Empty Tomb Rolls

There’s something really special about baking with meaning. And these Empty Tomb Rolls are one of those recipes that go beyond just tasting good—they tell a story. If you’re looking for a sweet, simple, and symbolic way to bring a little more heart into your Easter celebration, this recipe is one to bookmark. The first time I made these with my kids, it turned into a quiet moment of reflection in the middle of an otherwise busy morning. They were fascinated by how the marshmallow “disappears” in the oven, and I loved how it opened the door for meaningful conversation.

These rolls are soft, buttery, and cinnamon-sweet—but what makes them so unique is that they visually represent the resurrection story. When you bite into one, you’ll find that the marshmallow center is gone, leaving an empty space inside, just like the empty tomb on Easter morning. Whether you’re baking with your family or preparing a special treat for Sunday brunch, these rolls are as memorable as they are delicious.

Let’s dive into the first steps of making these beautifully simple rolls!

this recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 1 can refrigerated crescent roll dough

• 8 large marshmallows

• 1/4 cup melted butter

• 1/4 cup granulated sugar

• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon

You probably have most of these in your kitchen already. The crescent rolls serve as the tomb, the marshmallows represent Jesus, and once baked, the hollow center tells the Easter story in the sweetest way.

STEP 1: Preheat and Prep

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. This helps keep things mess-free because the sugar and melted marshmallow can get a little sticky if they ooze out.

STEP 2: Make the Cinnamon-Sugar Mixture

In a small bowl, combine 1/4 cup of granulated sugar and 1 tablespoon of ground cinnamon. This is where all the sweet warmth comes from. You’ll use this mix to coat the marshmallows before wrapping them in dough. If you like a little extra spice, you can add a pinch of nutmeg or a dash of vanilla sugar.

STEP 3: Unroll the Crescent Dough

Open your can of refrigerated crescent rolls and gently separate them into 8 individual triangles. Lay them flat on a clean surface or directly on the parchment paper. You want to make sure each triangle is intact because you’ll be wrapping it tightly around the marshmallow.

STEP 4: Coat the Marshmallows

Now for the fun part! Dip each marshmallow into the melted butter, making sure it’s fully coated. Then roll it in the cinnamon-sugar mixture until the outside is generously covered. This gives the roll its rich flavor and creates that gooey, caramelized texture once baked.

If you’re baking with kids, this step is perfect for little hands to help out—just be ready for a bit of a sugar sprinkle mess!

STEP 5: Wrap It Up

Place each cinnamon-sugar coated marshmallow at the wide end of a crescent triangle. Gently roll the dough around the marshmallow, tucking in the sides as you go. Make sure to pinch all the seams tightly closed. This is super important—if the dough isn’t sealed well, the marshmallow can leak out during baking, and you’ll lose that “empty tomb” effect.

Once wrapped, place the rolls seam-side down on your prepared baking sheet. This helps keep everything sealed during baking and prevents any sugar from escaping too early.

Now that your crescent dough is wrapped around the sweet, cinnamon-coated marshmallows, it’s time to bring this Easter tradition to life in the oven. This part of the process is quick, but you’ll want to keep a close eye on things to make sure everything goes just right. These rolls bake up golden, slightly crisp on the outside, and soft and hollow inside—ready to surprise your family with a sweet bite of symbolism.

If you’ve sealed the edges well (and I’ll give you a few tricks on that below), you’re in great shape for a successful batch. Let’s get those rolls baked and ready to serve!

STEP 6: Bake the Rolls

Place your baking sheet in the preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) and bake for about 10 to 12 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when the crescent dough is puffed up and golden brown on the outside.

During baking, the marshmallow will melt and soak into the dough a bit, leaving behind that perfectly hollow center. If one or two leak a little, don’t stress—it happens. That’s part of the charm of this recipe. But the better the seal, the more dramatic the “empty tomb” effect.

STEP 7: Cool Slightly Before Serving

Once baked, remove the rolls from the oven and let them cool for 5–10 minutes. They’ll be very hot inside right out of the oven because of the melted sugar, so be sure to give them a little time to rest before anyone takes a bite.

When you break one open, the marshmallow will be gone—leaving a warm, hollow roll. It’s such a simple but powerful moment, especially if you’re sharing the story of Easter with kids or family during breakfast or brunch.

Tips for Success

Here are a few tips I’ve picked up after making these year after year:

• Seal every seam: Press and pinch each edge of the dough tightly to avoid leaks. A little extra dough can help if you have a tear.

• Don’t overfill: Stick to one large marshmallow per roll. Adding extras might be tempting, but it increases the chances of the filling escaping.

• Use parchment paper: This keeps cleanup simple and prevents any sticky sugar from hardening onto your pan.

• Watch closely near the end of baking: The last few minutes can make all the difference between a golden crust and an overdone one. If they start to darken too quickly, take them out early.

