Name: Resurrection Rolls for Easter Dinner
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 35 min
Ingredients: 1 package (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast; 1/4 cup warm water (110°F); 1/2 cup milk, warmed; 1/4 cup granulated sugar; 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted; 1/2 tsp salt; 1 large egg; 3 cups all-purpose flour; 1/4 cup butter, melted (for brushing); 1/4 cup granulated sugar mixed with 1 tsp cinnamon (for filling); 8 large marshmallows (symbolizing Jesus’ body)

Resurrection Rolls for Easter Dinner: A Heavenly Treat to Celebrate the Season ✝️🥐✨

1. Introduction

Easter is a time for celebration, reflection, and delicious food that brings families together. One of the most meaningful and tasty additions to your holiday table is Resurrection Rolls – sweet, fluffy pastries that beautifully symbolize the resurrection story. These delightful treats combine soft, buttery dough with a warm cinnamon-sugar center that melts away during baking, leaving behind a hollow space representing the empty tomb. Whether you’re looking for a special Easter brunch item or a memorable dessert to cap off your holiday dinner, this Resurrection Rolls recipe is sure to become a cherished tradition in your home.

Freshly baked Resurrection Rolls served on a platter for Easter dinner.

2. Ingredients

Gathering quality ingredients is the first step to creating perfect Resurrection Rolls. Here’s what you’ll need:

1 package (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast (fresh yeast works best for maximum rise)
1/4 cup warm water (110°F – about the temperature of a warm bath)
1/2 cup milk, warmed (whole milk creates the richest texture)
1/4 cup granulated sugar (plus extra for the filling)
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted (for the dough)
1/2 tsp salt (balances the sweetness perfectly)
1 large egg (at room temperature for best incorporation)
3 cups all-purpose flour (measured correctly for perfect consistency)
1/4 cup butter, melted (for brushing before baking)
1/4 cup granulated sugar mixed with 1 tsp cinnamon (the heavenly filling)
8 large marshmallows (the symbolic center of our Resurrection Rolls)

For more baking inspiration, check out our collection of sweet treats that are perfect for any occasion.

3. Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

The foundation of any good roll is properly activated yeast. In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast in warm water (about 110°F – too hot will kill the yeast, too cold won’t activate it) and let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes frothy and bubbly. This magical transformation means your yeast is alive and ready to make your Resurrection Rolls light and airy. If you don’t see bubbles after 10 minutes, your yeast may be old and you should start with fresh yeast.

Ingredients for Resurrection Rolls including yeast and sugar prepared on a kitchen counter.

Step 2: Prepare the Dough

In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook (you can also mix by hand if you prefer), combine the activated yeast mixture with warm milk, sugar, melted butter, salt, and egg. The warmth from these ingredients helps create the perfect environment for your dough to rise. Gradually add the flour about 1/2 cup at a time, mixing well after each addition. Once all the flour is incorporated, knead the dough for 5-7 minutes until it becomes smooth, elastic, and slightly tacky but not sticky. If you’re new to baking with yeast, don’t worry – this process is simpler than it sounds!

Stand mixer kneading dough for Resurrection Rolls with flour and butter.

Step 3: Shape the Rolls

After your dough has risen (it should double in size – about 1 hour in a warm place), punch it down to release the air bubbles. Turn it out onto a lightly floured surface and divide into 8 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a smooth ball, then flatten into a circle about 4 inches in diameter. Place one large marshmallow in the center of each circle – this represents Jesus’ body. Sprinkle about 1 teaspoon of the cinnamon-sugar mixture over each marshmallow (this represents the spices used to prepare Jesus’ body for burial). Carefully wrap the dough around the marshmallow, pinching all edges tightly to seal completely – this is crucial to prevent the marshmallow from leaking out during baking.

Rolling out dough pieces for Resurrection Rolls with cinnamon sugar ready.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Place the shaped rolls seam-side down on a parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches between them. Brush the tops generously with melted butter – this will give them that beautiful golden color. Bake at 375°F for 12-15 minutes until they’re golden brown and sound hollow when tapped. The magic happens in the oven – the marshmallow melts completely, leaving behind a hollow center that symbolizes the empty tomb on Easter morning! For more variations on this recipe, check out this popular version.

Shaped Resurrection Rolls on a baking tray ready for the oven.

4. Tips for Success

Use fresh yeast for the best rise – check the expiration date before starting
Ensure your liquids are the right temperature – about 110°F is perfect
Knead the dough sufficiently to develop the gluten structure
Let the dough rise in a warm, draft-free place (an oven with just the light on works well)
Seal the marshmallows completely to prevent leaks during baking
Let the rolls cool slightly before serving – the melted marshmallow filling will be extremely hot

5. Serving Suggestions

These heavenly Resurrection Rolls can be served in several delightful ways. For breakfast or brunch, pair them with fresh fruit and other morning favorites. As part of your Easter dinner, serve them warm with a light drizzle of vanilla icing or a dusting of powdered sugar. They make a beautiful complement to traditional Easter dishes like glazed ham, spring salads, or roasted vegetables. For a special touch, arrange them on a platter surrounded by fresh flowers or Easter decorations to create a stunning centerpiece for your holiday table.

6. Variations

While the classic Resurrection Rolls recipe is perfect as is, there are several delicious variations you might want to try:

Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the cinnamon sugar filling for extra crunch
Mix in a tablespoon of orange zest to the dough for a bright citrus note
Use whole wheat flour for half of the all-purpose flour for a healthier version
Try flavored marshmallows like vanilla bean or cinnamon for a twist on the classic
Make mini versions using small marshmallows for bite-sized treats
Add a teaspoon of cardamom to the cinnamon sugar for an exotic flavor

If you enjoy experimenting with recipes, you’ll love our collection of creative dessert ideas that are perfect for any occasion.

7. Storage and Reheating

While Resurrection Rolls are best enjoyed fresh from the oven, you can store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To refresh them, reheat in a 350°F oven for 5 minutes until warmed through. You can also microwave individual rolls for 10-15 seconds, though this may make them slightly chewier. For longer storage, you can freeze the baked rolls for up to 1 month – wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then foil before freezing. Thaw at room temperature and reheat as directed above.

8. The Meaning Behind the Recipe

Resurrection Rolls are more than just delicious pastries – they’re an edible object lesson that beautifully illustrates the Easter story. Each component has special significance:

The marshmallow represents Jesus’ body
The cinnamon and sugar symbolize the spices used to prepare His body for burial
The dough represents the tomb where He was laid
The oven represents the three days in the tomb
The hollow center after baking shows the empty tomb on Resurrection morning!

This makes Resurrection Rolls a wonderful teaching tool for children and a meaningful tradition for families. As you make them together, you can discuss the Easter story and what it means to you. For more about our family traditions and the stories behind our recipes, visit our about page.

9. Conclusion

These Resurrection Rolls are the perfect combination of faith, tradition, and delicious baking. They bring the Easter story to life in a way that’s tangible and memorable for all ages. Whether you’re an experienced baker or trying yeast dough for the first time, this recipe is approachable and rewarding. The sweet, cinnamon-filled rolls with their miraculous hollow centers will become a highlight of your Easter celebration. We hope this recipe brings as much joy to your home as it has to ours. From our kitchen to yours, Happy Easter and happy baking!

If you enjoyed this recipe, consider working with me to create more meaningful food traditions for your family. And don’t forget to explore our other holiday favorites like Easter main dishes and spring soups to complete your festive meal.