Easer Legend Snickerdoodle Sand Dollars

In Chris Auer's The Legend of the Sand Dollar, An Inspirational Story of Hope for Easter, the symbolism, that can be found on a sand dollar, is shared with a young girl, by her cousin, as they collect sand dollars together, on the beach.

He shows her the Easter lily-like pattern on the front, with a star in its center, and the poinsettia pattern on the back, that together remind him of Christ's birth and His resurrection.

Then, he points out the five holes in the shell (or skeleton, or test - if you will) like the four holes made by the nails in Jesus' hands and feet, and the one in his side from the spear.

Finally, he breaks one open, and reveals the five doves of peace - reminders to spread the hope and promise of Easter to all people.

Unfortunately, the only sand dollar we have in the house, is a fossil from one of the dinosaur museums in north eastern Montana, and didn't quite fit the legend. Though, we were able to peek in through the mouth hole, and see the five little jaws (the doves) rattling around inside. The girls were terribly disappointed I wouldn't let them break it open to get them out.


But, I distracted them with a batch of snickerdoodle dough.


They rolled the dough into balls...


...and rolled the balls in the sugar and cinnamon, "sand".


Then, they flattened the balls out, on a greased cookie sheet...


...and used almond slices to create the Easter lilies (an idea from here)...


...and straws to poke out the five holes (an idea from here).



I repoked the holes after the cookies baked, while they were still hot, and etched tiny stars, with a toothpick, in the centers...


...so that together with our real sand dollar, the girls could use the cookies to retell the legend to their older siblings at snack time.

There's a lovely little legend
that I would like to tell,
of the birth and death of Jesus,
found in this lowly shell.

If you examine closely,
you'll see that you find here,
four nail holes and a fifth one,
made by a Roman's spear.

On one side the Easter lily,
its center is the star,
that appeared unto the shepherds
and led them from afar.

The Christmas Poinsettia
etched on the other side,
reminds us of His birthday,
our happy Christmastide.

Now break the center open,
and here you will release,
the five white doves awaiting,
to spread Good Will and Peace.

This simple little symbol,
Christ left for you and me,
to help us spread His Gospel,
through all Eternity.

Author Unknown


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