Empty Tomb Rolls (also called Resurrection Rolls or Hocus Pocus Buns) are soft cinnamon-sugar sticky buns with a melted marshmallow hidden inside. This family-friendly recipe is an easy, tasty way to teach the story of Easter and works beautifully with thawed Rhodes rolls.
These disappearing marshmallow rolls (sometimes called Hocus Pocus Buns) are a simple, nostalgic treat I first learned to make in high school home economics. They’re quick, kid-friendly, and incredibly satisfying.
Later I discovered their connection to Easter: the recipe is often used as a hands-on object lesson for the resurrection story.
Symbolism of Empty Tomb Rolls
The rolls represent the events of Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection. Reading the biblical accounts before making the rolls helps frame the activity and gives children a meaningful context for the lesson.
Common symbolic elements used in the recipe:
- Large marshmallow — symbolizes the body of Jesus
- Melted butter — represents the oils used in embalming
- Cinnamon-sugar — stands for the spices used to anoint the body
- Yeast dough (for example, Rhodes rolls) — represents the wrapping of the body and placement in the tomb
- Empty roll after baking — symbolizes the empty tomb and the risen Christ
Empty Tomb Rolls (aka Resurrection Rolls)
These treats go by several names but follow the same basic process: flatten a roll, wrap a buttered and cinnamon-sugared marshmallow inside, seal the dough, and bake. The marshmallow melts away during baking, leaving a sweet, sticky interior and an “empty” roll to reveal.
The texture is similar to sticky buns: soft, slightly crisp on top, and gooey inside when served warm. Using real yeast rolls, like Rhodes, gives the best results—light, fluffy dough that bakes up beautifully.
I usually thaw Rhodes rolls in the refrigerator overnight when I want them for breakfast, or thaw them on the counter during the day for an after-dinner treat. Kids enjoy participating—flattening the dough, coating the marshmallows, and sealing the rolls—so the recipe makes a sweet family tradition.
Although canned biscuits can work, yeast rolls deliver a superior texture and flavor. The final baked rolls are best served warm and fresh from the oven.
Empty Tomb Rolls
Ingredients
- 12 Rhodes rolls, thawed*
- 12 large marshmallows
- 4 Tbsp (57 g) butter, melted
- ¼ cup (50 g) granulated sugar
- 1 Tbsp ground cinnamon
Equipment
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12-cup muffin or cupcake pan
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rolling pin (or bottle) to flatten rolls
Instructions
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*THAW Rhodes rolls on a lightly greased baking sheet covered with sprayed plastic wrap for 1–2 hours at room temperature, or overnight in the refrigerator. Thaw until pliable but not fully risen.
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Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 12-cup muffin pan and set aside.
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Melt the butter and combine the cinnamon and sugar in a separate bowl.
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Flatten each thawed roll into a circle using a rolling pin or bottle.
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Dip a large marshmallow in melted butter, then coat it with the cinnamon-sugar mixture. Place the marshmallow in the center of the flattened dough.
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Bring the dough edges up around the marshmallow and pinch seams tightly to seal. Brush the top with butter and roll in cinnamon sugar. Place seam-side down in the prepared muffin pan.
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Repeat for all rolls. Let them rest 15 minutes.
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Bake at 350°F for about 15 minutes or until golden. Immediately invert rolls onto a platter and serve warm. Tip: soak the pan promptly for easier cleanup if any marshmallow leaked out.
Video
Notes
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave 10–15 seconds to soften before serving.
Nutrition
Disclaimer: Nutritional values were calculated using a third-party tool and are provided as an estimation only.
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