Resurrection Rolls

These rolls are not only delicious to eat, but teach a beautiful message about the Resurrection of Christ.  We usually make these as a Family Home Evening treat the Monday before Easter.  I make the kids help me prepare them.  As we do, we discuss that the Marshmallow is white and pure.  It represents our Savior, Jesus Christ.  After He was crucified, his friends and family took His body from the cross and wrapped it in linen (the bread dough) and anointed his body with oil and spices (butter and cinnamon).  Then they placed His body in the tomb (the oven).

While the rolls bake, we have an Easter lesson, usually regarding the events that lead to the Resurrection and the beautiful gifts and promises that we have been given because of His sacrifices.  When the timer goes off we open the tomb (oven) and pull out the rolls.  I bring one roll over to the kids.  We talk about how Mary went to the tomb to morn the loss of the Savior.  I remind the kids that we place the marshmallow in the roll to represent Christ.  I open the roll up and we discover that the marshmallow isn't there!  (It's melted into ewey-gooey yumminess.)  For Jesus Christ had ascended to Heaven and the tomb was empty!  Even my 17 year old son loves this tradition!

I discovered this wonderful recipe and tradition at Sister's Cafe.  It was submitted by Erin.

1 package frozen bread or roll dough, thawed (or homemade roll dough)
6 TB sugar
1 tsp cinnamon
1 bag large marshmallows
1/4 cup butter, melted

1. Combine sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl and set aside. 

2.  Divide the dough into individual roll sized portions. Press each portion into a flat circle. Place1 large marshmallow in the center of each roll. Pinch roll dough very firmly around the marshmallow. 

3.  Roll each into a seamless, or nearly seamless, ball with your hands. Brush rolls with melted butter. Sprinkle sugar mixture over rolls. 

4.  Cover rolls with plastic wrap and put in the fridge overnight. On Sunday morning, preheat oven to 350°. Take rolls out of fridge and bake for 15 minutes until rolls are golden brown. Be careful not to overbake. (These may also be baked without sitting overnight. After wrapping the marshmallow in them, let them rise for about an hour or so and then bake them as usual.)