Looking for a quick, meaningful, and delicious last-minute Easter brunch idea? These Resurrection Rolls —also known as Empty Tomb Rolls—are soft and pillowy on top, crispy underneath, and magically hollow inside, making them the perfect sweet treat to share the Easter story with your family. I love whipping up a batch of these 4 ingredients, symbolic Easter rolls, when time is short, but I still want something heartfelt and homemade on the table.
And if you have time indulge in our signature sourdough hot cross buns - a perfect blend of tangy fermentation with warm spices and sweet fruit, creating an irresistible Easter treat that elevates the traditional favorite
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👩🏽🍳 Why You’ll Love These Resurrection Rolls
If you’re short on time but still want to bring something special and symbolic to the Easter table, this recipe is a total win. These Empty Tomb Easter Buns are more than just a treat—they're a meaningful way to share the Easter story through baking.
Here’s why you’ll love them:
- They’re incredibly easy and quick to make—perfect for a last-minute Easter brunch.
- Only four ingredients, all easy to find or substitute, and no fancy equipment needed.
- The final result is crispy on the bottom, soft on top, and hollow inside, making them fun and interactive, especially for kids.
- They double as a delicious snack and a teaching moment, bringing faith and food together in the sweetest way.
Simple, symbolic, and so tasty—this is one Easter recipe you’ll want to make every year!
🧂Ingredient Notes & Substitutions
These simple ingredients make this resurrection rolls recipe a breeze, even at the last minute—but here are a few helpful tips and swaps in case you’re working with what’s in your pantry:
- Frozen Crescent Roll Dough: This is the shortcut hero of the recipe! I usually pick up a tube from the refrigerated section at most grocery stores—Pillsbury is a popular choice. If you can’t find crescent roll dough, you can use puff pastry sheets or even biscuit dough in a pinch, though the texture will differ slightly. For a homemade option, try a quick yeast dough recipe from this morning's breakfast buns.
- Marshmallows: Regular-sized marshmallows are the heart of these resurrection rolls and represent the “empty tomb” when they melt during baking. If you're out of marshmallows, you can use a couple of mini marshmallows stacked together, or vegan marshmallows if you're keeping things plant-based—just make sure they melt similarly.
- Sugar: I use white granulated sugar here to coat the marshmallows and add that classic sweetness. You can swap it with raw cane sugar or coconut sugar for a slightly deeper flavor. Just avoid powdered sugar—it won’t give the same texture or crunch.
- Ground Cinnamon: This adds the warm, cozy spice that makes these Easter rolls so irresistible. You can substitute pumpkin pie spice or even apple pie spice for a twist. For stronger flavor, try freshly grated cinnamon from sticks if you have a spice grinder handy.
These marshmallow crescent rolls are all about ease and meaning, so feel free to work with what you have and make the recipe your own!
🔪How to Make Resurrection Rolls (Step-by-Step Instructions)
1. Preheat your oven and prep your baking area
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking. You’ll also want to have a small bowl ready with your cinnamon-sugar mix—it’ll come in handy in the next step!
2. Wrap marshmallows in crescent roll dough
Unroll your store-bought crescent dough and separate it into individual triangles. Place a coated marshmallow in the center of each piece, then fold the dough over the marshmallow, pinching all the edges very firmly to seal. This step is crucial—if the marshmallows aren’t sealed tightly, they’ll ooze out while baking and leave a sticky mess instead of a hollow center.
3. Coat the resurrection rolls in cinnamon sugar
Take each roll, and coat it in the cinnamon sugar mixture until it's fully coated. This gives the buns that sweet, spiced flavor and helps create the caramelized crust.
4. Place on a baking sheet and bake
Arrange the sealed dough balls seam-side down on your prepared baking sheet or use muffin tin, leaving space between each. Bake in the preheated oven for 8–10 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and slightly puffed.
5. Cool slightly before serving
Let your Empty Tomb Easter Buns cool for a few minutes before serving—this helps the hollow center set and prevents anyone from biting into molten sugar. Once cool enough to handle, break one open and marvel at the hollow center symbolizing the empty tomb—a beautiful, edible reminder of the Easter story.
These quick and easy resurrection rolls are perfect for a last-minute Easter brunch or a meaningful baking activity with kids.
📝Recipe Notes
When making these Empty Tomb Easter Buns, a few simple tips can make all the difference between a sweet success and a sticky mess!
- The most important step is to seal the marshmallow completely inside the crescent dough—if there are any gaps, the marshmallow will ooze out while baking instead of disappearing and leaving the symbolic “empty tomb.” Make sure to pinch the dough tightly at all seams, and place the sealed side down on the baking tray for extra insurance.
- If you can’t find crescent roll dough, you can substitute with puff pastry or biscuit dough, though the texture will change slightly. For a dairy-free version, go for vegan crescent roll dough and plant-based marshmallows—just check that the marshmallows melt well (search for “best vegan marshmallows for baking” for good options).
- If your rolls come out a little flat or the marshmallow leaks, don’t worry—it happens! They’ll still taste delicious, and it’s all part of learning how to make resurrection rolls from scratch. You can also try chilling the assembled rolls for 5–10 minutes before baking to help them hold their shape better.
And don’t forget—lining your baking tray with parchment paper makes cleanup much easier, especially if a little marshmallow does sneak out!
