Looking for a hands-on way to share the story of Jesus’ resurrection with your child this Easter? Resurrection Rolls are the perfect activity! This interactive cooking project teaches kids the profound message of the Easter story in a way they can see, touch and taste.
Over the years we’ve talked about lots of deep things with the kids. Religious topics are the deepest. And sometimes they can be difficult to put into words kiddos can easily understand. The Easter story is like that, full of meaning but a little complex for young children to grasp.
Resurrection Rolls transform the story into an easy-to-understand, hands-on experience that will leave a lasting impression. Using simple ingredients, you can guide your child step-by-step through the key events of Good Friday and Easter Sunday while creating a memorable treat.
A Sweet and Simple Way to Teach the Easter Story
What You’ll Need
Before you begin, gather the following ingredients and tools:
- Large marshmallows (representing Jesus)
- Crescent roll dough (representing the tomb)
- Melted butter (representing the oils)
- Brown sugar and cinnamon (representing the spices)
- Baking sheet
- Oven preheated to 375°F
Step-by-Step Instruction
Introduce the Story
Begin by talking with your child about the events of Good Friday and Easter Sunday. Ask open-ended questions like, “What do you remember about Jesus’ story?” or “Why do we celebrate Easter?” This sets the stage for a meaningful activity.
You can read the story for yourself in the Gospel of John, Chapters 19 and 20.
Preparing the Marshmallow (Jesus)
Say:
“This marshmallow represents Jesus. After Jesus was taken down from the cross, He was prepared for burial with oils and spices.” (John 19:40)
Have your child roll the marshmallow in melted butter (the oil) and then in a mixture of brown sugar and cinnamon (the spices).
Wrapping the Tomb
Say:
“Next, we’ll wrap Jesus in the tomb. The crescent roll represents the tomb where His body was placed, and the entrance was sealed with a large rock.” (John 19:41-42)
Help your child wrap the marshmallow tightly in the crescent roll dough, ensuring all edges are sealed. Explain that this symbolizes the tomb being securely closed.
Baking the Resurrection Rolls
Place the rolls on a baking sheet and bake at 375°F for about 12 minutes. While the rolls bake, read the Easter story from a favorite children’s Bible, retell it in your own words or read it from your Bible if your children are old enough to understand the language. Pause to ask questions and connect the steps of the recipe to the story.
The Surprise Ending
When the rolls are done baking, let them cool for a moment before cutting them open. Say:
“When we open the tomb, we’ll see something amazing—just like when the disciples found that Jesus had risen!”
Cut into the roll to reveal that the marshmallow has disappeared. Celebrate with your child and talk about the miracle and meaning and importance of the resurrection.
TeachMama wishes each and every one of you a safe, blessed and “hoppy” Easter!
Looking for Other Great Easter-Themed Content?
- Lent Cards for Christian Families
- Easter Word Search Printable Activity
- Must-Have Books for Easter Baskets
- Easter Sensory Bin
- Egg Dyeing 101
- Easter Egg Printable Pattern Match Game
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Hi,
I’d like to say that I loved this idea, and I intend to do it, next Easter, with my kids at kindergaten.
Just a doubt, what recipe did you use to make the “pasta / dough” do involve the marshmallow?
Thank you so much for this idea, I wish you have a nice Easter!
Hi, thanks for your kind words! I used the Pilsbury Cresent roll dough –then we wrapped that around the marshmallow. Check the first picture–the tube is in that! Many thanks and have a blessed season!
I have learned that they stay better if you use 2 rolls and put them in a foil cupcake wrapper and bake that way. But I agree they really learn the lesson no matter how they look
Michelle! That is SO hugely helpful. I will definitely try that next year. Two rolls. Foil cupcake wrapper. THANK YOU!
That is awesome, thank you! I will definitely do that next year. I’d do it today with them, but we are in the middle of moving and don’t have a kitchen right now. I asked my kids today, while they were on their Easter basket sugar-high, what Easter is about (it’s an ongoing discussion), and none of them could tell me correctly. My oldest came close, but my youngest (almost 8), said, “It’s when all the kids are really happy and get lots of candy.” (!!!!) I was so chagrined. Needless to say, we need to get more on the ball with their spiritual guidance. This will help.
Hey–don’t beat yourself up, my friend. We’re doing the best we can, right? Good luck with your move, and keep it in your back pocket for next year! And let me know how it goes! Take care, and thanks for reading!
I did this for my 8 year old activity day girls. They loved it. We acted out the story whir the rolls were in the oven. How Mary was the first person to see and talk to Christ as the risen Lord. She must have been a pretty special person to have Christ appear to her first.
I would either use 2 crescent rolls per lard marshmallow or maybe use mini-marshmellows. When I pulled them out of the oven, they were bursting with marshmallow. As they cooled, the marshmallow shrunk back down. They girls said it was his burial clothes that Peter and John saw folded up in the tomb. I thought that was pretty good idea. I told them that the sweet deliciousness was the atonement, and how we can all use the atonement in our lives. It is sweet and wonderful to have.
Sorry, I just noticed all my typos…oops
THANK YOU so much for your response and ideas, Gaylene!! Will definitely share with my kids this year!!