Classic French Madeleines Recipe: A Timeless Delight for Every Occasion

French Madeleines

These French Madeleines are light, buttery, and filled with a touch of citrus, making them a perfect treat for any occasion.

I absolutely love making French Madeleines because they remind me of cozy afternoons with a cup of tea. The delicate texture and buttery flavor of these little cakes always make me smile. Plus, they’re so easy to make! This French Madeleines recipe is simple yet elegant and will impress your guests every time. Let me share how I prepare these delightful treats.

Ingredients

  • 1¼ cups (150g) all-purpose flour, plus extra for dusting
  • ¾ cup (150g) sugar
  • 3 extra-large eggs
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 2¼ teaspoons baking powder
  • ⅔ cup (150g) salted butter
  • Finely grated zest of 1 lemon
  • Confectioners’ sugar, to dust (optional)

Instructions:

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Don’t forget to grease your madeleine pan with a little butter and dust it with flour. This helps the madeleines pop out easily once they’re done baking.
  2. In a small pot, melt the butter over low heat, and then set it aside to cool down for a bit.
  3. In a big bowl, whisk together the eggs and sugar for about 3-4 minutes. You want the mixture to be light and fluffy. It’s okay if it takes a minute—just keep mixing!
  4. Sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt in a separate bowl. Gently fold these dry ingredients into your egg mixture. Don’t over-mix; we want to keep things nice and airy!
  5. Stir in the lemon zest for that fresh citrus kick, then slowly pour in the melted butter. Mix until everything is nicely combined.
  6. Spoon the batter into your madeleine pan. Fill each mold about halfway—don’t go all the way to the top or they’ll overflow while baking.
  7. Pop them into the oven and bake for 10-12 minutes. They should be golden on the edges, and a toothpick should come out clean when you poke them.
  8. Once they’re done, let them cool for a few minutes in the pan, then flip them out onto a wire rack to finish cooling completely.
  9. If you like, dust the madeleines with powdered sugar before serving. They look super fancy and taste even better!

French Madeleines

These French Madeleines are light, buttery, and filled with a touch of citrus, making them a perfect treat for any occasion.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Servings: 30
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: British
Calories: 130

Ingredients
  

  • cups 150g all-purpose flour, plus extra for dusting
  • ¾ cup 150g sugar
  • 3 extra-large eggs
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • teaspoons baking powder
  • cup 150g salted butter
  • Finely grated zest of 1 lemon
  • Confectioners’ sugar to dust (optional)

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Don’t forget to grease your madeleine pan with a little butter and dust it with flour. This helps the madeleines pop out easily once they’re done baking.
  2. In a small pot, melt the butter over low heat, and then set it aside to cool down for a bit.
  3. In a big bowl, whisk together the eggs and sugar for about 3-4 minutes. You want the mixture to be light and fluffy. It’s okay if it takes a minute—just keep mixing!
  4. Sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt in a separate bowl. Gently fold these dry ingredients into your egg mixture. Don’t over-mix; we want to keep things nice and airy!
  5. Stir in the lemon zest for that fresh citrus kick, then slowly pour in the melted butter. Mix until everything is nicely combined.
  6. Spoon the batter into your madeleine pan. Fill each mold about halfway—don’t go all the way to the top or they’ll overflow while baking.
  7. Pop them into the oven and bake for 10-12 minutes. They should be golden on the edges, and a toothpick should come out clean when you poke them.
  8. Once they’re done, let them cool for a few minutes in the pan, then flip them out onto a wire rack to finish cooling completely.
  9. If you like, dust the madeleines with powdered sugar before serving. They look super fancy and taste even better!

If you’re looking for more baking inspiration, check out our Madeleine Recipe.

Nutritional Value (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 130 kcal
  • Carbs: 18g
  • Protein: 2g
  • Fat: 7g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Sugar: 10g

Conclusion

Making French Madeleines at home is a rewarding experience. They come out light, fluffy, and just sweet enough to satisfy any craving. The touch of lemon zest adds a lovely fresh flavor that makes them stand out. Serve them with a cup of tea or coffee, and you’ll have a delightful treat ready in no time. Enjoy these perfect little cakes!

Lucy M.

Hi, I’m Lucy M., the cook and baker behind Pure Delicious. I’ve always loved creating comforting, flavourful food—especially anything sweet from the oven! Inspired by British legends like Mary Berry, I enjoy sharing easy, feel-good recipes that anyone can make at home.

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