A sweet and meaningful Easter recipe, these empty tomb rolls are soft crescent pastries filled with marshmallows that melt away during baking, leaving behind a hollow center. I love how they combine a simple treat with a symbolic touch that makes them perfect for holiday gatherings.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I like this recipe because it’s quick, easy, and fun to make with kids. I don’t need any fancy ingredients—just crescent rolls, marshmallows, butter, sugar, and cinnamon. I also enjoy how these rolls tell a story, making them a thoughtful addition to Easter celebrations. The end result is a warm, sweet pastry with a surprise inside.

Ingredients

(Note: All ingredient amounts are listed in the recipe card below.)

1 (8 ounce) tube crescent rolls (or 8 frozen Rhodes dinner rolls, thawed)
¼ cup white granulated sugar
1 Tablespoon ground cinnamon
¼ cup (1/2 stick) butter (can use salted or unsalted)
8 large marshmallows (not giant)

Directions

1. I preheat my oven to 350°F and spray a muffin tin with nonstick cooking spray or line it with cupcake liners.

2. I remove the crescent rolls from the tube and split them into 8 sections.

3. In a small bowl, I combine the sugar and cinnamon.

4. In another small bowl, I melt the butter.

5. I roll out each crescent so it’s a little wider than normal.

6. I dip one marshmallow in the melted butter, then roll it in the cinnamon sugar.

7. I place the coated marshmallow in the crescent dough and pinch all seams tightly closed.

8. I dip the sealed roll in butter again, then roll it in cinnamon sugar.

9. I place the roll seam-side down in the muffin tin.

10. I repeat with the remaining rolls, making a total of 8.

11. I bake for 12–14 minutes, or until the rolls are golden brown.

12. I let them cool slightly before serving to reveal the empty, sweet “tomb” inside.

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes 8 rolls. It takes about 10 minutes to prepare, 14 minutes to bake, and is ready in a total of 24 minutes.

Variations

I sometimes use frozen dinner rolls instead of crescent rolls for a different texture. If I want extra sweetness, I drizzle the baked rolls with a light glaze made from powdered sugar and milk. I’ve also swapped marshmallows for chocolate-filled marshmallows to create a richer treat.

Storage/Reheating

I store leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To reheat, I warm them in the oven at 300°F for 5–7 minutes or microwave them for 15–20 seconds. These rolls are best enjoyed fresh, since the marshmallow center doesn’t hold well over time.

FAQs

Why are these called empty tomb rolls?

They’re called empty tomb rolls because the marshmallow melts during baking, leaving behind a hollow space that symbolizes the empty tomb of Jesus on Easter.

Can I make these ahead of time?

I prefer to bake them fresh, but I can prepare the rolls up to the point of sealing the marshmallow and store them in the fridge for a few hours before baking.

What size marshmallows should I use?

I use large marshmallows, but not jumbo-sized ones, since bigger marshmallows may burst out of the dough while baking.

Can I use crescent roll sheets instead of individual crescents?

Yes, I just cut the sheet into 8 equal pieces before wrapping the marshmallows.

What if my marshmallow leaks out?

That sometimes happens if the seams aren’t pinched tightly. I make sure to seal all edges securely before baking.

Can I use mini marshmallows?

I can, but they won’t give the same dramatic hollow effect. Large marshmallows work best.

Can I add a glaze on top?

Yes, I like to drizzle a simple powdered sugar glaze for extra sweetness and a festive look.

Can I use flavored marshmallows?

Yes, flavored marshmallows like vanilla or strawberry add a fun twist to the rolls.

Do these taste like cinnamon rolls?

They have a similar sweet, buttery cinnamon flavor but with a lighter, flaky pastry texture.

Can I make these without a muffin tin?

Yes, I can bake them on a lined baking sheet, but the muffin tin helps the rolls hold their shape better.

Conclusion

These empty tomb rolls are a sweet, meaningful, and simple Easter treat that I love making with my family. The disappearing marshmallow creates a fun surprise inside, while the buttery cinnamon-sugar coating makes them taste irresistible. They’re the perfect blend of holiday symbolism and delicious flavor.