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Golden madeleines dusted with powdered sugar on a white plate with lavender flowers around.

French Madeleines

Ella
Fresh madeleines feel light, soft, and tender inside with a crisp, buttery shell on the outside.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 27 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine French
Servings 12 madeleines
Calories 83 kcal

Ingredients
  

For the batter

  • 1 cup all purpose flour sifted and leveled
  • 0.5 teaspoon baking powder
  • 0.125 teaspoon salt
  • 2 large eggs at room temperature
  • 0.5 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 teaspoons fresh lemon zest
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the butter

  • 0.5 cup unsalted butter melted
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter for brushing the pan

Optional for serving

  • confectioners sugar for a light dusting

Instructions
 

  • Melt the butter in a small pot or in the microwave. Set it aside to cool slightly while you prepare the batter. It should remain liquid but not hot.
  • In a large bowl, beat the eggs and sugar on high speed for 8 minutes using a hand or stand mixer. The mix should be pale, thick, and fall in slow ribbons.
  • Add lemon zest and vanilla. Mix until just combined.
  • In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Fold this dry mix into the egg mixture in two parts using a spatula. Stop folding as soon as no dry spots remain.
  • Scoop a small portion of the batter into the melted butter and stir until smooth. Fold this back into the main batter until silky.
  • Cover and refrigerate the batter for at least 30 minutes.
  • Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C). Melt the extra butter and brush each well of the madeleine pan lightly.
  • Remove batter from fridge and do not stir. Spoon a rounded tablespoon into the center of each pan well.
  • Bake for 10–12 minutes until tops spring back when lightly pressed. Invert the pan to release the cakes and cool on a rack.
  • Dust with confectioners sugar before serving if desired. Enjoy fresh for best texture. Store extras in an airtight container.

Notes

For best release, grease the pan with melted butter or a mix of butter and flour. Cold batter helps create a tall hump. Avoid overmixing to keep the airy texture. Try flavor variations like orange zest, almond extract, or a touch of matcha.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

Calories 83 kcal
 Carbohydrates 9 g
 Protein 1 g
 Fat 4 g
 Saturated Fat 3 g
 Polyunsaturated Fat 0.3 g
 Monounsaturated Fat 1 g
 Trans Fat 0.2 g
 Cholesterol 33 mg
 Sodium 39 mg
 Potassium 16 mg
 Fiber 0.2 g
 Sugar 6 g
 Vitamin A 151 IU
 Vitamin C 0.2 mg
 Calcium 15 mg
 Iron 0.4 mg
Keyword cake with hump, crisp edges, French cakes, Madeleines recipe, shell shaped cakes