If you needed an excuse to indulge in a gooey, cinnamon-filled delight, here it is—National Sticky Bun Day on February 21st! This delicious holiday is dedicated to one of the most beloved breakfast pastries, known for its rich flavours, soft dough, and caramelized topping. Whether you bake them from scratch, pick up a fresh batch from a local bakery, or enjoy a homemade family recipe, sticky buns are the perfect way to treat yourself.
The Sweet History of Sticky Buns
Sticky buns have been delighting taste buds for centuries. Originally believed to have roots in German and Dutch baking traditions, they made their way to America with early settlers. Often referred to as "Schnecken" in German communities, these buns became a staple in Pennsylvania Dutch kitchens and soon spread across the country.
The traditional sticky bun starts with a rich, yeasted dough that is rolled with butter, cinnamon, and brown sugar before being baked in a caramelized mixture of butter and sugar (sometimes with nuts or raisins for added texture). When flipped out of the pan, they reveal a perfectly gooey and sticky topping—hence the name!
How to Celebrate National Sticky Bun Day
There are plenty of ways to enjoy this delicious day! Here are a few ideas to get you started:
🍯 Bake Your Own: Try making homemade sticky buns from scratch. The process is rewarding, and nothing beats the aroma of freshly baked pastries filling your home.
🍩 Visit a Local Bakery: Support a small business by grabbing a batch of sticky buns from your favorite bakery. You might even discover a unique twist on the classic recipe!
☕ Pair with Coffee or Tea: Sticky buns go perfectly with a warm cup of coffee or tea. Treat yourself to a cozy morning or afternoon snack.
🎉 Host a Sticky Bun Brunch: Invite friends or family over for a delicious brunch featuring sticky buns, fresh fruit, and other breakfast favourites.
📸 Share on Social Media: Snap a picture of your sticky bun celebration and use the hashtag #NationalStickyBunDay to join the fun online!
A Simple Sticky Bun Recipe to Try
Want to bake your own sticky buns? Here’s a quick and easy recipe:
Ingredients:
3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
¼ cup granulated sugar
1 packet (2 ¼ tsp) active dry yeast
½ tsp salt
¾ cup warm milk
¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
1 egg
For the filling:
½ cup brown sugar
2 tsp cinnamon
¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
For the topping:
½ cup unsalted butter
¾ cup brown sugar
¼ cup honey
½ cup chopped pecans (optional)
Instructions:
In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, yeast, and salt. Add warm milk, melted butter, and egg. Mix and knead until a smooth dough forms. Let rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
Roll out the dough into a rectangle. Spread with softened butter and sprinkle with brown sugar and cinnamon. Roll up tightly and slice into rolls.
In a baking dish, melt butter and mix with brown sugar and honey. Sprinkle pecans over the mixture if using. Place the rolls on top.
Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25-30 minutes until golden brown. Let cool slightly before flipping the pan to reveal the sticky topping.
Enjoy warm and sticky!
Whether you bake them yourself or buy a batch from your local bakery, National Sticky Bun Day is the perfect time to enjoy these delicious, comforting treats. So go ahead—grab a bun, take a bite, and celebrate the sweetness of life!