Making Resurrection Rolls with your family this Easter weekend is a simple and yummy way to bring the story of Jesus’s death and resurrection to life. This is a great way to experience hands on storytelling that brings the truth of God’s Word to life for your kids.

To get started, grab your Bible or open the YouVersion app on your phone. You’ll need it to look up scripture together. 

Next, preheat the oven to 375 degrees. Read the ingredients and gather all of them together so you can get started baking! (RECIPE AT THE BOTTOM)

• • Mix the cinnamon and sugar together in a bowl.
  • Melt the butter in another bowl. 

• • Separate the crescent roll dough into the 8 individual triangles. We suggest using Pillsbury brand if possible. They pinch and stick together better than other brands.

Now here’s where the fun really starts.

• • Take a marshmallow and talk about its color–white. White is a symbol of purity. Jesus’ death on the cross cleansed us of our sins made us pure in the eyes of God. If you’re using mini marshmallows, have your children arrange them to make a person–like Jesus. Read: Isaiah 1:18 and John 3:1-3.

• • Now, take a single marshmallow and dip it into the melted butter. Then roll the marshmallow in the cinnamon sugar mixture. You can use a toothpick for finger-free dipping.
  • Discuss how after Jesus had died, His body was anointed with oils and spices as it was prepared for burial. Read John 19:38-40 together.

• • Next, you’ll place the marshmallow(s) on the wide end of the crescent roll triangle.

• • After all the marshmallows are ready, roll it up tightly, being sure to pinch all the edges tightly together. It is very important that the marshmallow does not leak out of the roll once it starts to bake!
  • Talk about how Jesus’ body was buried in a tomb and the entrance tightly sealed up with a giant stone so no one could get in or out. Continue reading John 19:41-42.

• • Once all 8 “tombs” have been tightly sealed, you can brush the tops with any remaining butter and sprinkle on remaining cinnamon sugar mixture.
  • Bake the rolls for about 15 minutes, until they are golden brown. 

• • Are you ready for the best part? Be sure to let your rolls cool for a minute or two so no fingers get burnt. Take a roll and break it open. Guess what, it’s empty!

  • The marshmallow we put in there is gone! Jesus’ followers were amazed that the tomb was empty on Easter morning because Jesus had risen from the dead. Read Matthew 28:1-8 together. 

  • Before you enjoy your rolls, pray together with your children. Thank God for sending His Son to die for our sins and praise Him for the miracle of Easter morning. Celebrate the fact that Jesus is not dead, but He is alive with God in heaven forever!

Ingredients

• 1 package refrigerated crescent rolls, preferably Pillsbury
• 8 large marshmallows or about 60 mini marshmallows
• 3 Tablespoons melted butter or margarine
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• ½ tsp cinnamon

Instructions

• Preheat the oven to 375. 
• Mix cinnamon and sugar in a bowl.
• Melt butter in the microwave.
• Separate crescent rolls and lay individual triangles on the workspace.
• Dip marshmallow in butter and roll to thoroughly coat.
• Roll buttered marshmallow in cinnamon sugar mixture.
• Place marshmallow on the wide end of crescent dough and roll toward the narrow point.
• Pinch dough together firmly at edges and any around thin spots.
• Brush rolls with leftover butter and sprinkle the tops with cinnamon sugar mixture.
• Place on a non-greased baking sheet.
• Bake 10-15 minutes until golden brown.

Share pictures of your Resurrection Rolls on social media. Tag Journey Kids (@jkprattville) Facebook or Instagram and use #JourneyFamilies to interact!

Recipe adapted from here and blog adapted from here
By Anna Richardson Preschool Coordinator, Journey Church of the River Region.
Photos by Angela Smith and Family.