Hocus Pocus Buns

Abracadabra: Hocus Pocus buns are cinnamon-sugar marshmallows wrapped in crescent dough that vanish as they bake, leaving a warm, hollow, caramel-y center. Kid-friendly, party-perfect disappearing marshmallow rolls that wow in minutes.

Sweet Bread By Many Names

These easy little 6-ingredients rolls have many names. Magic Marshmallow Rolls, Hocus Pocus Buns, Disappearing Marshmallow Rolls, Marshmallow Meltaways, Empty Tomb Rolls, Empty Coffin Rolls and Resurrection Rolls.

The last is probably the most popular aside from Hocus Pocus Buns, which makes me think of the Halloween movie. Empty Tomb Rolls are actually tied to the Easter holiday.

They are meant to symbolize the empty tomb of Christ after being resurrected. But these little bundles are so darn good, there is NO WAY you’ll only eat them once a year.

What You’ll Need

You might have most of the ingredients to make these hocus pocus buns on hand already. If not, they’re easily found at the grocery store. A full list of ingredients with measurements for this recipe is available in the printable recipe card below.

• Large marshmallows – Usually you can use large or small marshmallows interchangeably, but for this it’s much easier to use large marshmallows.

Perfect Pairings

You can serve these delicious melt-in your mouth rolls any time of year, but they’re especially great during spooky season. If serving as breakfast rolls, you can serve them with other breakfast favorites like cinnamon rolls, bacon in the oven, sausage or breakfast casseroles.

It’s also a great recipe for dessert. Serve when watching your favorite Halloween movie, like Hocus Pocus with the Sanderson sisters, and they’ll taste great with popcorn or any other movie treat. Or try a Halloween Punch or Witch’s Brew.

Variations & Toppings

Many recipes will use different toppings but honestly I found more than a dusting to be a little much. There are also ways to customize the sugar mixture.

• Extra cinnamon sugar. Dip the whole roll in melted butter and roll in sugar mix. You might need to make a little more cinnamon sugar if you do this.
• Add a glaze. Drizzle with a glaze. Whisk together 1/4 cup of powdered sugar, 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract or almond extract and 1-2 tablespoons of whole milk- drizzle while warm. This way, they taste more like a cinnamon roll.
• Swap out the spices. Switch up the sugar. Instead of adding ground cinnamon and nutmeg, swap out pumpkin pie spice or apple pie spice.
• Make them colorful! What a surprise on the inside when the sugar was colored. Just add some color sanded sugar to the blend and it will melt together.
• Drizzle. I’ve never said no to a caramel sauce drizzle, but this recipe, you might be better off dipping it. Same goes for fudge sauce, kinda of like a churro! Do you like sopapillas? Honey on top will give you the same flavors!
• Vegan. This sweet treat is still pure magic if you use vegan butter and vegan marshmallows.

Tried and True Tips

I’ve made these hocus pocus buns several times and have some tips and tricks to make sure yours turn out perfectly.

• Pinch tight seams – Making sure the seams are pinched tight ensures that the melty, marshmallow goodness doesn’t leak out.
• Place seam-side down – In case some of the melty marshmallow does leak out, placing the seam-side down helps to keep it all in.
• Cool a few minutes – That melty marshmallow will become extremely hot, so allow them to cool for a few minutes so that the hot syrupy centers don’t burn you.

Marshmallow Hocus Pocus Buns Recipe

4.54 from 47 votes

Cinnamon sugar and butter drenched marshmallows wrapped in a soft crescent roll for one of the easiest desserts ever.

