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    Home » Homemade Resurrection Rolls (Empty Tomb Rolls)

    Homemade Resurrection Rolls (Empty Tomb Rolls)

    Published: Mar 27, 2017 · Modified: Mar 13, 2023 by Laura · This post may contain affiliate links.

    Jump to Recipe

    Celebrate the true meaning of Easter by making these Homemade Resurrection Rolls (Empty Tomb Rolls) from scratch! They really look like empty tombs and taste amazing!

    front view of homemade resurrection roll cut in half so you can see the hollow inside.

    Easter is my favorite holiday. I love everything about it. Getting dressed up, going to church, and celebrating the most significant event in human history, the death and resurrection of Jesus!

    If you didn't know, my husband is a pastor. In 2013 we moved from Chicago to Salt Lake City to plant a church. It has been a challenging yet beautiful adventure for our family. If you follow me on Instagram and watch my stories, then you know that our faith is a huge part of our lives. It informs all of our decisions, including the way we celebrate Easter (i.e. no egg-laying bunnies come to our house).

    One of the ways we celebrate is by making homemade resurrection rolls (or "empty tomb rolls)". Sometimes I take the easy route and make this "recipe," but when we have time I love making them from scratch because I think they look SO much more like actual tombs, and they don't have any artificial ingredients.

    In this post I'm going to walk you through the process of how we make these Homemade Resurrection Rolls with our kids, and the way we use each step as a teaching moment about the true meaning of Easter!

    front view of homemade resurrection roll cut in half so you can see the hollow inside.

    How to make Resurrection Rolls

    I'll walk you through the process of how to make resurrection rolls.

    Make the dough and prep the ingredients.

    This job used to fall mostly to mommy (minus some help kneading and mixing of course) because my kids are so little. But now Bethany loves to bake and often will make the dough herself.

    Each ingredient in these Homemade Resurrection Rolls represents an important part of the resurrection story. The marshmallow represents Jesus's body. We discuss how Jesus died (Matthew 27:45-57) and why (John 3:16-17).

    So start by making the dough and letting it rise! Then roll it out and cut it into eight triangles. 

    Overhead process shot of the homemade resurrection rolls dough rolled into a circle with the other ingredients and a rolling pin situated around it.

    To make ahead

    The way I make this resurrection rolls recipe ahead of time is as follows: 

    1. Make the dough.
    2. Place dough in a lightly greased bowl and cover with plastic wrap and a damp tea towel.
    3. Put dough in the refrigerator to rise overnight. 
    4. In the morning, remove the dough from the refrigerator and roll out into 8 triangles. 
    5. Proceed with recipe as written. 
    Overhead process shot of the homemade resurrection rolls dough rolled into a circle & cut into 8 triangular pieces with the other ingredients and a rolling pin situated around it.

    Jesus's Body Prepared for Burial

    Next, we explain that Jesus' body was prepared for burial according to the Jewish customs of the time.  The butter and cinnamon sugar mixture represent the oils and spices used to do this.  The kids dip their marshmallows in butter and then roll them in cinnamon sugar. This is probably their favorite part (besides eating them) because they get messy! (John 19:38-42).

    Side process shot of the homemade resurrection rolls showing a marshmallow being dipped into butter

    Explain the significance of Jesus' death. 

    Then we discuss why Jesus needed to die. We explain that we're all sinners (Romans 3:23) and that the wages of sin is death (Romans 6:23). In order for our sins to be forgiven a perfect sacrifice had to be made, and that was only possible in the death of Jesus. (2 Corinthians 5:21).

    Side process shot of the homemade resurrection rolls showing a marshmallow that was dipped in butter and coated with cinnamon sugar on a triangular piece of dough ready to be rolled.

    Sealing the Tomb

    Next we explain that the rolls (dough) represent the tomb. The kids put the marshmallow on the dough and then roll it up very tight. NOTE:  You want to make sure there are no cracks or holes in your rolls, otherwise the marshmallow will ooze out. So I let the kids have some fun rolling and then double check to be sure they're good to go!

    We use this opportunity to teach them that the tomb was heavily guarded and secure (Matthew 27:62-66). The Romans put an enormous rock in front of the entrance to the tomb and assigned armed guards to keep watch outside. We emphasize how it would be impossible for a mere man to get in or out of the tomb.

    Overhead view of 8 homemade resurrection rolls closed up on a baking sheet ready to be put in the oven.

    Bake the empty tomb rolls! 

    We put the Homemade Resurrection Rolls in the oven and explain that Jesus was in the tomb for 3 days (Matthew 12:40). I turn on the lights in the oven and let the kids watch them bake.

