Resurrection Cookies

While in search of Easter traditions to start in our family, I came across this wonderful idea. I love this because it helps children learn the meaning of Easter in a way that will keep their attention and curiosity. Each step of making Resurrection Cookies is symbolic to the Easter Story. Willow is too young to understand this year but these cookies will become a teaching tool and tradition in our family from now on.

Easter Cookies
Make these cookies the night before, just before bedtime.

Ingredients:

1 cup whole pecans

1 tsp vinegar

3 egg whites

pinch salt

1 cup sugar

zipper baggie

wooden spoon

tape

Bible

Heat oven to 300*. Place pecans in the baggie and close. Let the children beat it with a wooden spoon to break into small pieces. Explain that after Jesus was arrested, He was beaten by Roman soldiers. (John 19: 1-3)

Let each child smell the vinegar. Put 1 tsp into a mixing bowl. Explain that when Jesus was thirsty on the cross. He was given vinegar to drink. (John 19:28-30)

Add egg whites to the vinegar. Eggs represent life. Explain that Jesus gave His life to give us life (John 10:10-11)

Sprinkle a pinch of salt into each child's hand. Let them taste it. Put the rest into the bowl. Explain that this represents the salty tears shed by Jesus' followers, and the bitterness of our own sins. (Luke 23-27)

Add 1 cup sugar. Explain that the sweetest part of the story is that Jesus died because He loves us. He wants us to know and come unto Him. (Psalm 34:8, John 3:16)

Beat with a mixer on high speed 12-15mins until stiff peaks form. Explain that the color white represents the purity in God's eyes of those whose sins have been cleansed by Jesus. (Isaiah 1:18, John 3:1-3)

Fold in broken nuts. Drop by teaspoonfuls onto a waxed paper covered cookie sheet. Explain that each mound represents the rocky tomb where Jesus' body was laid. (Matthew 27:57-60)

Put the cookies in the oven, close the door and 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)

Go to bed. Explain that the disciples felt sad to leave Jesus in the tomb just as they may feel sad to leave the cookies in the oven overnight.(John 16:20-22)

On Easter morning, give everyone a cookie. Notice the cracked surface. Take a bite-they're hollow!! The disciples were amazed to find the tomb empty! (Matthew 28:19)

HE IS RISEN!

Happy Easter