Use an egg wash (whole egg, yolk, or white and water, milk, or cream) to seal edges or add shine and color to baked goods. Discover which combination of ingredients is best suited for your recipe.
In a small bowl, whisk together egg and water. Using a pastry brush, brush egg wash over dough prior to baking.
Notes
Egg: Egg washes can use the whole egg, just the egg white, or just the egg yolk. It depends on the recipe and what outcome you want. Please see the Tips and Variations section for options.
Water: Or substitute milk or cream depending on your recipe and your desired outcome.
Yield: This recipe makes about 1/4 cup egg wash, enough for 32 dinner rolls, 12 soft pretzels, 1 pie, or 2 galettes.
Make ahead: Egg wash is best applied to baked goods immediately before baking. Otherwise, the dough may get soggy.
Whole egg: Deep color and shine
Whole egg + milk or cream: Deep color and shine
Whole egg + water: Medium color and shine
Egg yolk: Yellow color and shine
Egg yolk + milk or cream: Brownish yellow color and shine
Egg yolk + water: Pale yellow color and shine
Egg white: Very little color and lots of shine
Egg white + milk or cream: Light color and light shine
Egg white + water: Very little color and light shine