Can I use homemade crescent roll dough instead of store-bought?

Absolutely! If you have a favorite crescent roll or sweet dough recipe, feel free to use it. Just make sure the dough is rolled thin enough to cook through properly and sealed well around the marshmallow.

Why did my marshmallow leak out during baking?

This typically happens when the dough isn't completely sealed. Make sure to pinch all seams firmly closed and consider double-checking by gently rolling each wrapped marshmallow between your palms to ensure all openings are sealed.

Can I make these without cinnamon for picky eaters?

Yes! You can simply use sugar without the cinnamon, or try other spices like nutmeg or cardamom in smaller amounts if you want some flavor without the distinctive cinnamon taste.

How do I explain the meaning behind Resurrection Rolls to children?

Many families use these rolls as a teaching tool by explaining that the marshmallow represents Jesus, the butter and cinnamon-sugar represent the oils and spices used in burial, the dough represents the tomb, and the hollow center represents the empty tomb after resurrection. It creates a memorable, tangible way to share the Easter story.

Resurrection Rolls Recipe

These Resurrection Rolls are a magical treat that transforms before your eyes in the oven! Marshmallows wrapped in buttery crescent roll dough mysteriously “disappear” during baking, leaving behind a delicious hollow roll with a sweet cinnamon-sugar coating. Not only are they a meaningful Easter tradition for many families, but they’re also incredibly simple to make with just a handful of ingredients and about 15 minutes of your time.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Meaningful and Fun: These rolls tell a beautiful story as the marshmallow (representing Jesus) disappears from the “tomb” (crescent roll) during baking, making them perfect for Easter celebrations.
Kid-Friendly: Children absolutely love helping make these rolls! The hands-on process of dipping, rolling, and wrapping is entertaining and accessible for little bakers.
Quick and Simple: With just 5 ingredients and less than 15 minutes of active preparation, you can create a memorable treat even on busy holiday mornings.
Deliciously Versatile: These sweet rolls work wonderfully as a special breakfast, brunch addition, or dessert that will delight guests of all ages.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Crescent Rolls: These pre-made dough triangles form the “tomb” in our story and create a flaky, buttery wrapper. Make sure they’re completely cold from the refrigerator for easier handling.
Marshmallows: Regular large marshmallows serve as the symbolic element that “disappears” during baking. Each marshmallow melts away, leaving a hollow center.
Sugar: Provides the sweet coating that caramelizes beautifully during baking. You can use regular granulated sugar or try turbinado sugar for extra crunch.
Butter: Melted butter helps the cinnamon sugar adhere to both the marshmallow and the outside of the roll. It also creates that irresistible golden finish.
Cinnamon: Adds warm, aromatic flavor to the sugar coating. Feel free to adjust the amount based on your preference for spice.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Chocolate Surprise: Add a small piece of chocolate alongside the marshmallow for a molten chocolate center.
Orange Spice: Mix a teaspoon of orange zest into your cinnamon-sugar mixture for a bright, citrusy twist.
Nutty Crunch: Sprinkle finely chopped pecans or walnuts inside the roll before wrapping for added texture.
Mini Version: Use mini marshmallows and cut the crescent dough into smaller portions for bite-sized treats.

How to Make Resurrection Rolls

Step 1: Prepare Your Workspace

Preheat your oven to 375°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Unroll your crescent rolls and separate them into triangles on a clean work surface. Have your melted butter in a small bowl ready for dipping.

Step 2: Create Your Cinnamon-Sugar Mixture

In a separate bowl, thoroughly mix the cinnamon and sugar until well combined. This sweet, spiced mixture will coat your marshmallows and potentially the outside of your rolls.

Step 3: Prepare the Marshmallows

Take each marshmallow and dip it completely in the melted butter, making sure it’s well coated. Then roll the buttery marshmallow in the cinnamon-sugar mixture until covered on all sides.

Step 4: Wrap the Marshmallows

Place each coated marshmallow on the wider end of a crescent triangle. Starting from the wide end, carefully roll the dough toward the pointed end, completely enclosing the marshmallow. Make sure to pinch and seal all seams very well – this is crucial to prevent leaking!

Step 5: Final Touches and Baking

Transfer your sealed rolls to the prepared baking sheet. For an extra-special finish, brush the tops with a little more melted butter and sprinkle with additional cinnamon sugar. Bake for 9-11 minutes until the rolls are puffed and golden brown.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Seal Completely: The most important step is making sure every seam is tightly pinched and sealed. Any openings will allow the melting marshmallow to escape during baking.
Parchment Is Non-Negotiable: These rolls can get sticky! Always use parchment paper or a silicone mat to prevent a difficult cleanup.
Watch Closely: Every oven is different, so keep an eye on your rolls after about 8 minutes. They go from perfectly golden to over-browned very quickly.
Space Them Out: Leave room between each roll on the baking sheet as they will expand during baking.

How to Serve

Resurrection Rolls are best enjoyed while still warm from the oven when the contrast between the crisp exterior and hollow, sticky interior is at its peak. Here are some serving suggestions:

Breakfast or Brunch

Serve alongside fresh fruit and coffee for a special Easter morning breakfast.

Dessert

Pair with vanilla ice cream for an elevated dessert, letting the warm rolls create a delightful temperature contrast.

Holiday Table

Include these as part of your Easter celebration table – they’re conversation starters and memory makers!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

While these rolls are best enjoyed fresh, leftovers can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. The texture won’t be quite the same, but they’ll still be delicious.

Freezing

The unbaked, prepared rolls can be frozen for up to 1 month. Place them on a baking sheet until frozen solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. When ready to bake, add 3-4 minutes to the baking time (no need to thaw).

Reheating

To refresh leftover rolls, warm them in a 300°F oven for about 5 minutes or microwave for 10-15 seconds. This helps restore some of their original texture.

FAQs

Can I use homemade crescent roll dough instead of store-bought?

Absolutely! If you have a favorite crescent roll or sweet dough recipe, feel free to use it. Just make sure the dough is rolled thin enough to cook through properly and sealed well around the marshmallow.
Why did my marshmallow leak out during baking?

This typically happens when the dough isn’t completely sealed. Make sure to pinch all seams firmly closed and consider double-checking by gently rolling each wrapped marshmallow between your palms to ensure all openings are sealed.
Can I make these without cinnamon for picky eaters?

Yes! You can simply use sugar without the cinnamon, or try other spices like nutmeg or cardamom in smaller amounts if you want some flavor without the distinctive cinnamon taste.
How do I explain the meaning behind Resurrection Rolls to children?

Many families use these rolls as a teaching tool by explaining that the marshmallow represents Jesus, the butter and cinnamon-sugar represent the oils and spices used in burial, the dough represents the tomb, and the hollow center represents the empty tomb after resurrection. It creates a memorable, tangible way to share the Easter story.

Final Thoughts

These Resurrection Rolls are more than just a sweet treat – they’re a tradition that creates lasting memories. The simplicity of preparation combined with the “magic” of the disappearing marshmallow makes this recipe a winner for both experienced bakers and novice cooks. Whether you’re making them for their symbolic meaning or simply because they’re delicious, I hope these rolls bring warmth and joy to your table. Give them a try this Easter – or any time you want a bit of kitchen magic – and watch as everyone’s faces light up when they discover the empty “tomb” inside!