Description
Delicate and elegant, these classic French Madeleines are light, buttery sponge cakes with a distinctive shell-like shape. Infused with subtle lemon zest and vanilla, these treats are perfect for afternoon tea or as a sophisticated dessert.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
- 7 tablespoons unsalted butter (100g)
- 3/4 cup plus 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour (100g)
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
- Pinch of salt
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar (100g)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
Powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
- Prepare the Butter:
Melt the butter in the microwave or in a small pot over medium heat. Pour the melted butter into a bowl and allow it to cool to room temperature. - Mix Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Whisk to combine and set aside. - Beat Eggs and Sugar:
In a stand mixer with a whisk attachment or using a handheld mixer, beat the eggs and sugar on high speed for 4-5 minutes until pale yellow and thick. The mixture should leave ribbons when lifted. Mix in vanilla and lemon zest on low speed. - Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Gently fold the dry ingredients into the egg mixture until just combined. Drizzle in the cooled melted butter and mix gently until incorporated. - Chill the Batter:
Cover the batter and refrigerate for 1 hour. - Prepare the Pans:
Spray Madeleine pans with nonstick spray or brush with melted butter. Refrigerate the pans for about 1 hour. - Preheat and Bake:
Preheat the oven to 350°F. Scoop a generous tablespoon of batter into each mold. Bake for 8-10 minutes until golden brown and springy to the touch. - Cool and Serve:
Let the Madeleines cool in the pan for 3 minutes, then turn out to cool completely. Dust with powdered sugar before serving.
Notes
- For added flavor, consider browning the butter before using.
- Measure flour correctly to avoid dry Madeleines. Use a scale or the spoon-and-level method.
- Room temperature eggs whip up better, creating a lighter texture.
- Be gentle when folding ingredients to maintain the airy batter.
- Chilling the batter helps create the signature hump on Madeleines.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 Madeleine
- Calories: 80kcal
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 20mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