🫙Storage & 🔥Reheating Instructions
These Empty Tomb Easter Buns are definitely best enjoyed fresh from the oven when the tops are soft, the bottoms are crisp, and the hollow center is still a surprise! But if you have leftovers (or want to prep ahead), here’s how to store and reheat them without losing their charm.
Let the buns cool completely before storing. Place them in an airtight container and keep them at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, pop them into the fridge for up to 4 days—but note that refrigeration can make the dough a bit firmer.
To reheat, place the buns on a baking sheet and warm them in a preheated oven at 300°F for about 5–7 minutes. This helps bring back some of that fresh-baked softness and keeps the bottoms crispy. Avoid the microwave if you can—it tends to make the dough rubbery and won’t give you that nice texture contrast.
If you're making them ahead for Easter brunch, you can also assemble the buns, store them unbaked in the fridge for a few hours, and bake fresh right before serving.
❓Frequently Asked Questions about Empty Tomb Easter Buns
Empty Tomb Buns—also known as Resurrection Rolls—are named for their symbolic representation of the Easter story. When you wrap a marshmallow inside the crescent roll dough and bake it, the marshmallow melts and disappears, leaving a hollow space inside. This symbolizes the empty tomb of Jesus after the resurrection, making these sweet rolls a beautiful way to share the meaning of Easter with children and loved ones.
The act of baking them becomes both a delicious treat and a teaching moment, perfect for Sunday School activities, family gatherings, or faith-based Easter brunches. This simple recipe brings the Easter message to life in a tangible and tasty way.
This is the most common issue when making Easter buns, but luckily, it's easy to fix with a little technique. The key is to seal the crescent dough very tightly around the marshmallow, ensuring there are no open edges or gaps where the sugar can escape.
Be sure to pinch all seams closed and place the seam-side down on the baking tray. Some people even double-wrap their marshmallows for extra protection. Also, avoid overfilling or stretching the dough too thin, which can create weak spots. Lining your tray with parchment paper helps catch any potential leaks, making cleanup a breeze.
Yes, but with a few considerations. Empty Tomb Easter Buns are best served warm and fresh out of the oven when the texture is soft, and the center is still slightly warm and gooey. However, you can assemble the buns a few hours ahead of time, cover them, and keep them in the fridge until you're ready to bake.
If you're making them the day before, store the baked buns in an airtight container and reheat them in a warm oven (around 300°F) for 5–7 minutes before serving. Keep in mind that the "empty tomb" effect is most dramatic when the buns are freshly baked, so for best results, try to bake them close to serving time.
🔗More Brunch Recipes
- Sourdough French Toast Casserole
- Sourdough French Toast
- Cinnamon crunch toast
- Oreo French Toast
- Danish Breakfast rolls
- 3-ingredinet bagels
- Brioche cinnamon rolls
- Sourdough Pumpkin pancakes
Bake these symbolic Resurrection Rolls for a meaningful Easter morning surprise that combines faith and flavor in one delicious treat.
Share the joy of resurrection with your loved ones—tag me in your creations and let me know how these hollow, crispy-based miracles brightened your Easter celebration
Resurrection Rolls
Ingredients
- 8 rolls frozen crescent rolls dough
- 8 marshmallows
- 3 tablespoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
Preheat your oven and prep your baking area
- Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking. Have a small bowl ready with your cinnamon-sugar mix for the next step.
Wrap marshmallows in crescent roll dough
- Unroll your store-bought crescent dough and separate it into individual triangles. Place a coated marshmallow in the center of each piece, then fold the dough over the marshmallow, pinching all the edges very firmly to seal. This step is crucial—if the marshmallows aren’t sealed tightly, they’ll ooze out while baking and leave a sticky mess instead of a hollow center.
Coat the resurrection rolls in cinnamon sugar
- Take each roll and coat it in the cinnamon sugar mixture until it's fully coated. This gives the buns that sweet, spiced flavor and helps create the caramelized crust.
Place on baking sheet and bake
- Arrange the sealed dough balls seam-side down on your prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each. Bake in the preheated oven for 8–10 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and slightly puffed.
Cool slightly before serving
- Let your Empty Tomb Easter Buns cool for a few minutes before serving—this helps the hollow center set and prevents anyone from biting into molten sugar. Once cool enough to handle, break one open and marvel at the hollow center symbolizing the empty tomb—a beautiful, edible reminder of the Easter story.
Notes
- Seal the marshmallow tightly inside the crescent dough—any gaps and the marshmallow will ooze out, leaving you with a messy result. Pinch all seams tightly and place the sealed side down on the tray to help prevent any leaks.
- If you can’t find crescent roll dough, puff pastry or biscuit dough can be used as substitutes, though the texture will be slightly different.
- For a dairy-free version, opt for vegan crescent roll dough and plant-based marshmallows—just make sure they melt properly.
- If your rolls are a little flat or the marshmallow leaks, don’t worry! They’ll still taste amazing, and it’s part of the learning process. You can also try chilling the assembled rolls for 5-10 minutes before baking to help them hold their shape.
- For easy cleanup, remember to line your baking tray with parchment paper—especially if a little marshmallow escapes!
Andrew
Easter Resurrection Rolls are such a meaningful and creative idea!