Description
Marvelous Madeleines are delicate French sponge cakes with a buttery texture and a subtle hint of lemon and almond. These golden brown shell-shaped cookies are perfect for tea time or as a sophisticated dessert, featuring a light crumb and a characteristic hump achieved by chilling the batter before baking.
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients
- 2/3 cup (85g) all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 2 large eggs (room temperature)
- 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
- 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter (melted and slightly cooled)
- Zest of 1 lemon (optional)
For Finishing
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
- Prepare dry ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt to ensure even distribution and to avoid lumps.
- Beat eggs and sugar: In a large bowl, using a hand mixer or stand mixer on high speed, beat the eggs and granulated sugar for about 5 minutes until thick, pale, and ribbon-like, which incorporates air for light texture.
- Add flavorings: Gently fold in the vanilla extract, almond extract (if using), and lemon zest without deflating the egg mixture to retain the aeration.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients: Sift the dry ingredients over the egg mixture and fold gently until just combined, avoiding overmixing to keep the batter airy.
- Incorporate melted butter: Gradually fold in the melted, slightly cooled butter carefully to maintain batter integrity and texture.
- Chill the batter: Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or up to overnight; this step is crucial for developing the classic madeleine hump during baking.
- Prepare for baking: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease and lightly flour a madeleine pan to prevent sticking and promote even browning.
- Spoon batter into molds: Place about 1 tablespoon of batter into each mold, avoiding spreading to allow natural rising and shaping.
- Bake: Bake the madeleines for 9–11 minutes until they turn golden brown and spring back when lightly touched, indicating doneness.
- Cool and finish: Remove from oven, let cool for a few minutes in the pan, then transfer to a wire rack. Dust with powdered sugar before serving for a delicate finish.
Notes
- Chilling the batter is essential to achieve the signature hump on madeleines.
- Lemon zest adds brightness but can be substituted with orange zest or omitted if preferred.
- Almond extract enhances flavor with subtle nutty notes but is optional.
- Do not overmix the batter to maintain a light and airy texture.
- Use room temperature eggs for better volume when beating.
- Ensure the melted butter is not hot to avoid cooking the eggs prematurely.
