Name: Marvelous Madeleines Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 8 min
Total time: 28 min
Cuisine: French
Ingredients: 7 tablespoons unsalted butter (100g); ¾ cup plus 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour (100g); ¼ teaspoon baking powder; Pinch of salt; 2 large eggs, room temperature; ½ cup granulated sugar (100g); 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 teaspoon lemon zest

Ah, marvelous madeleines! These little French delights are the perfect blend of cake and cookie, with a heavenly texture that’s sure to make you swoon. If you’ve been intimidated by the thought of making these at home, fear not! This recipe is foolproof and will have you whipping up batches of these golden beauties in no time.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simplicity at its finest: Don’t let their elegant appearance fool you – these madeleines are surprisingly easy to make!
Versatile treat: Perfect for breakfast, afternoon tea, or as a delightful dessert.
Impressive results: Watch your friends’ jaws drop when you casually mention you made these from scratch.
Customizable flavors: While this recipe features a classic lemon twist, you can easily experiment with other flavors.

Ingredients

Butter: The foundation of flavor, giving richness and that irresistible buttery taste.
Flour: The structure of our madeleines, make sure to measure carefully!
Baking powder: Our leavening agent, giving that signature hump.
Salt: Just a pinch to enhance all the flavors.
Eggs: The key to that light, airy texture we’re after.
Sugar: Sweetness and structure all in one.
Vanilla extract: For that warm, aromatic flavor.
Lemon zest: Adds a bright, citrusy note that’s quintessentially madeleine.
Powdered sugar: For that final, delicate touch of sweetness.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Orange zest: Swap lemon for orange for a different citrus kick.
Chocolate chip: Fold in mini chocolate chips for a decadent twist.
Almond: Add a drop of almond extract and sprinkle with sliced almonds before baking.
Honey lavender: Replace some sugar with honey and add dried lavender for a floral touch.

How to Make Madeleines

Step 1: Prep the Butter

Melt the butter and let it cool to room temperature. This is your chance to brown it for extra flavor if you’re feeling adventurous!

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

Sift together flour, baking powder, and salt. This ensures no lumps and a light texture.

Step 3: Whip the Eggs

Beat eggs and sugar until pale and thick. This is crucial for that light, airy texture we’re after.

Step 4: Add Flavors

Mix in vanilla and lemon zest. The aroma at this point is heavenly!

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry

Gently fold in the dry ingredients. Remember, we’re not making bread here – be gentle!

Step 6: Add Butter

Drizzle in the cooled butter and fold gently. Your batter is almost ready!

Step 7: Chill

Refrigerate the batter for an hour. Patience is a virtue, and it pays off in madeleines!

Step 8: Prep and Bake

Scoop batter into prepared molds and bake until golden. The smell will drive you wild!

Step 9: Cool and Dust

Let them cool briefly, then dust with powdered sugar for that classic finish.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Chill everything: Cold batter + cold pan = perfect hump!
Don’t overmix: Gentle folding preserves the air bubbles for a light texture.
Fill molds carefully: Overfilling can lead to misshapen madeleines.
Watch closely: These little guys can go from golden to burnt quickly.

How to Serve

Madeleines are best enjoyed fresh, ideally still warm from the oven. Serve them:

With a cup of tea or coffee for a classic French experience
Alongside fresh berries for a light dessert
Dipped in chocolate for an indulgent treat
As part of a brunch spread for a touch of elegance

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. They’re best eaten fresh, but a quick zap in the microwave can revive day-old madeleines.

Freezing

Freeze baked and cooled madeleines for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Reheating

A few seconds in the microwave or a quick pass under the broiler can bring back that fresh-baked warmth.

FAQs

Can I make madeleines without a special pan?
While the traditional scallop shape is part of their charm, you can use a mini muffin tin in a pinch. The texture might be slightly different, but they’ll still be delicious.

Why didn’t my madeleines develop the signature hump?
The hump comes from the temperature shock between cold batter and a hot oven. Make sure your batter is well-chilled and your oven is fully preheated.

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
You can, but omit the additional salt in the recipe. Using unsalted butter gives you more control over the final flavor.

How long do madeleines stay fresh?
Madeleines are best enjoyed the day they’re made, but will keep for 2-3 days in an airtight container. They tend to dry out quickly, so eat them up!

There you have it – your ticket to madeleine mastery! These little French cakes are a joy to make and even more of a joy to eat. Don’t be surprised if you find yourself whipping up batch after batch – they have a way of disappearing quickly! So go on, give this recipe a try and treat yourself to a little bit of France right in your own kitchen. Bon appétit!