National Sticky Bun Day is a holiday that’s celebrated on February 21st and celebrates a sweet, tasty pastry that many of have enjoyed at some point in time. Also known as sweet rolls in English and schnecken in German, this is a pastry that’s been enjoyed by people for hundreds of years. So why not bake up a plate of warm, gooey sticky buns and enjoy this holiday with friends and family? After all, the cold month of February is perfect for having some warm rolls. 

The History Of Sticky Buns

We weren’t able to come with the history of this holiday, but fortunately, we were able to come up with the history of sticky buns. These warm pastries have been made since the Middle Ages, where they were often made with honey and cinnamon. These sweet rolled made out of leavened dough, were then brought to the United States during the 18th century by the Pennsylvania Dutch—immigrants from Germany. The Pennsylvania Dutch referred to these sticky rolls as Schnecken—which is German for “snail.” It was given this name because of the spiral shape of the pastry that resembles a snail’s shell. 

Facts About Sticky Buns

Although many people would look at sticky buns and think of something that they probably shouldn’t eat because it would drive up their blood sugar, we look at them as a piece of history. As such, we were able to find some fascinating facts about these sweet pastries—facts that we think everyone will find irresistible.

• The first bread to feature honey and nuts were made by the Ancient Egyptians.
• Schnecken is still a specialty that’s served in Philadelphia.
• Sticky Buns should always be made from a dough that contains yeast so that it will rise.
• In the United Kingdom, sticky rolls are made with raisins. These buns are known as Chelsea Buns.
• Sticky buns have been enjoyed since the Middle Ages.
• Cinnamon buns are considered to be a different pastry than sticky buns.
• Cinnamon buns tend to be baked in a pan, drizzled with a glaze, and don’t normally contain nuts.
• Both cinnamon buns and sticky buns use the same type of dough, however.
• Schnecken is popular in not only Germany and Austria, but other parts of Northern Europe as well.

Celebrating National Sticky Bun Day

National Sticky Bun Day is best served with a pan of warm rolls. It doesn’t matter if you enjoy American sticky buns that have a thick glaze and are extremely sweet, German schnecken that’s made with brown sugar and pecans, or British Chelsea Buns made with raisins. The point is to enjoy these sweet and sticky buns with friends and family. And while you’re celebrating the day, why not use the hashtag #NationalStickyBunDay and let everyone know that you’re celebrating?