What To Do With Egg Yolks
If you’re wondering what to do with egg yolks, check out these 30+ egg yolk recipes! Never throw out leftover egg yolks again.
Often times in small batch baking you need to halve an egg.
Rather than literally cutting an egg in half, you have two options – use only the white or only the yolk.
Other times recipes like my flourless chocolate cookies or mini angel food cake specifically call for whites only, leaving you with leftover egg yolks.
That’s why I created this list of egg yolk recipes so you’ll no longer waste them.
There are over 30 recipes using leftover egg yolks, ranging from small batch chocolate chip cookies and German chocolate cake ice cream to cheesecake for two and mini lava cakes.
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.
What To Do With Egg Yolks
If you're wondering what to do with egg yolks, check out these 20+ egg yolk recipes! Never throw out leftover egg yolks again.
Craving warm cookies but don’t want to make a large batch? This easy recipe for Small Batch Chocolate Chip Cookies makes a half batch chocolate chip cookies using only 1 egg yolk.
Don't feel like scooping? Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars baked in a loaf pan are easier and faster plus they won’t spread too thin. Uses 1 yolk.
Chocolate Chip Cut Out Cookies are a fun twist to making chocolate chip sugar cookies using cookie cutters and 1 egg yolk.
Classic Small Batch Peanut Butter Cookies are soft and chewy with a melt in your mouth texture without being dry. No chilling required! Uses 1 yolk.
Soft and delicate Peanut Butter Gooey Butter Cookies from scratch turns a traditional St. Louis cake into cookies. Recipe makes 1 dozen cookies from 1 egg yolk.
Irresistible Peanut Butter Cookie Cups are ideal for snacking, cookie trays, and gift giving. Uses 1 yolk.
Brown Sugar Cinnamon Cookies are spiced coconut cookies that are crispy on the edges and chewy in the middle. Uses 1 yolk.
Only 1 yolk needed to make this Single Serving Sugar Cookie that doesn’t require a mixer to make.
Get ready for cookie season with Small Batch Gingerbread Cookies made without shortening and decorated with an eggless royal icing. Uses 1 egg yolk.
Soft and chewy with a bit of spice and fresh ginger, these Gingerbread Chocolate Chip Cookies will be Santa’s new favorite Christmas cookie. Only needs 1 egg yolk.
Learn how to make soft and chewy Small Batch M&M Cookies for all of your cookie craving needs with only 1 egg yolk!
Love cinnamon sugar? These Small Batch Snickerdoodles Without Cream Of Tartar are thick, soft, and chewy cookies rolled in cinnamon and sugar and only needs 1 yolk.
The best lemon bars now baked in a loaf pan! Small Batch Lemon Bars with a melt in your mouth shortbread crust, a thick tart lemon filling, and a dusting of powdered sugar on top. Uses 1 yolk.
Cheesecake For Two are baked in ramekins and can be customized with different toppings and batters. Uses 1 yolk.
Air Fryer Cheesecake is a creamy dessert for two that makes two ramekin cheesecakes without preheating the oven! Uses up 1 yolk.
Mini Lava Cakes are rich and decadent molten chocolate cakes and make the perfect dessert for two for your date night at home. Uses 1 yolk.
Small Batch Boston Cream Pie Cupcake recipe with a homemade custard filling and chocolate ganache makes half a dozen cupcakes with 1 yolk.
Mini Boston Cream Pie For Two is a 4 inch small sponge cake filled with custard that uses 1 yolk then topped with a melted chocolate ganache.
Mini Lemon Meringue Pie is a tart, creamy lemon meringue pie for two baked deep dish style in mini springform pans with 1 yolk. Can also be baked in a 6 inch pie plate.
Homemade Pistachio Pudding made with 1 yolk is made from scratch using real pistachio nuts. It’s a creamy, velvety custard that’s naturally green with no pudding mix and no food coloring!
Vibrant Blood Orange Curd is a smooth fruit spread used for breakfast, cake fillings, and more. Use it as a substitute for lemon curd. Uses 1 yolk.
German Chocolate Cake Frosting made without evaporated milk for all of your cake needs! Uses 1 egg yolk.
Decadent German chocolate ice cream with homemade German chocolate cake frosting folded in is everything you love about cake without having to bake one. Uses 2 yolks.
Think outside the cookie for your next ice cream sandwich! Churro Ice Cream Sandwiches made with homemade churros and homemade cinnamon sugar churro ice cream. Uses 2 yolks.
Vanilla Bean Ice Cream is an amazingly flavorful yet simple homemade vanilla ice cream with vanilla beans. Made with 3 yolks.
Kick up your favorite chocolate ice cream a notch with this silky smooth Mexican Chocolate Ice Cream with cinnamon, a hint of chili powder, and 2 yolks.
S'mores Ice Cream is made with a toasted marshmallow ice cream base that uses 2 yolks, chocolate, and graham crackers
Don’t just drink your beer – eat it for dessert with this fudgy Chocolate Stout Pretzel Ice Cream packed full of chocolate covered pretzels and caramel sauce. Made with 2 yolks.
I scream. You scream. We all scream for M&M Cookie Dough Ice Cream that has a double dose of cookie dough in every bite. Uses 2 yolks.
Enjoy summer with a refreshing scoop of Strawberry Lemonade Ice Cream that uses 2 yolks.
Sometimes it’s just too hot to bake a cherry pie. Eat your pie in ice cream form with this Cherry Pie Ice Cream made with homemade cherry pie filling and 2 yolks.
Apple Cider Ice Cream spiced with cinnamon will be your new companion to serve with warm apple pie. Uses 3 yolks.
Turn your favorite Easter candy into a decadent dessert with this Cadbury Creme Egg Ice Cream recipe! Uses 3 yolks.
First published September 25, 2020
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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.
Glad you found this post useful! Let me know if you try anything.
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.
Happy to hear that! Let me know if you try any recipes.