Madeleines: The Soft and Delicious French Dessert to Prepare at Home

Madeleines are classic French sponge cakes known for their delicate texture, buttery flavor, and signature shell-like shape. These soft, golden treats are perfect with a cup of tea or coffee and make an elegant homemade dessert for any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This madeleine recipe is simple yet produces bakery-quality results at home. The cakes are light, tender, and gently flavored with vanilla and optional lemon zest for a subtle citrus note. Madeleines are quick to prepare and bake, and their charming shape and dusting of powdered sugar make them as beautiful as they are delicious.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
2/3 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Zest of 1 lemon (optional)
Powdered sugar (for dusting)

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 190°C (375°F). Grease and lightly flour a madeleine pan.

2. In a small bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.

3. In a separate large bowl, beat the eggs and sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. Stir in the vanilla extract and lemon zest, if using.

4. Gently fold the dry ingredients into the egg mixture until just combined.

5. Add the melted butter and mix until the batter is smooth and glossy.

6. Spoon the batter into the prepared madeleine molds, filling each about 3/4 full.

7. Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

8. Let the madeleines cool slightly before removing them from the pan. Dust with powdered sugar before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields about 12 madeleines.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 12 minutes
Total time: 27 minutes

Variations

• Replace the lemon zest with orange zest for a different citrus note.

• Add a teaspoon of almond extract for a nutty aroma.

• Dip cooled madeleines in melted chocolate for a decadent finish.

• Sprinkle finely chopped pistachios or almonds over the batter before baking.

• Use browned butter instead of plain melted butter for extra depth of flavor.

Storage/reheating

Store madeleines in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
For longer storage, freeze the madeleines and thaw at room temperature before serving. Warm them briefly in a low oven if desired.

FAQs

Do I need a madeleine pan?

A madeleine pan is traditional and gives the cakes their signature shape, but you can use mini muffin tins if needed.

Can I make the batter ahead of time?

Yes, you can refrigerate the batter for a few hours or overnight. This can help achieve the classic madeleine “hump.”

Why are my madeleines dry?

They may have been overbaked. Check for doneness at the minimum baking time.

Can I use salted butter?

Yes, but reduce or omit the added salt in the recipe.

Are madeleines cakes or cookies?

They are technically small sponge cakes, although often referred to as cookies due to their size.

Can I make these gluten-free?

Yes, use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend designed for baking.

How do I prevent sticking?

Grease and flour the pan thoroughly, or use a baking spray with flour.

Can I flavor them with other extracts?

Yes, try almond, lemon, or orange extract for different flavor profiles.

What do I serve madeleines with?

They are lovely with tea, coffee, or a light fruit compote.

How do I get the classic madeleine hump?

Chill the batter for 30 minutes or more before baking to encourage the hump to form.

Conclusion

Madeleines are a soft, elegant French dessert that is surprisingly easy to make at home. With their light texture, delicate flavor, and beautiful presentation, these little cakes are sure to delight at any gathering or quiet afternoon tea.

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