If you are looking for a delightful and meaningful treat that combines fun, flavor, and a touch of tradition, this Resurrection Rolls (Empty Tomb Rolls) Recipe is just what you need. These light, flaky pastries filled with gooey marshmallow centers symbolize the empty tomb, making them perfect for Easter celebrations or any time you want to share a sweet story with loved ones. The magical transformation of the marshmallow disappearing inside the golden crust will captivate kids and adults alike, creating smiles and memories in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these simple, everyday ingredients will set you up for success. Each component lends a specific quality: flaky puff pastry gives the perfect crispy shell, cinnamon sugar adds sweet warmth and a hint of spice, and marshmallows provide that irresistible, melty surprise inside.
- 17-oz package puff pastry: Using both sheets ensures you get the perfect number of rolls with that flaky, buttery texture.
- 1/2 cup salted butter (melted): Adds richness and helps the cinnamon sugar stick beautifully to the rolls.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the rolls and combines with cinnamon for extra flavor kick.
- 1 tablespoon cinnamon: Offers a warm, spicy note that perfectly balances the sweet marshmallow.
- 18 large marshmallows: These will melt inside the pastry, symbolizing the empty tomb once baked.
How to Make Resurrection Rolls (Empty Tomb Rolls) Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
Start by letting the puff pastry thaw according to the package instructions so it’s flexible and ready to work with. Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 400 degrees F and prepare 18 squares of parchment paper about 5 square inches each. This little prep trick makes each roll easy to bake and serve.
Step 2: Roll and Cut the Dough
Lightly flour your work surface and roll out the puff pastry into an approx. 11-inch square. A pizza cutter or knife is perfect for cutting it into 9 even squares. This creates the perfect base for each Resurrection Roll.
Step 3: Prepare Butter and Cinnamon Sugar
Melt the butter in a bowl and mix the cinnamon and sugar in another. These mixtures will make your rolls irresistibly flavorful and add that signature crunchy coating outside.
Step 4: Coat Marshmallows
Dip each marshmallow in melted butter, letting the excess drip off, then roll it in cinnamon sugar for a lovely, flavor-packed coating. Place each marshmallow carefully onto the center of each puff pastry square. Don’t forget to wash your hands before sealing the dough to keep everything neat and sticky-free.
Step 5: Seal the Rolls
Bring each corner of the dough up and pinch tightly above the marshmallow, creating a sealed dumpling. This step is crucial—proper sealing ensures the marshmallow inside melts and disappears, symbolizing that empty tomb perfectly.
Step 6: Finish Coating and Place in Tin
Dunk each wrapped roll back into the melted butter, tap off the excess, and then roll them again in the cinnamon sugar. Lay each roll seam-side down on a parchment square, then place it into a muffin tin. Using the parchment helps you transfer and bake the rolls perfectly without sticking.
Step 7: Bake and Cool
Bake at 400 F for about 15 minutes or until the rolls puff up and turn golden with bubbly edges. If you’re baking two pans, rotate them halfway for even cooking. Allow the rolls to cool at least five minutes; remember, the molten marshmallow inside will be very hot—patience is key!
How to Serve Resurrection Rolls (Empty Tomb Rolls) Recipe
Garnishes
Add a dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of honey to give a delicate shine and an extra touch of sweetness that elevates these rolls to dessert-level indulgence. Fresh fruit or a small sprig of mint on the plate adds a vibrant pop of color and freshness.
Side Dishes
Pair these treats with a cup of warm tea, coffee, or a glass of milk for a comforting breakfast or snack. A fresh fruit salad or a lightly whipped cream on the side can complement the cinnamon spice and buttery flakiness nicely without overwhelming the delicate flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the Resurrection Rolls nestled in a beautiful basket lined with a festive napkin for family gatherings or Easter brunches. You can also package them individually in clear treat bags tied with a colorful ribbon—perfect for sharing with neighbors or giving as sweet gifts with a meaningful story attached.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Resurrection Rolls keep well in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days, retaining most of their delightful crispness and the gooey marshmallow surprise inside.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, freeze the unbaked rolls (before dipping in butter and sugar) wrapped tightly in parchment and plastic wrap for up to one month. When ready to bake, thaw fully in the fridge overnight, then proceed with butter and cinnamon sugar coating before baking.
Reheating
To enjoy leftover rolls warm, reheat them in a 350-degree oven for 5–7 minutes until heated through and crisp again. Avoid microwaving, which makes the pastry soggy and loses that perfect texture.
FAQs
Can I use crescent roll dough instead of puff pastry?