    While the resurrection rolls are baking we explain that God loved us so much that He sent His one and only son, Jesus, to come to earth and enter into our messy sinful lives. But He didn't sin, He lived perfectly (John 3:16).  We tell them that Jesus trades places with us. He was innocent and didn't deserve any punishment, but He took our punishment of death. We explain that we are guilty and should be the ones who are "in the oven," but Jesus took our place.

    It's fun to use a real life example with the kids here. If Bethany took a toy from Naomi and was supposed to get a time out, but Gabe said he would go to time out instead of her. Gabe took Bethany's punishment, even though he did nothing wrong...in the same way that Jesus didn't do anything wrong but took our punishment!

    Side view of baked homemade resurrection rolls on the pan with white glaze

    Step 6: He is risen

    When we remove the empty tomb rolls from the oven we discuss the resurrection! (Matthew 28:1-20)! The kids open the Homemade Resurrection Rolls to see that the marshmallow is GONE....just like Jesus’s body was no longer in the tomb when the women came to see him on Sunday. We discuss the importance of the resurrection in our lives and that salvation comes by grace alone through faith alone (Ephesians 2:8-9)!

    Then we explain that this whole story is called The Gospel, or "good news" and ask them to explain to us how Jesus's death and resurrection is good news for them!

    empty tomb roll after baking cut in half so the hole where the marshmallow melted is visible

    Celebrating the meaning of Easter

    Making these Homemade Resurrection Rolls is really a fun and delicious way to celebrate the true meaning of Easter with your family! We do this little activity after we've already spent two weeks in homeschool learning about Easter. One of my favorite tools to teach the kids are these Resurrection Eggs or find them here: resurrection eggs! For whatever reason they adore them and ask me to tell the Easter story using the eggs multiple times every day!

    On Easter we hide larger versions of the items found in the resurrection eggs around the house and have the kids find them. Then we ask them to put the items in order and they take turns explaining the significance of each item to Easter!

    two resurrection rolls cut in half so the empty tomb inside is showing

    Homemade Resurrection Rolls: Substitutions 

    I recommend making these resurrection rolls exactly as written, however, here are some potential substitutions. 

    • All-purpose flour. You can substitute up to half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour. Bread flour can also be used. 
    • Large marshmallows. I usually use the standard sized marshmallows, but this year I tried the jumbo mallows and they worked really well (see photo below). They leave more of a gooey mess and ooze out more than just melt, but the size of the "tomb" is significantly larger. 
    • Butter. vegan butter can be used as a dairy-free substitution. 
    • Milk. coconut milk is a great dairy-free alternative that works well in this resurrection roll recipe. 
    two resurrection rolls cut in half so the empty tomb inside is showing

    If you make and love our recipes, it would mean so much to me if you would leave a comment and rating! And don't forget to follow along with us on Instagram, Pinterest, Facebook, and Youtube - be sure to tag @joyfoodsunshine and use the hashtag #joyfoodsunshine so we can your creations!

    Homemade Resurrection Rolls

    Laura
    Celebrate the true meaning of Easter by making these Homemade Resurrection Rolls from scratch! They really look like empty tombs and taste amazing! NO canned dough used here! 
    5 from 4 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe Save Recipe Saved!
    Prep Time 15 mins
    Cook Time 25 mins
    Rising time 1 hr 30 mins
    Total Time 2 hrs 10 mins
    Course bread, Breakfast, Dessert
    Cuisine American
    Servings 8 resurrection rolls
    Calories 211.9 kcal

    Equipment

    • KitchenAid Mixer
    • measuring spoons
    • measuring cups
    • spatula
    • glass batter bowl
    • 9x13" baking dish

    Ingredients
     
     

    For the dough:

    • ½ cup milk (warm, 105 degrees F)
    • 1 TBS granulated sugar
    • 2 tsp yeast (active dry)
    • 3 TBS salted butter melted
    • 3 TBS granulated sugar
    • 1 egg lightly beaten at room temperature
    • ½ tsp pure vanilla extract
    • ½ tsp sea salt
    • ½ tsp ground cinnamon
    • 2 cups all-purpose flour or 1 cup all-purpose flour 1 cup whole wheat pastry flour!

