National Sticky Bun Day is a holiday celebrated on February 21st, honoring a sweet, tasty pastry that many have enjoyed at some point. Also known as sweet rolls in English and schnecken in German, this pastry has been savored 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 up with the history of this holiday, but fortunately, we were able to uncover the history of sticky buns. These warm pastries have been made since the Middle Ages, when they were often prepared with honey and cinnamon.

These sweet rolls, made from 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.” They were given this name because of the spiral shape of the pastry which resembles a snail’s shell.

Facts About Sticky Buns

Although many people might view sticky buns as something they probably shouldn’t eat because it could drive up their blood sugar, we see them as a piece of history. As such, we have found some fascinating facts about these sweet pastries—facts that we think everyone will find irresistible.

• The first bread to feature honey and nuts was made by the Ancient Egyptians.
• Schnecken is still a specialty served in Philadelphia.
• Sticky Buns should always be made from 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 not only in Germany and Austria but also in other parts of Northern Europe.

Celebrating National Sticky Bun Day

National Sticky Bun Day is best celebrated 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 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