While crescent dough works in a pinch, puff pastry delivers the flakiest, most buttery crust that makes Resurrection Rolls extra special, so it’s worth the slight extra effort to use puff pastry.
What if my marshmallow leaks out during baking?
Properly sealing the dough is crucial. Make sure to pinch all edges firmly. Placing the muffin tin on a baking sheet can protect your oven from any potential oozing marshmallow mess.
Can I make these rolls gluten-free?
Gluten-free puff pastry is available in some stores or online, and it can be a great substitute if you follow the same instructions carefully. The texture might differ slightly but still delicious!
Why do the marshmallows disappear inside the roll?
The heat melts the marshmallows, which then soak into the surrounding pastry, leaving behind a sweet, almost caramel-like center and an empty “tomb” inside the roll.
Are these rolls suitable for kids?
Absolutely! Kids love the fun “magic” of the marshmallow disappearing, and the cinnamon sugar makes them taste like a cozy treat. Just be sure to let them cool enough before serving as the inside stays hot.
Final Thoughts
Giving this Resurrection Rolls (Empty Tomb Rolls) Recipe a try is like inviting a little bit of magic and tradition into your kitchen. The warm, flaky pastry wrapped around sweet, melty marshmallows creates a joyous experience you’ll want to share year after year. Perfect for Easter or any special moment, these rolls are as meaningful as they are delicious—so grab your ingredients and start baking today!
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Resurrection Rolls (Empty Tomb Rolls) Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 18 rolls
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Resurrection Rolls, also known as Empty Tomb Rolls, are a delightful Easter treat made with buttery puff pastry wrapped around a cinnamon-sugar coated marshmallow. When baked, the marshmallow melts away, leaving an empty cavity inside the golden, flaky roll—perfectly symbolizing the empty tomb. These sweet rolls are easy to prepare and make a fun, meaningful dessert for the holiday.
Ingredients
Pastry & Filling
- 1 (17-oz) package puff pastry (both sheets)
- 18 large marshmallows
Coating
- 1/2 cup salted butter (melted, 1 stick)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon cinnamon (or to taste)
Instructions
- Thaw Puff Pastry: Let your puff pastry dough thaw according to package directions until pliable but still cold enough to handle easily.
- Prepare Oven & Equipment: Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C). Cut 18 squares of parchment paper about 5 square inches each. Arrange a muffin tin (or two if available) nearby.
- Roll Out Dough: Lightly flour your work surface. Roll out the puff pastry into an approximately 11-inch square, just enough to make it easier to cut into squares.
- Cut Dough Squares: Using a pizza cutter or knife, cut the puff pastry into 9 equal squares per sheet.
- Prepare Coatings: Melt the butter in a bowl. In a separate bowl, mix the granulated sugar and cinnamon thoroughly.
- Coat Marshmallows: Dip each marshmallow into the melted butter, tapping off any excess. Then roll it generously in the cinnamon sugar mixture to coat evenly.
- Fill & Seal Rolls: Place each coated marshmallow in the center of a puff pastry square. Bring the corners of the dough up around the marshmallow and pinch to seal completely, ensuring no gaps for the marshmallow to leak out during baking.
- Coat Sealed Rolls: Dip the sealed roll into the melted butter, tap off excess, then roll in the cinnamon sugar mixture once again to coat the outside.
- Prepare for Baking: Place each roll seam-side-down on a parchment square. Pick up the parchment and lift the roll into a muffin tin cup, gently pushing it down to fit.
- Repeat for Second Sheet: Repeat the filling and sealing process with the second sheet of puff pastry to make a total of 18 rolls.
- Optional Safety Step: If you’re worried about leakage, place the muffin tin(s) on a baking sheet before baking to catch any oozing marshmallow and protect your oven.
- Bake: Bake the rolls at 400°F (204°C) for approximately 15 minutes until the edges are bubbly, golden, and puffed.
- Cool & Serve: Let the rolls cool for at least 5 minutes before serving. Be cautious as the marshmallow filling will be very hot, resembling lava in temperature.
Notes
- Ensure the dough is well-sealed around each marshmallow to prevent leakage during baking.
- If you do not have a muffin tin, you can bake the rolls on a parchment-lined baking sheet, but they may spread out more.
- For extra flavor, try adding a pinch of nutmeg or clove to the cinnamon sugar mixture.
- Use parchment squares because they make it easier to transfer the rolls and keep the muffin tin clean.
- The melted marshmallow inside symbolizes the resurrection, making this a meaningful dessert for Easter celebrations.
