!
Easter Resurrection Rolls
The ingredients and process uses symbolism to teach and celebrate the ressurection of our Savior, Jesus Christ.
Ingredients
- 1 8oz or 12oz package Crescent Roll Dough
- 1/2 cup Melted Butter
- 1 tbsp Cinnamon
- 1/4 cup Sugar
- 8 Marshmallows Standard Size, not mini
Instructions
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Preheat oven at 375 degrees, melt butter, and combine cinnamon and sugar prior to activity.
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Explain you are going to make special easter rolls. Open the dough and divide into eight triangles.
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Give each participant a marshmallow and explain the marshmallow represents Jesus Christ. Notice the marshmallow is pure and white and perfect, just like our savior. Describe that when Jesus died for us those that loved him took special measures to make sure he was treated and buried as a king would be.
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Nicodemus brought oils and spices that were only used on the rich and used these to embalm Christ's body. The butter represents the oil and the sugar and cinnamon represent the spices. Carefully dip the marshmallow in the butter, then coat it in the sugar and cinnamon mix.
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Christ's body was then carefully wrapped in clean linens. Wrap the marshmallow in the crescent dough, sealing off all of the edges.
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After Christ's body was prepared he was placed in a tomb that Joseph of Arimathea, one of Christ's disciples had given Him. Because of the approaching Sabbath, the tomb was sealed and guards were sent to keep watch.
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Place the rolls on a greased pan, and place in the oven. Explain the oven represents the tomb, and closing the oven door represents the sealing of the tomb. Bake at 375 degrees for 10 - 15 minutes until the rolls are golden brown.
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Once done, pull the rolls out and allow them to cool slightly. Encourage everyone to taste their roll, notice the marshmallow is gone. Testify that Christ lives, that he is risen. Explain that after the Sabbath Day the devoted Mary Magdalene and other faithful women set out for the tomb, to further care for Christ's body. At the tomb they saw an angel, and were afraid; but he told them to not be afraid, and that "He is not here: for he is risen..."
Easter Ressurection Rolls from Scratch
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp yeast
- 1/4 cup warm water
- 3/4 cup warm milk
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 egg beaten
- 3 1/2 cup flour
- 28 Marshmallows Standard Size, not Mini
- 1/2 cup Butter Melted
- 2 tbsp Cinnamon
- 1/2 cup Sugar
Instructions
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Put the yeast in the warm water and set it aside. In a large bowl, mix the milk, oil, sugar, and salt. Add the egg and the yeast mixture to the large bowl and stir. Stir in half the flour. Keep adding flour and stirring until dough forms. Knead lightly.
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Roll the dough out 1/2 inch (1 cm) thick and cut into28 squares. Dip marshmallows into butter, then cinnamon sugar. Put a marshmallow on each square.
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Stretch the dough around the marshmallow and pinch the edges well to seal. Dip the top of the dough in butter, then cinnamon sugar. Place pinched-side down on a greased or foil-lined pan.
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Cover with plastic wrap and let rise at least 2 hours. If you’re going to make rolls on Friday and bake on Sunday, put them in the freezer Friday night so they don’t over-rise. Put them back in the fridge Saturday night.
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Take the rolls out of the fridge 1 hour before baking. Let the rolls rise double in size before baking. Bake at 350ºF (180ºC) for 15–20 minutes or until light brown. Eat while warm.
Instructions:
Preheat oven, melt butter, and combine cinnamon and sugar prior to the activity.
Explain you are going to make special easter rolls. Divide the dough into sections
Give each participant a marshmallow and explain the marshmallow represents Jesus Christ. Notice the marshmallow is pure and white and perfect, just like our savior. Describe that when Jesus died for us, those that loved him took special measures to make sure he was treated and buried as a king would be.
Nicodemus brought oils and spices that were only used on the rich and used these to embalm Christ’s body. The butter represents the oil and the sugar and cinnamon represent the spices. Carefully dip the marshmallow in the butter, then coat it in the sugar and cinnamon mix.
Christ’s body was then carefully wrapped in clean linens. Wrap the marshmallow in the crescent dough, sealing off all of the edges.
After Christ’s body was prepared he was placed in a tomb that Joseph of Arimathea, one of Christ’s disciples had given Him. Because of the approaching Sabbath, the tomb was sealed and guards were sent to keep watch.
Place the rolls on a greased pan, and place in the oven. Explain the oven represents the tomb, and closing the oven door represents the sealing of the tomb. Bake at 375 degrees for 10 – 15 minutes until the rolls are golden brown.
Once done, pull the rolls out and allow them to cool slightly.
Encourage everyone to taste their roll, notice the marshmallow is gone. Testify that Christ lives, that he is risen.
Explain that after the Sabbath Day the devoted Mary Magdalene and other faithful women set out for the tomb, to further care for Christ’s body. At the tomb they saw an angel, and were afraid; but he told them to not be afraid, and that “He is not here: for he is risen…”
This FREE Printable below is only available to members of Living on Lemon Lane. You must be signed in to access.
This could also be a fun activity to send home with your Young Women|Men or primary kiddos! Because the text is black you can print the handout on any color of paper for an extra pop. I think it looks especially beautiful printed on a more natural-looking cardstock like I’ve linked here. The recipe is not editable, however, the instructions for the activity are!
