French Madeleines Recipe

Indulge in the exquisite delight of homemade French Madeleines! These delicate, buttery sponge cakes are incredibly easy to make and melt in your mouth with each bite. Their light and airy texture, combined with a hint of vanilla and citrus zest, creates a truly unforgettable treat. Perfect for afternoon tea, special occasions, or a simple yet elegant dessert, these madeleines are sure to impress. Freeze beautifully for later enjoyment, but be warned – they may not last long!

Prep Time 15 mins
Cook Time 17 mins
Calories 112.8 kcal
Protein 4g
Rating 4.2 (17 Reviews)
French Madeleines

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Recipe Author

Chef Forktionary, author of this recipe

Passionate home cook & Forktionary contributor.

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How to Make French Madeleines

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease and flour a madeleine pan thoroughly.
  2. In a large bowl, beat eggs until light and fluffy (about 3-5 minutes with an electric mixer).
  3. Gradually add the granulated sugar, beating until the mixture is pale and thick.
  4. Gently whisk in the melted butter, vanilla extract, and lemon zest. Mix until just combined.
  5. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and baking powder.
  6. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, gently folding until just incorporated. Do not overmix.
  7. Fill each madeleine mold about ¾ full.
  8. Bake for 8-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  9. Let the madeleines cool in the pan for a few minutes before gently removing them.
  10. Once completely cool, dust with confectioners' sugar and serve immediately.

Chef's Tip for Extra Flavor

Want to unlock deeper, more complex flavors? Try toasting your whole spices before grinding them, or blooming ground spices in a little warm oil to enhance their aroma. Deglazing your pan with a bit of stock, wine, or even water after browning ingredients can capture those tasty caramelized bits, adding richness to your dish.

Nutrition Information (Approximate per serving)

Sodium

3 g

Sugar

33g

Fat

13g

Carbs

5g