sticky bun

noun

plural sticky buns

: a cinnamon roll that is baked on top of a sugary mixture (as of caramel and pecans or other nuts) and inverted after baking

The dough for sticky buns is rolled out and topped with a mixture of brown sugar, cinnamon, and sometimes raisins or even more nuts. The dough is then carefully rolled into a cylinder and sliced into individual portions. These slices are nestled in the pan on top of the caramel sauce. After baking, the buns are inverted onto a serving platter, revealing their glorious, caramelized tops.

—Molly Harris

The basic MO [=modus operandi] for sticky buns starts with a sugary glaze mixture that is put into a baking dish. … The buns are set on top of the glaze mixture, allowed a second rise, then baked, inverted, and devoured.

—Dawn Yanagihara

Examples of sticky bun in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

According to my mom, the best way to enjoy a sticky bun is slightly underbaked and straight from the oven. — Melinda Salchert, Southern Living, 19 June 2026

Reunion sells goods inspired by these countries, such as the Nata, an egg custard tart popular in Portugal, and the Golfeado, a Venezuelan sticky bun. — Miguel Otárola, Denver Post, 25 Feb. 2026

Best known as a holiday scent or as the cause of that signature swirl of your favorite sticky bun, cinnamon is an ancient spice that's more than just a cooking staple. — Daryl Austin, USA Today, 11 July 2025

The third bonus flavor, Cinnamon Sticky Bun, came in May, with a cinnamon base, a brown sugar swirl, sticky bun dough and crunchy toffee pieces. — Haadiza Ogwude, The Enquirer, 2 July 2025

After two weeks on the lam, his namesake returned home, thanks to a sticky bun snack containing pet-safe Benadryl that the Rumbaughs had left out for him. — Charmaine Patterson, Peoplemag, 17 Mar. 2024

Earlier this year, the coffee giant launched a Cinnamon Caramel Cream Cold Brew, which was reminiscent of a sticky bun and became a favorite among cold brew fans. — Hollyanna McCollom, Better Homes & Gardens, 10 May 2023

Word History

First Known Use

1909, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for sticky bun

• anyone
• everyone
• megaton
• overdone
• overrun
• begun
• grandson
• gudrun
• handgun
• homespun
• outdone
• outrun