The hallmarks of a perfect madeleine cookie recipe are charming scalloped shell texture on one side and a nice tall hump on the side that isn’t scalloped. Getting the madeleine hump to rise can be tricky, according to many home cooks on the internet. However, with good ingredient ratios and baking powder, it’s totally effortless. Besides looking elegant, madeleine cookies are a delight to indulge in. They’re soft and airy, with a hint of crispness, thanks to the copious amount of sugar in the batter. That’s probably why they’re the perfect compliment to a steaming cup of coffee or an afternoon tea. ☕ I’m not here to debate words anyway. The important thing is how buttery and delicious they are! 😜
Recipe Ingredients
How to Make Madeleine Cookies
Make the Batter
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour your madeleine pan or spray it with non-stick cooking spray. Whip – In a mixing bowl, beat the eggs (or egg whites) and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Then, stir in the vanilla extract. (Photos 1-2) Sift the flour, baking powder, and salt into a separate bowl. (Photo 3) Combine the flour mixture with the beaten eggs a little at a time and fold using a spatula until all the flour has been added. Add the grated lemon zest if using. (Photos 4-7) Butter – Slowly pour the melted butter in and continue folding until thoroughly combined. Scrape down the sides of the bowl. (Photo 8)
Make the Madeleines
Fill Mold – Spoon the batter into the prepared madeleine molds, filling each one about three-quarters full. After filling the molds, gently tap the pan on the counter to release air bubbles for an even texture. (Photo 9) Bake for 8-10 minutes or until lightly golden around the edges and they spring back when lightly pressed. (Photo 10) Cool – Remove the madeleines from the oven and let them cool in the mold for a few minutes. Then transfer them to a wire rack to completely cool. Serve – Once cooled, dust the madeleines with powdered sugar if desired. Enjoy your homemade madeleines with a cup of tea or coffee!
Recipe Variations
Tips and Tricks
Make-Ahead and Storage Instructions
Madeleines taste best fresh, but you can certainly serve them the next day. You can also freeze them after they’ve completely cooled for up to three months. If you have leftovers (big if), store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days.
What Goes With Madeleine Cookies
Madeleines are a delight with afternoon tea or coffee and a few other fun pastry desserts. Serve them with easy pecan pie bars, red velvet cupcakes, and coffee cake for a teatime your friends won’t forget quickly! 😉
More Bite-Sized Dessert Recipes to Try
Watch How to Make It
[adthrive-in-post-video-player video-id=”2pxkLsVO” upload-date=”2020-08-09T04:43:27.000Z” name=”Madeleines” description=”Madeleines – luscious bite-sized light sponge cakes with crispy edges. Perfect after snacks or some me time break. You’ll be popping with this one after the other. Amazingly addictive!” player-type=”collapse” override-embed=”false”] This blog post was originally published in February 2013 and has been updated with additional tips, new photos, and a video
