Classic French Madeleines Recipe

Ingredients

  • 2 large eggs
  • 2/3 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon lemon zest
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled
  • Confectioners' sugar for dusting

Steps and instructions

  1. In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, granulated sugar, and vanilla until well combined.
  2. Add in the lemon zest and stir until well blended.
  3. Sift in the all-purpose flour and baking powder into the mix, whisking continuously to avoid lumps.
  4. Slowly pour in the melted butter while stirring the batter. Make sure that the butter is completely incorporated.
  5. Cover the bowl with a piece of plastic wrap and let the batter rest in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour. This allows the flavors to meld together and helps to achieve the characteristic "bump" on the madeleines.
  6. Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Butter and flour madeleine pans or use non-stick cooking spray.
  7. Fill each mold about 3/4 full with the batter.
  8. Bake in the preheated oven for about 10-12 minutes, or until the madeleines are golden brown and the edges are slightly crisp.
  9. Remove the madeleines from the oven and let them cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring onto a wire rack.
  10. Dust the cooled madeleines with confectioners' sugar before serving.

Tools for making

  • Madeleine pan - A specialized pan with shell-shaped molds used to bake madeleines.
  • Whisk - To mix the ingredients together and ensure they are well combined.
  • Spatula - To fold in the flour and gently incorporate the melted butter into the batter.
  • Grater or zester - To zest the lemon and add a hint of citrus flavor to the madeleines.
  • Bowl - A large bowl to mix and rest the batter before baking.
  • Plastic wrap - To cover the bowl and let the batter rest in the refrigerator.
  • Oven - To preheat and bake the madeleines.
  • Wire rack - To cool the baked madeleines and allow air circulation.
  • Sifter - To sift the flour and baking powder, ensuring a smooth batter without any lumps.

Recipe variations

  • Adding chocolate chips or finely chopped nuts to the batter for added texture and flavor.
  • Using different citrus zests like orange or lime instead of lemon zest.
  • Replacing the all-purpose flour with almond flour for a gluten-free version.
  • Experimenting with different extracts like almond or orange extract to change the flavor profile.
  • Adding a teaspoon of matcha powder to the batter for a green tea twist.
  • Dipping the cooled madeleines in melted chocolate for a decadent touch.
  • Sprinkling the batter with cinnamon or nutmeg before baking for a warm and cozy flavor.
  • Replacing the vanilla extract with rosewater or lavender extract for a floral twist.
  • Adding a small amount of lemon or orange juice to the batter for a tangy kick.
  • Using brown sugar instead of granulated sugar for a richer taste.

Recipe overview

Delight in homemade French Madeleines with this easy-to-follow recipe. Madeleines are a classic French pastry that are light, buttery, and perfectly sweet. They are known for their distinctive shell-like shape and the characteristic 'bump' on their reverse side. This recipe uses simple ingredients like eggs, flour, sugar, and butter, along with a hint of vanilla and lemon zest to bring out an amazing flavor. Once baked, these tiny cakes have a lovely golden color, with slightly crisp edges and a soft, spongy center. To finish, a dusting of confectioners' sugar adds an extra touch of sweetness. Enjoy these delightful treats with a cup of tea or coffee. This recipe will guide you through the process of making madeleines in your own kitchen, promising a result that is as delicious as it is beautiful.

Common questions

  1. Can I make madeleines without a madeleine pan?
    Yes, you can use a mini muffin pan as a substitute for a madeleine pan. The shape will be slightly different, but the taste will still be delicious.
  2. How do I store madeleines?
    Madeleines are best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
  3. Can I freeze madeleines?
    Yes, you can freeze madeleines. Place them in an airtight container or freezer bag and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
  4. Why should I let the batter rest in the refrigerator?
    Allowing the batter to rest in the refrigerator helps the flavors to develop. It also allows the gluten in the flour to relax, resulting in a lighter and more tender texture.
  5. How can I achieve the characteristic "bump" on madeleines?
    The "bump" on madeleines is formed by chilling the batter and then baking it at a high temperature. Make sure to follow the recipe instructions for letting the batter rest in the refrigerator and preheating the oven to the specified temperature for the best results.
  6. Can I add any additional flavorings to the madeleine batter?
    Absolutely! You can experiment with adding different flavorings such as almond extract, orange zest, or even chocolate chips to the batter to customize the taste of your madeleines.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Madeleine Pan - A specialized baking pan with shell-shaped molds that are perfect for making madeleines.
  • Wire Rack - Used for cooling the baked madeleines, allowing air to circulate around them and prevent them from becoming soggy.
  • Sifter - Useful for sifting the flour and baking powder, ensuring a smooth and lump-free batter.
  • Whisk - Used for combining the eggs, sugar, vanilla, and lemon zest, as well as incorporating the dry ingredients into the batter.
  • Plastic Wrap - Used to cover the bowl of batter and allow it to rest in the refrigerator, helping to enhance the flavor and texture of the madeleines.
  • Confectioners' Sugar Sifter - Optional, but helpful for easily dusting the finished madeleines with a light coating of powdered sugar.

Origin stories

Madeleines, these delightful small shell-shaped sponge cakes, trace their origin back to the Lorraine region in northeastern France. An iconic anecdote tells us that they were named after a young maid, Madeleine Paulmier, who served at the court of Stanislas Leczinski, the Duke of Lorraine, in the late 18th century. One day, as the story goes, the chef at the duke's castle quit in a huff, leaving the kitchen in disarray. In this dire situation, young Madeleine stepped in and quickly whipped up these simple yet delectable cakes using her grandmother's recipe. The Duke was so impressed with the cakes that he not only named them after Madeleine but also introduced them to other courts in Europe, including the royal court in Versailles. Thus, the humble Madeleine began its journey from a simple peasant cake to a symbol of French culinary elegance.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.