Recipe

Authentic French Madeleines

Delicate French Tea Cakes: A Taste of Parisian Elegance

4.8 out of 5

Indulge in the delicate and buttery goodness of Authentic French Madeleines. These classic French tea cakes are a staple in French patisseries and are known for their distinctive shell-like shape. With a hint of lemon zest and a soft, spongy texture, these Madeleines are the perfect treat to enjoy with a cup of tea or coffee.

Dessert› Cookie› Madeleines

European cuisine› Western European cuisine› French cuisine

Preparation time

Preparation time: 15 minutes

Cooking time

Cooking time: 10-12 minutes

Total time

Total time: 55 minutes (including chilling time)

Yields

12 Madeleines

Preparation difficulty

Easy

Suitable for

Vegetarian, Pescatarian, Kosher, Halal, Low Sodium

Allergens

Eggs, Dairy (butter)

Not suitable for

Vegan, Gluten-free, Dairy-free, Egg-free, Nut-free

Ingredients

3/4 cup (170g) unsalted butter, melted and cooled 3/4 cup (170g) unsalted butter, melted and cooled
3 large eggs 3 large eggs
3/4 cup (150g) granulated sugar 3/4 cup (150g) granulated sugar
1 cup (125g) all-purpose flour 1 cup (125g) all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon salt
Zest of 1 lemon Zest of 1 lemon
Powdered sugar, for dusting Powdered sugar, for dusting

Nutrition

Calories (kcal / KJ): 180 kcal / 753 KJ
Fat: 10g (Saturated Fat: 6g)
Carbohydrates: 20g (Sugar: 12g)
Protein: 3g
Fiber: 0.5g
Salt: 0.1g

Preparation

1.
Preheat the oven to 190°C (375°F). Grease the Madeleine pans with butter or cooking spray.
2.
In a mixing bowl, whisk the eggs and granulated sugar together until pale and fluffy.
3.
In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
4.
Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the egg mixture until just combined.
5.
Add the melted butter and lemon zest to the batter, gently folding until fully incorporated.
6.
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
7.
Spoon the chilled batter into the prepared Madeleine pans, filling each mold about 3/4 full.
8.
Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the Madeleines are golden brown and have a slight hump on the back.
9.
Remove from the oven and let them cool in the pans for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
10.
Dust with powdered sugar before serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

Butter — Make sure the melted butter is cooled before adding it to the batter. This prevents the eggs from curdling.
Lemon zest — Use a fine grater to zest the lemon, avoiding the bitter white pith. The zest adds a bright citrus flavor to the Madeleines.

Tips & Tricks

To achieve a pronounced hump on the back of the Madeleines, refrigerate the batter for at least 30 minutes before baking.
For a variation, you can add a teaspoon of vanilla extract to the batter for a subtle vanilla flavor.
Serve the Madeleines warm for the best taste and texture.
Dust the Madeleines with powdered sugar just before serving to add an elegant touch.
Store any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days.

Serving advice

Serve the Authentic French Madeleines as a delightful accompaniment to afternoon tea or coffee. Arrange them on a beautiful platter and dust them with powdered sugar for an elegant presentation. Enjoy them warm for the ultimate indulgence.

Presentation advice

For an eye-catching presentation, arrange the Madeleines on a tiered cake stand or a decorative plate. Sprinkle some additional lemon zest or edible flowers on top for a pop of color. Serve them alongside a pot of freshly brewed tea or a steaming cup of coffee.