Delight in the elegance of classic French Madeleine cookies with this easy-to-follow recipe that guarantees soft, buttery perfection in every bite. Made with simple pantry staples like all-purpose flour, eggs, and unsalted butter, these delicate shell-shaped treats are elevated with the bright zest of lemon and a touch of fragrant vanilla. The batter's brief chill ensures the signature hump on each cookie, while a quick bake in a Madeleine pan yields a golden, crisp exterior and a pillowy center. Whether dusted with powdered sugar or enjoyed plain, these petite sponge cakes pair beautifully with a cup of tea or coffee, making them ideal for breakfast, an afternoon treat, or an impressive dessert. Perfectly light yet indulgent, Madeleines are a timeless addition to your baking repertoire.
Melt the butter in a small saucepan over low heat or in the microwave, then set it aside to cool slightly.
In a medium-sized mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
In a separate large mixing bowl, whisk the eggs and granulated sugar for about 4-5 minutes until the mixture is pale and thick. You may use a hand mixer or stand mixer for this step.
Gently fold in the vanilla extract and lemon zest into the egg-sugar mixture.
Gradually sift the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, folding gently with a spatula until just incorporated. Do not overmix to maintain a light texture.
Slowly pour the melted butter into the batter, folding until smooth and incorporated. Cover the batter and chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour (or up to overnight).
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a Madeleine pan with butter and a light dusting of flour to prevent sticking.
Spoon about 1 tablespoon of the chilled batter into each shell-shaped mold, filling it about three-quarters full.
Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the signature hump forms in the center.
Allow the Madeleines to cool in the pan for 1-2 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
If desired, dust the cooled Madeleines with powdered sugar before serving.
Serve fresh with tea, coffee, or as a light dessert.
Calories |
1913 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 113.5 g | 146% | |
| Saturated Fat | 63.3 g | 316% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 638 mg | 213% | |
| Sodium | 1200 mg | 52% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 210.6 g | 77% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 3.6 g | 13% | |
| Total Sugars | 116.2 g | ||
| Protein | 25.9 g | 52% | |
| Vitamin D | 2.1 mcg | 10% | |
| Calcium | 104 mg | 8% | |
| Iron | 7.3 mg | 41% | |
| Potassium | 308 mg | 7% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.