Tomb Cookies

Last night before bed we made "Tomb Cookies."  I am sure you can find different recipes of a similar nature, but a friend shared this one with me.  The cookies weren't as hollow as I expected, but that could certainly have been cooks' error.  They definitely were not dense and to the boys, they were hollow enough.  Even though they weren't exactly what I expected, the entire experience of the making, baking and morning reveal were all worth the effort!

Easter Tomb Cookie Recipe

Prepare on Saturday evening before bedtime:

• 1 Cup whole pecans (or chopped)
• 1 tsp vinegar
• 3 egg whites
• a pinch of salt
• 1 Cup of sugar
• ziploc baggie
• wooden spoon
• tape
• Bible

Preheat Oven to 300* F

Place pecans in ziploc baggie and let the kids beat them with a wooden spoon to break them into small pieces.

Explain that after Jesus was arrested, he was beated by the Roman soldiers. Read John 19:1-3

Let each child smell the vinegar.  Put 1 tsp of vinegar into the mixing bowl.

Explain that when Jesus was thirsty on the cross he was given vinegar to drink. Read John 19:28-30

Add egg whites to the vinegar.
Explain that eggs represent life. Jesus gave his life to give us eternal life. Read John 10:10-11


Sprinkle a little salt into each child's hand.  Let them taste.  Then put your pinch of salt into the bowl.
Explain that this represents the salty tears shed by Jesus' followers, and the bitterness of our own sin. Read Luke 23:27


Add 1 cup of sugar to the bowl.
Explain that the sweetest part of the story is that Jesus died because he loves us.  He wants us to know and belong to him. Read Psalm 34:8 and John 3:16

Beat with a mixer on high speed for 10-15 minutes, until stiff peaks form.
Point out how the mixture is turning white.  Explain that white represents the purity in God's eyes, of those whose sins have been cleansed by Jesus. Read Isaiah 1:18 and John 3:1-3


Fold in broken nuts.  Drop by teaspoons onto cookie sheets covered with wax or parchment paper.
Explain that each mound represents the rocky tomb where Jesus' body was laid.  Read Matthew 27:57-60


Put the cookie sheets into the oven, close the door, then turn the oven OFF.  Give each child a piece of tape to seal the oven door.
Explain that Jesus' tomb was sealed.  Matthew 27:65-66


Acknowledge that the kids are probably sad that they have worked hard to make the cookies and now they have to leave them in the oven overnight.

Explain how Jesus' followers were sad when Jesus died and the tomb was sealed.  Read John 16:20 and 22

In the morning, on Easter Sunday, open the oven give everyone a cookie.  Ask the kids to notice the cracked surface.  Have them bite into them.  They're hollow!

Explain that on the first Easter morning, Jesus' followers were amazed to find the tomb open and empty. Read Matthew 28:1-9

He is Risen!!!