Prep Time: 5 minutes mins

Cook Time: 12 minutes mins

Total Time: 17 minutes mins

Cook ModePrevent your screen from going dark

Servings: 8

Print Recipe Pin Recipe Save Saved! Rate this Recipe

Equipment

• Silicone Basting Brush
• Parchment Paper
• Rimmed Baking Sheet

Ingredients

• 3 tablespoons sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 8 ounce can crescent rolls
• 8 large marshmallows
• 3 tablespoons butter , melted

Instructions

• Preheat oven to 375°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
• Combine the 3 tablespoons sugar and 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon in a small bowl. Unroll the 8 ounce can crescent rolls onto a cutting board or work surface.
• Dip a 8 large marshmallows in the melted 3 tablespoons butter, then roll in the cinnamon sugar mixture. Reserve the leftover butter and cinnamon sugar.
• Place the marshmallow in the center of a crescent roll, roll up, pressing together the edges to seal. Dip the bottom of the bun in melted butter to prevent sticking.
• Place on prepared baking sheet. Repeat with the rest of the rolls.
• Bake for 10-12 minutes or until tops are browned. Remove and baste with the remaining melted butter and dust with leftover cinnamon sugar mixture.
• Remove and allow to cool slightly- insides will be HOT!
• If you've tried this recipe, come back and let us know how it was in the comments or ratings!

Notes

Storage: I’ll honestly be surprised if you have leftovers, but should you find yourself with extra, place them in an airtight container or plastic bag. Store at room temperature for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven. Microwaving hocus pocus buns make them gummy.

Freezing: I do not suggest freezing them. Just make a fresh batch.

Nutrition

Calories: 177 kcal, Carbohydrates: 22 g, Protein: 1 g, Fat: 10 g, Saturated Fat: 5 g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 2 g, Monounsaturated Fat: 2 g, Trans Fat: 1 g, Cholesterol: 11 mg, Sodium: 266 mg, Potassium: 3 mg, Fiber: 1 g, Sugar: 11 g, Vitamin A: 132 IU, Vitamin C: 1 mg, Calcium: 4 mg, Iron: 1 mg

Author: Jessica Formicola

Calories: 177

Course: Breakfast, Dessert

Cuisine: American

Keyword: empty tombs, hocus pocus buns, magic marshmallow crescent rolls

Did you make this recipe?I’d love to see your recipes – snap a picture and mention @savoryexperiments or tag #savoryexperiments!

More Fun Halloween Treats

These Halloween desserts and snacks are perfect to make for any spooky celebration!

Brownies + Bars

Ghost Brownies

5 from 5 votes

Cakes + Cupcakes

Halloween Graveyard Cake

5 from 5 votes

Cookies

Candy Corn Cookies

4.67 from 3 votes

More Halloween Treats

I’m sharing even more Halloween treats from some of my favorite blogging friends!

Strawberry Banana Sorbet from Big Bear’s Wife
Sugar Cookie Fruit Pizzas from Semi Homemade Recipes
Strawberry Banana Oatmeal Cookies from Eat Move Make
Strawberry Upside Down Cake from It’s Shanaka
Margarita Bundt Cake from Fake Ginger
Air Fryer Blackberry Hand Pies from Blogghetti
Grape Jello Pie from 4 Sons ‘R’ Us
Lime Raspberry Hand Pies from Cindy’s Recipes and Writings
Summertime Blue Apple Pie from For the Love of Food
Waffle Ice Cream Sandwiches from Hezzi-D’s Books and Cooks
Strawberry Peach Poke Cake from Our Good Life
S’mores Mug Cake from Family Around the Table
White Chocolate Peach Crumb Bars from Sweet Beginnings
Strawberry Pizzelles from Jolene’s Recipe Journal
Cookies and Cream Ice Cream from Devour Dinner
Small Batch Emergency Air Fryer Brownies from Shockingly Delicious
Strawberry Crunch Cheesecake from SugarYums
Crescent Roll Peach Dumplings from Cheese Curd In Paradise
Rum Raisin Brownies from Food Hunter’s Guide to Cuisine
Chocolate Chocolate Chip Shortbread from Pastry Chef Online
Drumstick Cheesecake Cups from Sweet ReciPEAs
Sheet Pan No Bake Banana Split Cheesecake from Karen’s Kitchen Stories
Double Chocolate Zucchini Bread from Comfortably Domestic
Baltimore Strawberry Pie from Cookaholic Wife