Classic French Madeleines Recipe: Buttery Shell-Shaped Tea Cakes with Lemon Zest
Delicate, golden, and irresistibly tender, these French madeleines are the epitome of elegance in a bite-sized treat. With their signature scalloped shells and subtle lemon fragrance, they’re perfect for afternoon tea, brunch, or gifting. This foolproof recipe demystifies the process, ensuring crisp edges and fluffy interiors every time.
Prep Time:
15 minutes
Cook Time:
18 minutes
Calories:
~110 kcal per madeleine
ingredients
For the Madeleines
½ cup (1 stick / 113g) unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled (browned butter for deeper flavor)
2 large eggs, room temperature
½ cup (100g) granulated sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 tbsp lemon zest (or orange zest for variation)
1 cup (120g) all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled
½ tsp baking powder
⅛ tsp salt
For Finishing
2 tbsp powdered sugar (for dusting).
Directions
1. Brown the Butter (Optional but Recommended)
Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat, swirling until golden-brown and nutty. Strain through a fine sieve to remove solids. Let cool to warm (not hot).
2. Whip Eggs and Sugar
Beat eggs and sugar with a mixer for 5–8 minutes until pale, thick, and ribbon-like (when lifted, batter falls slowly and leaves a trail) 812.
Mix in vanilla and lemon zest.
3. Fold in Dry Ingredients
Sift together flour, baking powder, and salt. Gently fold into egg mixture in 3 additions to avoid deflating.
4. Incorporate Butter
Fold in melted butter until just combined. Cover and chill batter for 1–4 hours (or overnight) for taller “humps”.
5. Prep the Pan
Brush a madeleine pan with melted butter and dust with flour. Freeze for 10 minutes.
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
6. Bake to Perfection
Spoon 1 tbsp batter into each mold (fills ¾ full). Bake for 10–12 minutes until edges are golden and centers spring back.
Cool in pan for 1 minute, then transfer to a rack. Dust with powdered sugar while warm.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I skip chilling the batter?
No! Chilling ensures the iconic “hump” by creating a temperature contrast with the hot oven.
2. Why did my madeleines stick?
Ensure the pan is thoroughly greased and floured. Non-stick pans work best.
3. Can I use a muffin tin instead?
Yes, but they’ll lack the classic shape and hump. Silicone molds are not recommended for even browning.
4. How do I store leftovers?
Keep in an airtight container for 2 days at room temperature or freeze unfrosted for 1 month.
5. Can I add chocolate or other flavors?
Yes! Dip cooled madeleines in melted chocolate or add 1 tsp almond extract for variation.
Tools You'll Need
Madeleine pan (non-stick metal recommended)
Hand mixer or stand mixer
Silicone spatula
Pastry brush (for greasing pans).
Tips
Room-temperature eggs whip better for volume.
Brown the butter for a nutty, sophisticated flavor.
Do not overfill molds—batter should cover ¾ of each cavity to prevent spreading.
Serve warm for the best texture (reheat briefly if needed).
Allergy Information
Contains: Eggs, Dairy, Gluten
Dairy-Free: Use plant-based butter and dairy-free chocolate.
Gluten-Free: Substitute with 1:1 gluten-free flour blend (texture may be denser).
Conclusion
These classic French madeleines are a testament to the magic of simple ingredients transformed into something extraordinary. Whether enjoyed with a cup of tea or shared as a heartfelt gift, their delicate charm never fails to delight.
We’d love to see your creations! Tag your photos online and let us know how your madeleines turned out. Happy baking!
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