Eggland's Best Resolves the Big Question: How Long Can Eggs Be Left Out on the Counter?

We all have that go-to recipe that calls for room temperature eggs. It's recommended to leave eggs on the counter or take them out of the fridge before baking—but how much time is too much? If you’ve lost track of time and your eggs have been out for a while, are they still safe to use? We asked the experts at Eggland's Best to give us the final answer.

Why Do Some Recipes Require Room Temperature Eggs?

Ever tried adding cold eggs straight from the fridge to your batter, only to end up with a lumpy mess? Using cold eggs can lead to disappointing results.

Room temperature ingredients blend much more smoothly than cold ones, and that includes things like butter and cream cheese. If you’ve perfectly creamed your butter with sugar for cookies and then add a cold egg, the butter might seize up again, causing the dough to curdle.

Room temperature means about 68 to 74 degrees Fahrenheit (or 20 to 23 degrees Celsius). Using a room temperature egg helps create an emulsion that traps air. When baked, this air expands, adding lift and height to your baked goods. Slightly warmer eggs also help the yolk mix better with the egg white.

Can I Leave Eggs Out on the Counter?

To put the question to rest, we consulted with Eggland's Best. Dave Holdsworth, the company’s Vice President of Marketing, shared, "According to the USDA, eggs should not be left out of the fridge for more than two hours; only one hour if the outside temperature is 90°F or higher."

Food safety 101: The danger zone—temperatures between 40 and 140 degrees Fahrenheit—are where bacteria like Salmonella can thrive. Salmonella is one of the most common foodborne illnesses, with the CDC estimating it causes 1.35 million infections, 26,500 hospitalizations, and 420 deaths in the U.S. each year. Symptoms can appear as soon as six hours after eating and may last up to a week.

How to Safely and Quickly Bring Eggs to Room Temperature

To avoid ruining your next batch of royal icing, either set a timer to remind you when your eggs have been out of the fridge, or if you're in a rush, place them in a bowl of warm water for 5 to 10 minutes. This will take the chill off and bring them to the perfect temperature for baking.

When in doubt, toss them out! Better safe than sorry!