    Other Ingredients:

    • 8 large marshmallows
    • 3 TBS granulated sugar
    • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
    • 2 TBS salted butter melted
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    Instructions
     

    • Add milk, 1 TBS sugar and yeast to the pan of your standing mixer fitted with the dough hook and stir to combine. Let the mixture sit for 5-10 minutes or until frothy/foamy.
    • Add butter, 3 TBS sugar, egg, and vanilla and mix on low speed to combine.
    • Add salt, cinnamon and flour and mix on medium-high speed until a slightly tacky but firm ball forms.
    • Remove dough from the mixer and knead with your hands until smooth.
    • Place dough in a lightly greased bowl and cover with plastic wrap.
    • Let rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until dough has doubled in size.
    • While dough is rising, combine sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl and stir to combine.
    • Once the dough has doubled in size, roll dough out into a 14” round circle about ¼” thick.
    • Cut the dough into 8 equal-sized triangles.
    • Take one marshmallow and dip it into the melted butter until all sides are completely coated.
    • Remove from the butter and place the marshmallow into the cinnamon/sugar mixture. Roll the marshmallow until completely coated in cinnamon sugar.
    • Place the coated marshmallow in the center of one of your triangles of dough.
    • Fold the dough around the marshmallow and roll it in your hands until it is completely sealed. You do not want to leave any cracks at all or the marshmallow will ooze out.
    • Once completely sealed, place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
    • Repeat with the remaining 7 marshmallows.
    • Cover rolls with a tea towel and preheat your oven to 350 degrees F.
    • Once oven is preheated, bake the rolls for 15-20 minutes or until the rolls are golden brown.
    • Let cool on a wire rack and then peek inside!

    Video

    Notes

    To make ahead: 

    1. Make the dough.
    2. Place dough in a lightly greased bowl and cover with plastic wrap and a damp tea towel.
    3. Put dough in the refrigerator to rise overnight. 
    4. In the morning, remove the dough from the refrigerator and roll out into 8 triangles. 
    5. Proceed with recipe as written. 

    Ingredient Substitutions

    • All-purpose flour. You can substitute up to half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour. Bread flour can also be used. 
    • Large marshmallows. I usually use the standard sized marshmallows, but this year I tried the jumbo mallows and they worked really well (see photo below). They leave more of a gooey mess and ooze out more than just melt, but the size of the "tomb" is significantly larger. 
    • Butter. vegan butter can be used as a dairy-free substitution. 
    • Milk. coconut milk is a great dairy-free alternative that works well in this resurrection roll recipe. 

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1rollCalories: 211.9kcalCarbohydrates: 35.9gProtein: 4.4gFat: 5.5gCholesterol: 36.1mgPotassium: 60mgFiber: 2.7gSugar: 12.1gCalcium: 35mgIron: 1.5mg
    Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

    More easter recipes

    Check out some of our favorite easter recipes.

    • The best carrot cake, made from scratch - also try these carrot cake cupcakes.
    • These mini egg cookies and healthy nest cookies are go-to's every year for our family.
    • You have to make these mini egg brownies!
    • The best mashed potatoes and homemade dinner rolls are our go-to side dishes.
    • Make our favorite egg salad recipe or the best deviled eggs recipe to use up leftover hard-boiled eggs.

    This post contains affiliate links, which means that if you purchase a product through a link you clicked on here, I receive a portion of the sale. Thank you for supporting JoyFoodSunshine!

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Shannon

      April 15, 2022 at 7:39 pm

      Is it ok to leave the dough at room temperature for 6 hours before baking? We made the dough and then got busy so took awhile to get back to it. Thanks.

      Love this idea and recipe! 💗

      Reply
      • Heidi

        March 29, 2023 at 5:00 pm

        5 stars
        Thank you so much for sharing a homemade recipe!! I can't wait to start this tradition the night before Easter.

        Reply
    2. Quandice

      April 02, 2021 at 3:07 pm

      I plan to make these for our children's ministry. We will make one batch with the story but I'd like to make a large batch and have them ready. Could I fully assemble them the night before and put them in the fridge overnight and bake them the next morning? Thank you so much for a homemade dough version of this.

      Reply
    3. Tara

      March 31, 2021 at 8:04 pm

      I love that Thea updated over four years. Continuity with the past. 🙂 And, now I’ll try this with fresh marshmallows. 🙂

      Reply
    4. Amy

      March 28, 2021 at 10:27 pm

      Hi, Do you have any ideas on how to make this gluten free? Thanks!

      Reply
      • Sarah Foultner

        April 16, 2022 at 6:39 pm

        I’m making these tonight snd I’m subbing almond milk/coconut oil/gf flour mix to make them gluten and dairy free

        Reply
    5. Noel Hurst

      November 07, 2020 at 7:54 am

      Could I use your Paleo homemade marshmallow recipe for this?

      Reply
      • Laura

        November 07, 2020 at 2:33 pm

        Yes absolutely!

        Reply
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    About Laura

    I’m Laura, a former chemistry teacher turned homeschooling mom of six beautiful babies! I create simple and delicious recipes that are tested and perfected to make cooking and baking joyful and fun!

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