Classic French Madeleines
If you’ve ever sunk your teeth into a classic French madeleine, you know these delicate little cookies are something special. With their soft, buttery texture, iconic shell shape, and a hint of vanilla and citrus, they are the perfect companion to a cup of tea or coffee. This recipe will guide you through making perfect homemade madeleines from scratch, ensuring you achieve that signature madeleine hump and rich flavor every time.
Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Electric mixer (optional, but helps with aeration)
- Spatula
- Madeleine pan
- Pastry brush (for greasing the pan)
- Plastic wrap (for chilling the batter)
- Wire rack (for cooling)
- Sifter (for dusting with powdered sugar, optional)
Ingredients
- For the Madeleines:
- 1 cup 125g all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 2 large eggs
- ⅔ cup 80g powdered sugar
- ½ cup 113g unsalted French butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Zest of 1 lemon or orange for a citrusy twist
- 2 tablespoons milk optional, to adjust consistency
- A pinch of salt
- For Preparing the Pan:
- 2 tablespoons melted butter for greasing
- 1 tablespoon flour for dusting
Instructions
- Prepare the Dry Ingredients:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and a pinch of salt. Set aside.
- Whisk the Eggs and Sugar:
- In a separate mixing bowl, whisk the eggs and powdered sugar together until the mixture becomes pale and thick. This should take about 3-4 minutes using an electric mixer on medium speed.
- Incorporate the Butter and Flavorings:
- Gently fold in the melted butter, vanilla extract, and lemon zest, making sure not to deflate the airiness of the batter.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the egg mixture, folding gently until just combined. If the batter is too thick, add the milk to loosen it slightly.
- Chill the Batter:
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the batter for at least 30 minutes (or up to 1 hour). This step helps create the signature madeleine hump during baking.
- Preheat the Oven & Prepare the Pan:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a madeleine pan with melted butter and dust lightly with flour.
- Fill the Molds:
- Spoon about 1 to 1.5 teaspoons of batter into each mold. Do not spread the batter; it will distribute evenly as it bakes.
- Bake the Madeleines:
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are golden brown and the signature hump has formed in the center.
- Cool & Serve:
- Remove the madeleines from the oven and let them sit in the pan for 1 minute before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Dust with powdered sugar if desired.
Notes
Achieving the Perfect Hump: Chilling the batter and baking at a high temperature are key to forming the classic madeleine hump. Storage Tips: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Reheat briefly in the oven before serving for a fresh-out-of-the-oven taste. Flavor Variations: Swap lemon zest for orange or lime, or add a dash of almond extract for a different twist. Serving Suggestions: Enjoy warm with tea, coffee, or hot chocolate for an authentic French experience. This recipe ensures you achieve perfectly soft, buttery, and flavorful madeleines every time. Happy baking! 🥄💛
Nutrition Information (Per Madeleine):
- Calories: 120
- Fat: 7g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Protein: 2g