What Can You Use Instead of an Egg Wash for Pastry?

If you cannot brush pastry with egg for a golden finish, milk, butter, or sugar water can give a similar result. The best choice depends on how dark you want the color and whether you prefer a glossy or matte finish. Egg yolk gives a deep golden color, while most alternatives leave a lighter, more matte surface.

What do milk and cream do? Brushing pastry with milk gives it a light golden color. It is not as glossy as egg, but it browns enough to work well for cookies and savory rolls, including those made for children. Cream or thick cream gives a richer color and a little shine, but forms a heavier coating than milk, so use it sparingly on thinly rolled dough.

When should you use butter or sugar water? Melted butter gives the crust a crisper, slightly glossy finish and is the closest match to egg for savory pastries. For sweet pastries, dissolve one 15 ml measure of sugar in a few 15 ml measures of hot water. Brushed on as soon as the pastries come out of the oven, it leaves a thin, glossy layer. This method is especially useful for vegan recipes. Olive oil or another cooking oil changes the color very little and adds only a slight shine, so use it when you want the crust to stay soft rather than look deeply browned. Plant-based milks such as soy or almond milk also give pastry a light brown color similar to egg and can be used in vegan recipes.

Where else can these alternatives be used? For a shiny finish on pizza crust or savory bread, you can brush on a little salted water instead of milk. It adds a slight shine but barely changes the color. To make a starch wash, mix one 5 ml measure of cornstarch with a few 15 ml measures of water. Brush it on right before baking for a smooth, lightly glossy finish; this works especially well for gluten-free recipes. A mixture of grape molasses or honey and water gives sweet pastries a deep color and slight shine. Because it is high in sugar, apply it in a thin layer during the final few minutes of baking to keep it from burning.

What should you keep in mind whichever alternative you choose? Apply a thin layer with a soft pastry brush. Too much liquid can pool on the dough, run during baking, and distort its shape. Brush on milk, cream, or plant-based milk right before baking so it does not soak too far into the dough and the color stays even. For delicate dough, you can instead lightly dab the surface with a fingertip or paper towel for more control.