There’s something magical about bringing a time-old tradition into the present with a fresh, delicious twist. Resurrection rolls, with their flaky golden crusts and gooey, marshmallow-filled centers, are more than just a treat-they’re a sweet symbol of renewal and hope. This beloved recipe has traveled through generations, carried on the warmth of family gatherings and the joy of shared stories. But what happens when you add a surprising ingredient or a new technique? Suddenly, this classic Easter favorite transforms into an exciting culinary adventure, marrying nostalgia with innovation. Join us as we dive into the Resurrection Rolls recipe, exploring its storied past and unveiling a creative spin that will delight your taste buds and uplift your holiday table.
Resurrection rolls recipe delivers a wonderfully sweet homage to tradition, blending the nostalgic charm of marshmallow-filled crescent dough with inventive flavors that breathe new life into this heartfelt treat. Born from a simple, symbolic act of wrapping a sweet center to represent the resurrection story, these rolls delight both in taste and meaning. Crafting these soft, pillowy wonders with a few creative twists transforms the humble recipe into a show-stopping dessert or breakfast centerpiece that’s as comforting as it is memorable.
Prep and Cook Time
- Preparation: 15 minutes
- Cooking: 12-15 minutes
- Total: 30 minutes
Yield
Makes 12 Resurrection Rolls
Difficulty Level
Easy – Perfect for bakers of all levels
Ingredients
- 1 can (8 oz.) refrigerated crescent roll dough, room temperature
- 12 large marshmallows (or creative filling alternatives below)
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
- Optional fillings: chopped nuts, fruit preserves, cream cheese, or chocolate chips
- Optional toppings: powdered sugar for dusting, a drizzle of honey or glaze
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat for easy cleanup.
- In a small bowl, combine the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon. Set aside.
- Unroll the crescent dough and gently separate into 12 triangles, flattening each slightly with your fingers for easier rolling.
- Brush or dip each triangle in melted butter, ensuring every edge is coated to seal in the filling.
- For the classic version, place one large marshmallow at the wide end of each dough triangle. For creative filling options, add a teaspoon of cream cheese mixed with chopped fruit preserves or sprinkle chocolate chips instead.
- Carefully roll each triangle around the filling, tucking in edges and pinching to seal tightly-this prevents the marshmallow or filling from oozing out during baking.
- Once rolled, roll each crescent in the cinnamon-sugar mixture until evenly coated, then place seams down on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes until golden brown and puffed. Watch carefully near the end to avoid over-browning.
- Allow rolls to cool for 5 minutes, then dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with honey for an extra touch of sweetness.
Chef’s Notes: Tips for Success
- Seal with care: Ensuring a tight seal around each marshmallow is key to that delightful “empty tomb” surprise-the marshmallow melts away leaving a hollow inside.
- Flavor swaps: Transform your rolls by swapping marshmallows with mini cream cheese balls mixed with a drop of vanilla, or try fruit preserves like raspberry or apricot for a tart surprise.
- Nutty crunch: Add finely chopped pecans or walnuts inside before rolling for a delightful texture contrast.
- Gluten-free option: Use gluten-free crescent dough to make this recipe inclusive without compromising on fluffiness.
- Make-ahead tips: Prepare rolls on the baking sheet, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate up to 12 hours. Bake fresh just before serving for best results.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or freeze unbaked rolls wrapped tightly for up to 1 month.
Serving Suggestions
Present these light and tender resurrection rolls warm for maximum melt-in-your-mouth appeal. Arrange on a rustic wooden board or a bright pastel platter for a seasonal Easter brunch or celebration centerpiece. Dust gently with powdered sugar or a light cinnamon sprinkle. Garnish with fresh spring herbs like mint or edible flowers for an elegant, fresh pop of color. Serve alongside a pot of fragrant herbal tea or a creamy vanilla latte to enhance the cozy, uplifting flavors of the rolls. For a brunch spread, pair with fresh fruit preserves, whipped cream, or a side of Greek yogurt for dipping.
| Nutrient | Per Serving (1 roll) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 160 kcal |
| Protein | 3 g |
| Carbohydrates | 22 g |
| Fat | 7 g |
Looking to explore more delicious traditions with a modern flair? Check out our comprehensive Sweet Breads: Traditional and Modern Variations for further inspiration. For reliable baking tips and food science insights, visit King Arthur Baking Guide.
Q&A
Q&A: Resurrection Rolls Recipe – Sweet Tradition with a Twist
Q1: What are Resurrection Rolls, and why are they called that?
A1: Resurrection Rolls are sweet, flaky pastries filled with marshmallow, cinnamon, and sugar. Their name and symbolism come from Easter traditions-when baked, the marshmallow melts away, leaving an empty “tomb” inside the roll. This empty space represents the empty tomb of Jesus after his resurrection, making these treats both delicious and meaningful.
Q2: What ingredients are needed to make Resurrection Rolls?
A2: The classic recipe calls for crescent roll dough, large marshmallows, melted butter, cinnamon, and sugar. The dough wraps around the marshmallow, which is first dipped in a cinnamon-sugar coated butter bath, creating a golden, sweet crust with a gooey surprise inside.
Q3: How do you make Resurrection Rolls with a creative twist?
A3: Beyond the classic, you can infuse the filling with flavors like pumpkin spice, lemon zest, or even swap marshmallows for cream cheese mixed with fruit preserves for a fusion allure. Another twist is using chocolate chips or Nutella inside to cater to chocoholics while maintaining the symbolic void once baked.
Q4: What’s the secret to perfect Resurrection Rolls?
A4: The key is sealing the dough well around the marshmallow, so it doesn’t leak during baking, preserving the “empty tomb” effect. Also, avoid overbaking-the rolls should be golden but not dry, so the melted marshmallow stays luscious inside.
Q5: Can Resurrection Rolls be made ahead of time?
A5: Absolutely! You can assemble the rolls the night before and refrigerate them, then bake fresh in the morning. This is perfect for busy holiday schedules and keeps the rolls tender and fresh.
Q6: Is this recipe suitable for kids to make?
A6: Yes! Resurrection Rolls are a fun, hands-on baking project for kids. They’ll enjoy rolling the dough around the marshmallows and seeing the magical “empty tomb” effect emerge. Just a gentle reminder to handle hot baking trays carefully.
Q7: How do Resurrection Rolls fit into Easter or spring celebrations?
A7: These rolls serve as a sweet storytelling tool, blending flavors with faith. Sharing them during Easter breakfast or brunch can spark conversations about hope, renewal, and tradition-plus, they make a beautiful and tasty centerpiece on the festive table.
Q8: Any tips for storing and serving Resurrection Rolls?
A8: Serve warm for the best gooey experience! Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for a day or two, then warmed up gently before enjoying again. They also pair wonderfully with a drizzle of honey or a dusting of powdered sugar for extra charm.
Closing Remarks
As the final bite of these Resurrection Rolls melts away, you’re left with more than just a sweet treat-you hold a piece of tradition transformed. This recipe beautifully blends the timeless symbolism of renewal with a delightful twist that awakens the senses. Whether shared around a bustling family table or gifted as a fragrant reminder of hope, these rolls invite both reflection and celebration. So next time you bake them, remember: you’re not just creating a dessert, you’re weaving a meaningful story-one that rises with every roll and sweetens the spirit as much as the palate.
