"Easter Story Cookies"

I saw this idea on one of my favorite blogs- we decided to try it too:

You’ll need: Bible, 1 c nuts, 1 tsp. vinegar, 3 egg whites, pinch of salt, 1 c granulated sugar, 1 gal. size zipper bag, wooden spoon/candy hammer, & tape

Before we started we preheated the oven to 300 and lined a cookie sheet with wax paper.

First, have your helpers crush, smash, and beat the nuts and while they do it share with them that this is what the Roman soldiers did to Jesus’ body. Read John 19:1-3.

Josey knows that story well, but still cried (like she did last year) last night & seemed shocked that this is what happened to Jesus.

Before you add the vinegar to the mixing bowl let the children smell the vinegar. Explain to them that this is what Jesus was offered to drink. Read Read John 19:28-30.

To the vinegar, add egg whites. Explain that Jesus gave His life to give us life. Read John 10:10-11.

Sprinkle a little salt into each childs hand and let them taste it. Explain that this represents the salty tears shed by Jesus’ followers, and the bitterness of our own sins. Read Luke 23:27.

Next, the story turns sweet. Add 1 cup of sugar. 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.

Add the sugar.

Beat with a mixer on high speed for 12-15 minutes until stiff peaks are formed. Explain that the color white represents the purity in God’s eyes of those whose sins have been cleansed by Jesus. Read Isaiah 1:18 & John 3:1-3.

It was SO yummy... they didn't want to stop "trying it"...

Fold in the broken nuts. Drop mixture by spoonfuls onto waxed paper. Explain that each mound represents the rocky tomb where Jesus’ body was laid. Read Matthew 27:57-60.

Place the cookie sheet in the oven, close the door and turn the oven OFF. Give each child a piece of tape and seal the oven door. Explain that Jesus’ tomb was sealed. Read Matthew 27:65-66.

GO TO BED. Explain that they may feel sad to leave the cookies in the oven overnight. Jesus’ followers were in despair when the tomb was sealed. Read John 16:20.

The next morning…

open the oven and remove the cookies. Notice – the cookies are hollow! On the first Easter Jesus’ followers were amazed to find the tomb open and empty. Read Matthew 28:1-9.

Try it! Your kiddos will love it!

Happy Holy Week!