What to Use If You Don’t Have a Pastry Brush?

If you've ever tried your hand at baking, you’ve probably encountered the instruction to "brush melted butter or egg wash evenly over the dough." And then you realize... you don’t have a pastry brush!

A pastry brush isn't like a spatula or whisk — it's one of those tools you don’t realize you need until the moment you need it. I was reminded of this just last week when a friend asked if there was anything she could use to brush melted butter onto her biscuit dough before baking. She didn't have a pastry brush, but was looking for a substitute that would give her biscuits that golden, flaky finish.

The good news is, there are several substitutes you can use when you don’t have a pastry brush. That said, I will admit, a real pastry brush is well worth the investment. It works quickly and evenly, and does the job far more effectively than most alternatives. Beyond glazes and egg washes, a pastry brush is also perfect for greasing pans with oil or butter. I recommend using a natural or nylon brush for baking; silicone ones are fine, but tend to be a bit bulky and are better suited for brushing meat.

That said, I first found myself in the "uh-oh" situation during college, and I can confidently say that there was no way I was going to stop mid-recipe to go buy a pastry brush. So, when you're in a pinch, use one of these alternatives and add a pastry brush to your shopping list for the future.

An Untouched Paint Brush

If you have an unused paintbrush in your DIY stash, it can work as a perfect substitute for a pastry brush. This was my go-to when I found myself without a pastry brush, and I ended up using it for quite some time. Just be aware that some paintbrushes tend to shed bristles, so handle with care.

An Extra Toothbrush

If you're one of those people who always keeps extra toothbrushes on hand, you're in luck! A new, unused toothbrush can serve as a makeshift pastry brush in a pinch. The downside is that the bristles tend to be stiffer and shorter than a true pastry brush, but with a light touch, it still gets the job done.

A Spoon and Paper Towel

This method won’t give you the utmost precision, but it will get the job done. Simply use a spoon to drizzle your brushing liquid over the pastry, then quickly follow up with a loosely crumpled paper towel to blot and spread it. Dipping the towel lightly in the liquid as you go will help ensure a more even coat.

Coffee Filters

A coffee filter has a wonderfully textured surface that makes it a great stand-in for a pastry brush. Just bunch the filter at the base, dip the edges into your brushing liquid, and you’re good to go.

Parchment Paper

Another clever hack is to use parchment paper as a makeshift pastry brush. Cut a piece about 10 to 12 inches long, fold it into a rectangle, then fold it again into a smaller rectangle. On the shorter, unfolded side, snip vertical strips to create your bristles.