This Pennsylvania Bakeshop Serves Cinnamon Rolls So Good They Justify The Trip
Some bakeries just serve breakfast. Mr. Sticky’s Famous Sticky Buns in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, turns cinnamon rolls into a destination.
The moment you step inside, the air is rich with butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon, practically daring you to grab one before anyone else does.
Each bun is soft, gooey, and unapologetically indulgent, the kind that makes you forget the rest of the day exists.
Locals treat it like a secret weapon, visitors brag about it for weeks, and first bites instantly explain the devotion.
It’s not just a pastry, it’s an experience worth planning around. You can find this sweet obsession at 501 Greenfield Rd, Lancaster, PA 17601, where cinnamon and joy collide in every sticky, irresistible bite.
The Trailer That Could Put Cinnabon Out of Business
Mr. Sticky’s operates out of a humble trailer parked right beside the Discover Lancaster Visitors Center at 501 Greenfield Rd in Lancaster, PA 17601.
Don’t let the modest setup fool you into thinking this is just another roadside snack stand.
This bakery holds a top-notch rating backed by hundreds of Google reviews, with customers declaring these sticky buns truly superior to any chain bakery product.
One reviewer literally said Mr. Sticky’s could put Cinnabon out of business, and after tasting these massive, gooey creations, it’s hard to argue.
The trailer location keeps overhead costs low, which means customers get premium quality at budget prices.
You’ll find outdoor seating areas where you can enjoy your treats while taking in views of the historic covered bridge.
The Discover Lancaster Visitors Center sits right next door, complete with local art displays and clean bathrooms for travelers. This isn’t fancy, but it’s authentic Pennsylvania Dutch country charm at its finest.
They Start Baking at 3 AM So You Get Fresh Perfection
The bakers at Mr. Sticky’s roll out of bed while most people are still deep in dreamland.
On their own description, the ovens fire up at 4 AM each morning to ensure customers get the freshest possible sticky buns.
Can you imagine the entire area smelling like cinnamon, butter, and caramelized sugar before sunrise?
That early morning dedication means when you arrive at opening time (6:30 AM on weekdays, 7 AM on Saturdays), you’re getting pastries that are still warm from the oven.
Season is February through December, open until 3 PM Tuesday through Friday, Saturdays, so plan ahead. Sundays and Mondays they’re closed, so plan accordingly.
One customer mentioned getting sticky buns at various times throughout the day and finding them consistently warm and fresh no matter the hour.
That’s the magic of continuous baking and proper temperature control throughout service hours.
Five Signature Styles That Cover Every Craving
Mr. Sticky’s doesn’t overwhelm you with dozens of confusing options.
They’ve perfected five core styles: the classic Sticky with gooey glaze, the Walnut Sticky crowned with extra crunchy walnuts, plus cinnamon buns with no topping, cream cheese icing, or peanut butter icing.
The friendly staff takes time to explain each variety in detail, helping first-timers choose based on their preferences.
Multiple reviewers called the Walnut Sticky the most indulgent thing they’ve ever eaten. Others prefer the balanced sweetness of the plain cinnamon bun without topping.
The traditional Sticky hits that classic sweet spot with its caramel-like glaze coating every spiral.
Some customers find the Sticky version extremely sweet, so if you’re not into sugar overload, the Plain might be your best bet.
They also experiment with seasonal flavors like apple cinnamon rolls available on Thursdays, giving regulars something new to anticipate each week.
Prices So Fair You’ll Think They Made a Mistake
Here’s where Mr. Sticky’s really separates itself from the competition.
While Cinnabon charges around seven dollars for a single cinnamon bun, Mr. Sticky’s keeps prices shockingly reasonable.
Google Maps lists them in the single dollar sign category, meaning they’re budget-friendly for everyone.
Reviewers consistently mention being amazed at the value, especially considering the massive size of each bun.
One customer bought three dozen mini sticky buns for coworkers and said even the mini size is quite large. You can feed a crowd without emptying your wallet.
The combination of huge portions, incredible taste, and wallet-friendly pricing creates unbeatable value.
When you compare quality and size to what you’d pay at a mall food court or fancy bakery, Mr. Sticky’s wins every time. This is old-school pricing that respects customers and keeps them coming back week after week.
The Smell During the Drive Home Is Dangerously Good
One hilarious reviewer admitted doing 20 minutes on the elliptical after getting home just to burn off the calories from smelling the sticky buns during the drive.
