Have leftover egg yolks in your kitchen? Here’s a comprehensive recipe guide on what to do with leftover egg yolks so you don’t have to throw them out again.
After posting my What To Do With Leftover Egg Whites guide, it was only appropriate to follow up with What To Do With Leftover Egg Yolks.
Although it’s not as common in small batch baking as leftover egg whites, you’ll still find yourself with unused egg yolks on occasion.
That’s why I created this list of recipes using leftover egg yolks so you’ll no longer waste them.
I organized the list by the number of egg yolks each recipe uses. That way you don’t have to click through to each recipe to see what you can (or can’t) make.
Bookmark this post and refer to it every time you find yourself with extra egg yolks.
How To Store Leftover Egg Yolks
Until you’re ready to use your extra egg yolks, you need to properly store them first. The easiest way is to store them in airtight containers in the refrigerator.
I personally like to use small glass jars because plastic can retain odors if used previously to store other foods.
Unlike egg whites, you can store multiple yolks in 1 container. However, if any of the yolks break then you can’t separate them individually. That’s why I like to store 1 yolk per container.
You can store leftover egg yolks in the refrigerator for 2-3 days (although I personally have gone up to a week).
Can you freeze leftover egg yolks?
Technically you can freeze egg yolks, but unfortunately after thawing the texture changes and becomes thick and paste-like.
To help prevent that, whisk in a pinch of salt then transfer the beaten yolk to an ice cube tray (1 yolk per tray). Freeze then remove from the tray and transfer to a freezer-safe bag.
You’ll need to thaw frozen egg yolks overnight in the fridge.
Recipes Using 1 Egg Yolk
- Small Batch Boston Cream Pie Cupcakes
- Mini Boston Cream Pie For Two
- Cheesecake For Two
- Small Batch Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Chocolate Chip Cut Out Cookies
- Gingerbread Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Small Batch Gingerbread Cookies
- Small Batch Peanut Butter Cookies
- Small Batch Peanut Butter Cookie Cups
- Peanut Butter Gooey Butter Cookies
- Single Serving Sugar Cookie
- Small Batch M&M Cookies
- Small Batch Snickerdoodles
- Small Batch Lemon Bars
- Blood Orange Bars
- German Chocolate Frosting
Recipes Using 2 Egg Yolks
Emily says
This is so useful Carla! I sometimes also have some leftover egg yolks and it is great to know many recipe to try with them.
Carla says
Glad you found this post useful! Let me know if you try anything.
Sheila says
I just came across your website and let me say I am thrilled. I’m not going to have to throw away desserts anymore.
Thank you so much. I am now a follower.
Carla says
Happy to hear that! Let me know if you try any recipes.