What goes better with coffee than something a little sweet, nutty and possibly oozing with caramel. Yup, you know what we’re talking about. February 21 is National Sticky Bun Day! This delightful confection, a Philadelphia specialty originally known as “Schnecken” are thought to have been brought to the United States by German settlers in the 18th century. Often served for breakfast, Sticky buns are also sometimes known as cinnamon rolls, caramel rolls or monkey bread.
National Sticky Bun Day timeline
Sticky buns primarily have German origins, known as ‘Schnecken.’
German settlers like the Pennsylvania Dutch bring the sweet treat with them to the United States.
The sticky bun’s sister, the ‘cinnamon bun’ is created in Sweden.
Hungarian baker Grace Hasz begins selling cinnamon buns daily at The University of British Columbia.
National Sticky Bun Day Activities
Make your own sticky buns
Imagine filling your kitchen with the smell of spices and caramel baking in the oven. There are videos and blogs to help you with technique and the recipe choices are endless, so really, what are you waiting for?
Find the best sticky buns in your city
Sticky buns are often a staple at neighborhood bakeries and brunch spots. Make it a Sunday ritual of checking out all the different options in your city until you find the sticky bun of your dreams...then shhh, don’t tell anyone so you can keep them all for yourself.
Explore your options
Sticky buns can be made in a variety of shapes and sizes. Create a giant sticky roll that can be sliced like a cake, roll the dough into balls and pile them into a cake pan for Monkey Bread or stack each slice together into a bread pan to create a pull apart loaf. And sticky buns aren’t only for breakfast. Serve your creation for dessert at your next dinner party. It’s guaranteed to be a hit!
Why We Love National Sticky Bun Day
They’re the ultimate comfort food
The smell of a sticky bun alone makes you feel warm and cozy in an instant. Whether they are baking in your oven or the smell catches you at your local mall, as soon as that familiar scent hits you, visions of fireplaces and pajamas dance in your head. Then, as you slowly unroll the labyrinth of doughy goodness, the sugar and spices send you to a place of happiness and comfort few other foods can capture.
There aren’t any rules
Sticky buns are fairly easy to make. And there are virtually no rules as to what you can fill or top them with. Warm spices like cinnamon, cloves, or even cardamom are all excellent choices, but you can feel free to experiment with other fillings such as apple or chocolate. You can also create your own sticky sauce using maple syrup or honey instead of plain sugar. Whatever you choose — have fun and enjoy the stickiness!
Everyone loves them
It’s hard to imagine someone not being totally enthralled with a gooey, sticky, fluffy rolled bun. Most people have wonderful childhood memories of popping open a package of store-bought dough, the smell of the baking and the fun of carefully topping each bun with sticky frosting. Half the joy of visiting the traveling fair is hunting down the sticky bun booth and carefully eating your way through to the yummy center. Really, if you ever meet someone who doesn’t like sticky buns, be a little wary.
National Sticky Bun Day dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | February 21 | Friday |
| 2026 | February 21 | Saturday |
| 2027 | February 21 | Sunday |
| 2028 | February 21 | Monday |
| 2029 | February 21 | Wednesday |
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