That’s not an exaggeration when you’re transporting a box of fresh, warm cinnamon rolls in your car. The aroma of cinnamon, yeast, butter, and caramelized sugar fills every inch of your vehicle.
It’s both wonderful and torturous because you want to pull over and devour one immediately. Multiple customers mentioned the challenge of resisting temptation during the ride home.
The good news is these buns freeze beautifully, so you can stock up without worry.
Just pop them in the freezer when you get home (if any survive the trip), and reheat them later for that fresh-baked experience.
Pro tip: bring a passenger who can guard the box and keep you focused on driving safely.
Whipped Toppings That Take Things Over the Top
If a giant sticky bun somehow isn’t enough decadence for you, Mr. Sticky’s sells small take-home tubs of rich icing.
The options include cream cheese and peanut butter flavors that pair beautifully with the plain cinnamon buns warm.
Cream cheese frosting gets mentioned frequently in customer reviews as a favorite addition.
One experienced customer recommended getting a warm Plain bun and adding one of these toppings to take the flavor experience to another level.
The maple cream cheese dip divides opinion, with some loving it and others preferring the classic cream cheese.
These toppings let you customize your bun exactly how you want it. They’re also perfect for people who find the traditional Sticky too sweet on its own.
You can control the sweetness level by choosing the Plain and adding just enough topping to satisfy your personal taste preferences.
Locals and Tourists Alike Can’t Stay Away
Mr. Sticky’s has achieved that rare status of being beloved by both Lancaster residents and out-of-town visitors.
One reviewer shared memories of their mom buying sticky buns from Mr. Sticky’s truck when it traveled to their hometown an hour away during their childhood.
Now as an adult, they make the pilgrimage to the Lancaster location whenever possible. Road trippers planning routes through Pennsylvania specifically build in time to stop at 501 Greenfield Rd.
Wedding guests grab these buns the morning after celebrations, happily fueled. Families on vacation call it a must-stop destination.
The reviews describe people driving 40 minutes one way and saying they’d gladly make that trip any day of the week.
When a bakery trailer develops this kind of devoted following across different customer groups, you know they’re doing something exceptionally right with their recipes and service.
The Size Will Shock You in the Best Way
First-time visitors consistently express amazement at how enormous these sticky buns actually are. Even the so-called mini size is described as quite large and definitely a great value.
The regular size is absolutely massive, easily big enough to share if you’re not extremely hungry. One brave soul admitted eating an entire bun in one sitting and having zero regrets about it.
These aren’t dainty little pastries you finish in three bites.
They’re serious, substantial baked goods with thick layers of dough, generous cinnamon swirls, and plenty of topping.
When you see photos online, you might think they’re exaggerated, but in person they’re truly impressive.
The substantial size combined with the low prices means you’re getting incredible bang for your buck. Bring your appetite and maybe a friend to split with if you’re not ready for the full sticky bun experience.
Call Ahead for Dozens or Risk Missing Out
Mr. Sticky’s is wildly popular, which means they can sell out of certain varieties, especially on busy weekend mornings.
If you need a dozen or more sticky buns for an event, office gathering, or family breakfast, calling ahead is strongly recommended.
The phone number is 717-413-9229, and pre-ordering ensures you get exactly what you want. Several reviewers mentioned the importance of advance ordering for larger quantities.
The staff is generally helpful with call-ahead orders, though one customer noted some issues with order details that took a few days to resolve.
Despite minor hiccups, most people find the pre-order process smooth and convenient.
You can also order sticky buns for shipping to family members in other states, which several customers have done successfully.
The shipping process is described as quick and easy, letting you share Lancaster’s best sticky buns with loved ones anywhere.
Ask for Them Warm or Reheat at Home
Here’s an insider tip that dramatically improves your experience: always request your sticky buns warm.
While Mr. Sticky’s bakes continuously, they don’t automatically heat every bun before serving unless you specifically ask.
One disappointed customer received cold buns and when they inquired, learned they should have requested heating at the time of ordering.
The staff didn’t offer to warm them up after the fact, which was frustrating. To avoid this scenario, simply ask for warm sticky buns when you place your order.
If you’re taking them home, they reheat beautifully in the microwave or oven.
A warm sticky bun with gooey, melty topping delivers a completely different experience than a room-temperature one.
The dough becomes soft and pillowy, the glaze gets perfectly drippy, and all the flavors intensify. This small detail makes a huge difference, so don’t skip it.