Optional Twist: Add a Sweet Glaze

Traditionally, Empty Tomb Rolls are served plain to highlight the simplicity and meaning behind them. But if you’re making these as a dessert or brunch treat and want to add a touch of extra sweetness, here’s a quick glaze you can drizzle over the top:

Simple Vanilla Glaze:

• 1/2 cup powdered sugar

• 1–2 tablespoons milk

• 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract

Just whisk it all together until smooth, then drizzle over the warm (not hot) rolls. It’s not necessary, but it does give the rolls a bakery-style finish that’s hard to resist.

Make-Ahead & Storage Tips

These rolls really are best served fresh and warm, when the dough is soft and the center is still a little gooey. However, if you’re short on time Easter morning, here are a few ways to make things easier:

• Prep ahead: You can coat the marshmallows and prep the cinnamon sugar mixture the night before. Store everything separately in airtight containers until you’re ready to assemble.

• Short on time? Assemble the rolls in the morning and pop them in the oven right before serving. They only take about 10–12 minutes to bake.

• Reheating: If you have leftovers (you probably won’t!), reheat gently in the microwave for 10–15 seconds. Keep in mind, they’re best on day one.

By now, you’ve seen just how easy and meaningful these Empty Tomb Rolls can be—and how quickly they come together with just a handful of ingredients. As this recipe has grown in popularity around Easter, I’ve noticed the same questions come up time and time again, especially for first-timers. So I’ve pulled together a little FAQ section to help make sure your baking experience is smooth and enjoyable from start to finish.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What if my marshmallows leak out during baking?
This is probably the most common issue with Empty Tomb Rolls, and it usually comes down to sealing. Make sure all seams in the dough are tightly pinched shut—especially around the bottom and sides. You can also slightly stretch the dough to help it wrap fully around the marshmallow for extra coverage.

2. Can I use homemade dough instead of canned crescent rolls?
Yes! If you prefer to make your own dough, go for it. A soft yeast dough or sweet roll dough works beautifully. Just make sure to roll it thin enough to wrap tightly around the marshmallows, and allow for proper sealing.

3. Are there any dairy-free or allergy-friendly substitutions?
You can use dairy-free crescent roll dough (many grocery stores carry it) and substitute vegan marshmallows and plant-based butter. Just double-check all ingredients to ensure they’re safe for your dietary needs.

4. Can I make these ahead of time and reheat them?
They’re definitely best enjoyed fresh, but you can store leftovers in an airtight container and reheat them for 10–15 seconds in the microwave. The texture won’t be quite the same, but they’ll still be sweet and soft.

5. How do I explain the symbolism to kids?
That’s the beauty of this recipe—it makes the story of the resurrection visual and easy to understand. As you wrap the marshmallow in the dough, explain that the dough represents the tomb, and the marshmallow is Jesus. When you bake and open the roll to find the center empty, it’s a visual representation of the empty tomb on Easter morning.

6. Can I add chocolate or other fillings?
You can, but it changes the message a bit. Some people like to add a few mini chocolate chips for a fun variation, especially if they’re serving this as a dessert. Just know that the inside won’t be completely hollow anymore, which may take away from the symbolic element.

7. Why do the rolls sometimes get sticky on the bottom?
That’s the sugar and melted marshmallow doing their thing. Lining your baking sheet with parchment paper is key to avoiding a sticky mess. It also makes cleanup so much easier.

Final Thoughts: A Recipe That’s Sweet in More Ways Than One

Empty Tomb Rolls are one of those rare recipes that manages to be both incredibly simple and deeply meaningful. With just a few ingredients and a little bit of care, you create something that tells a story—one that’s perfect for kids, meaningful for adults, and unforgettable as part of your Easter celebration.

Whether you’re gathering around the table for brunch, baking with your kids, or just looking for a new tradition to bring more meaning into your holiday, these rolls are a beautiful way to do it. I’ve made them year after year, and they never fail to spark a little moment of reflection and a lot of smiles.

Empty Tomb Rolls

---

• Author: Sophia

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Empty Tomb Rolls are a simple and meaningful Easter treat that combines buttery crescent rolls and sweet marshmallows to tell the story of the resurrection. As the marshmallow melts during baking, it disappears, leaving a hollow center—just like the empty tomb. They’re sweet, gooey, and full of symbolism, making them perfect for sharing with family during the holiday.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

1 can refrigerated crescent roll dough

8 large marshmallows

1/4 cup melted butter

1/4 cup granulated sugar

1 tablespoon ground cinnamon

---

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

In a small bowl, mix the sugar and cinnamon together until combined.

Separate the crescent roll dough into triangles. Dip each marshmallow into the melted butter, then roll it in the cinnamon-sugar mixture until fully coated.

Place each coated marshmallow on the wide end of a crescent triangle. Carefully wrap the dough around the marshmallow, pinching all seams tightly to seal it completely. Make sure no gaps remain.

Place the wrapped rolls seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet.

Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until golden brown. Keep an eye on them as the marshmallow melts inside and may try to escape if not sealed properly.

Let them cool slightly before serving. When opened, the center will be hollow, representing the empty tomb.

Notes

Be sure to seal the dough well around the marshmallow to prevent leaking. These are best enjoyed fresh while warm and gooey. You can add a drizzle of icing on top for an extra sweet finish, but traditionally they are served plain to highlight the symbolic message.