National Sticky Bun Day (February 21)
National Sticky Bun Day is celebrated every year on February 21, and honestly, it’s a pretty great excuse to eat dessert for breakfast.
Whether you love yours loaded with pecans, dripping with caramel, or packed with cinnamon sugar, sticky buns are one of those treats that feel extra special when they’re warm and fresh from the oven.
From their old-school origins to fun ways to celebrate today, here’s everything you need to know about this delicious February holiday.
When is the Holiday?
The holiday takes place annually on February 21st. It’s the perfect time of year to bake something cozy, share with friends, or justify stopping at a bakery on your way to work.
Who Invented It?
The exact origins of the holiday remain unknown, but the treat itself traces back to German immigrants who brought their baking traditions to the U.S. in the 1800s, especially in Pennsylvania.
Those communities helped turn sticky buns into a regional favorite that eventually spread across the country.
The History of the Holiday
Sticky buns were originally called schnecken, which means “snail” in German, a nod to their spiral shape.
They’re made by rolling enriched dough with cinnamon sugar, slicing it into spirals, and baking it over a sticky topping made from butter, brown sugar, and usually nuts.
German settlers in Pennsylvania baked them for holidays, church gatherings, and weekend breakfasts, helping cement their place in American baking culture.
Over time, bakeries put their own spin on them, adding caramel, fruit, or cream cheese glazes.
Top 5 Facts About the Holiday
- They’re different from cinnamon rolls because the sticky topping is baked under the buns.
- Traditional recipes use pecans or walnuts in the glaze.
- Some versions use maple syrup or honey instead of brown sugar.
- Philadelphia is often called the sticky bun capital of the U.S.
- Pennsylvania Dutch communities helped popularize them nationwide.
Coloring Page
Enjoy this sticky bun coloring page as a fun, low-prep activity for kids while you bake or celebrate the day.
Activities to Celebrate
- Bake your own batch at home and experiment with fillings like apples, chocolate, or cream cheese.
- Host a sticky bun taste test where everyone brings a different version to compare.
- Visit local bakeries and vote on which one makes the best sticky buns in town.
- Try a twist on tradition with vegan, gluten-free, or savory versions.
- Share photos of your creations online and see what others are baking too.
Related Recipes for the Holiday
If you’re ready to bake, these recipes are perfect for celebrating:
- Homemade Cinnamon Rolls with Cream Cheese Frosting – Soft, fluffy rolls topped with a rich frosting for anyone who loves classic bakery flavors.
- Easy Air Fryer Orange Pecan Sticky Buns – A quicker option with bright citrus flavor and crunchy pecans.
- Aunt Betty Lou’s Best Ever Sticky Buns – Ideal for prepping the night before and baking fresh in the morning.
- Best Ever Butterscotch Overnight Sticky Buns – Extra gooey with deep caramel flavor that soaks into every layer.
- Caramel Pecan Sticky Buns – A traditional favorite loaded with toasted nuts and thick caramel sauce.
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Links to Resources
- Silicone Hamburger Bun Mold – Helps bake evenly sized sticky buns with easy release.
- Bacon Seasoning Sticky Bun Flavor – Adds a sweet-and-savory twist for adventurous bakers.
- Sticky Bun Smear – A ready-made caramel topping to save prep time.
Related Holidays
- National Chocolate Cake Day (January 27) – Another reason to bake something indulgent.
- National Crepe Day (February 2) – Celebrates breakfast desserts from another culture.
- International Pancake Day (Day before Ash Wednesday) – A global excuse to eat sweets for breakfast.
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