These Madeleines are the perfect blend of buttery richness and delicate sweetness, with a golden, shell-shaped exterior that’s crisp yet tender. In just 24 minutes, you can create a batch of these French classics that melt in your mouth, leaving a hint of vanilla and a light, airy crumb. They’re ideal for tea time, dessert, or a thoughtful homemade gift.
With their soft, spongy texture and a subtle caramelized edge, these Madeleines are as delightful to eat as they are to make. The recipe is surprisingly simple, requiring only a handful of ingredients and minimal effort. Whether you’re a baking novice or a seasoned pro, these treats will impress with their elegant flavor and irresistible charm.
Ingredients for Perfect Madeleines
- For Coating the Pan:
- 1 Tablespoon unsalted butter (melted)
- 1 ½ teaspoons all-purpose flour
- For Madeleines:
- 10 Tablespoons (141 g) unsalted butter, cut into pieces
- 2 large eggs (room temperature)
- ½ cup (100 g) granulated sugar
- 3 Tablespoons light brown sugar (firmly packed)
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- ⅛ teaspoon salt
- 1 ¼ cup (155 g) all-purpose flour (sifted)
- 2 teaspoons lemon or orange zest (optional, for added flavor)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Whisk together 1 Tablespoon melted butter and 1 ½ teaspoons flour. Use a pastry brush to thoroughly grease every cavity of your madeleine pan. Set aside.
- Melt Butter: In a small heatproof bowl, melt the remaining 10 Tablespoons of butter. Set aside to cool slightly.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine eggs, granulated sugar, brown sugar, vanilla extract, and salt. Whisk vigorously for about 30 seconds until thoroughly combined.
- Add Flour: Sift the flour into the egg mixture, adding about ⅓ at a time. Gently stir into the egg mixture after each addition.
- Incorporate Butter and Zest: Drizzle the cooled melted butter around the edge of the batter. Add zest if using. Gently fold into the batter with a spatula until combined (avoid over-mixing).
- Fill Pan: Drop batter by heaping Tablespoon into the prepared madeleine pan.
- Bake: Transfer to the center rack of the preheated oven. Bake for 9 minutes or until madeleines are light golden brown and spring back when lightly touched.
- Cool: Remove from the oven and transfer to a cooling rack immediately.
- Repeat if Needed: If your pan didn’t hold all the batter, let it cool, re-brush with the butter/flour mixture, and bake the next batch.
- Serve: Optionally, sprinkle with powdered sugar or dip in melted chocolate before serving.
Perfect Pairings: Sauce and Topping Ideas
Elevate your madeleines with a drizzle of melted chocolate or a dusting of powdered sugar for a classic touch. For a fruity twist, serve with a side of raspberry coulis or lemon curd. If you’re feeling adventurous, try a dollop of whipped cream or a sprinkle of toasted almonds for added texture and flavor.
Serve with Style: Presentation Tips
Madeleines are perfect for tea time or dessert! Arrange them on a vintage platter or tiered stand for an elegant touch. Pair with a cup of hot tea or espresso to complement their delicate flavor. For a festive touch, add a sprig of fresh mint or edible flowers to your serving tray.
Keep Them Fresh: Storage and Reheating Tips
Store madeleines in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To revive their texture, warm them in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 2-3 minutes. For longer storage, freeze in a ziplock bag for up to 1 month and thaw at room temperature before serving.
Mix It Up: Recipe Variations
Experiment with different flavors by swapping the lemon zest for orange zest or adding a pinch of cinnamon to the batter. For a nutty twist, fold in finely chopped pistachios or almonds. Chocolate lovers can add mini chocolate chips for a decadent treat.
Madeleine Mastery: Equipment Guidance
A non-stick madeleine pan is essential for achieving the perfect shape and easy release. If you don’t have a pastry brush, use a paper towel to evenly coat the pan with the butter-flour mixture. For precise measurements, a kitchen scale ensures accuracy, especially for the butter and flour.
Madeleines (the Best, Easiest Recipe, with Video!)
Ingredients
For Coating the Pan:
- 1 Tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1 ½ teaspoons all-purpose flour
For Madeleines:
- 10 Tablespoons unsalted butter cut into pieces
- 2 large eggs room temperature
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 3 Tablespoons light brown sugar firmly packed
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- ⅛ teaspoon salt
- 1 ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons lemon or orange zest optional
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375F (190C) and whisk together 1 Tablespoon melted butter and 1 ½ teaspoons flour. Use a pastry brush to lightly but thoroughly grease every cavity of your madeleine pan. Set aside.
- In a small heatproof bowl, melt remaining 10 Tablespoons of butter. Set aside to cool.
- In a large bowl, combine eggs, sugars, vanilla extract, and salt. Whisk vigorously until thoroughly combined (about 30 seconds).
- Sift flour into the egg mixture, about ⅓ of the flour at a time, gently stirring into egg mixture after each addition.
- Drizzle cooled melted butter around the edge of the batter and add zest, if using. Gently fold into batter using a spatula until ingredients are thoroughly combined (but do not over-mix).
- Drop batter by heaping Tablespoon into prepared pan.
- Transfer to center rack of 375F (190C) preheated oven and bake for 9 minutes or madeleines are light golden brown and spring back when lightly touched. Remove to a cooling rack to cool immediately.
- If your madeleine pan did not hold all of the batter, allow the pan to cool before re-brushing with butter/flour mixture and refilling with batter and baking your next batch.
- If desired, sprinkle madeleines with additional powdered sugar or dip in melted chocolate before serving.