Description
Madeleines are buttery, shell-shaped cakes that blend French elegance with simple flavors. Perfect with tea or coffee, these soft, golden treats bring a touch of Paris to your home. Learn how to create these delicate pastries with this easy-to-follow recipe, and discover creative ways to enjoy them.
Ingredients
Scale
Prepare the Batter:
- In a mixing bowl, whisk the eggs and sugar together until pale and fluffy (about 3-5 minutes).
- Stir in the vanilla extract and lemon zest.
Combine Dry Ingredients:
- In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the egg mixture, being careful not to overmix.
Add Butter:
- Gently fold in the melted butter until the batter is smooth and shiny. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or up to overnight).
Prepare the Pan:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a madeleine pan with butter and dust lightly with flour to prevent sticking.
Fill the Molds:
- Spoon the chilled batter into the molds, filling each about 3/4 full.
Bake:
- Bake for 8–10 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the centers spring back when lightly touched.
Cool and Serve:
- Allow the madeleines to cool in the pan for 2 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Dust with powdered sugar and serve warm or at room temperature.
Instructions
Prepare the Batter:
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs and sugar until pale and fluffy (about 3-5 minutes).
Add Flavor:
- Stir in the vanilla extract and lemon zest to the egg mixture.
Mix Dry Ingredients:
- In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
Combine:
- Gradually fold the dry mixture into the egg mixture. Be gentle to avoid deflating the batter.
Incorporate Butter:
- Slowly fold in the melted and cooled butter until the batter is smooth and fully combined.
Chill:
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or up to overnight).
Preheat Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease the madeleine pan with butter and lightly dust with flour.
Fill Molds:
- Spoon the chilled batter into the molds, filling each about 3/4 full.
Bake:
- Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the centers spring back when lightly touched.
Cool and Serve:
- Allow the madeleines to cool in the pan for 2 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Dust with powdered sugar and serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- Chilling is Key: Refrigerating the batter ensures the iconic hump forms during baking.
- Flavor Variations: Try orange zest, cinnamon, or almond extract for a twist.
- Storage: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Freeze for longer storage.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus 1 hour chilling)
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 madeleine
- Calories: 90 kcal
- Sugar: 6G
- Sodium: 50MG
- Fat: 5G
- Saturated Fat: 3G
- Unsaturated Fat: 2G
- Trans Fat: 0G
- Carbohydrates: 10G
- Fiber: 0.5G
- Protein: 2G
- Cholesterol: 30MG