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DessertSnack

Classic Madeleines

These delicate shell-shaped French cakes are light, airy, and boast a signature 'hump' on top. Flavored with lemon zest, they are perfect alongside a cup of tea or coffee. Enjoy them fresh for the best texture and taste.

An original recipe by Forkin

Total time
1 hr 30 min
Serves
12
Difficulty
Medium
Per serving
154 kcal
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Vegetarian

Allergen information: may contain eggs, gluten, and milk. Always check ingredient packaging if you have an allergy.

Classic Madeleines

Mise en place

Ingredients

Measurements

Converted for display; the recipe amounts stay equivalent.

Ingredients

  • 115 gunsalted butter, melted and cooled
  • 100 gall-purpose flour, sifted
  • 100 ggranulated sugar
  • 2 pcsegg, large
  • 0.5 tspbaking powder
  • 1 tsplemon zest
  • 0.25 tspsalt

for dusting

  • 2 tbspconfectioners' sugar(optional)

Equipment

madeleine pan · spatula · wire rack · mixing bowls · whisk

The method

Step by step

  1. 1

    Melt the unsalted butter in a small saucepan over low heat or in the microwave. Set aside to cool to room temperature.

    About 5 min

  2. 2

    In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.

    About 3 min

  3. 3

    In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the sifted all-purpose flour, baking powder, lemon zest, and salt.

    About 2 min

  4. 4

    Gently fold the dry ingredients into the egg mixture until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.

    About 2 min

    Cook’s note: Overmixing can lead to tough madeleines.

  5. 5

    Gradually fold in the cooled melted butter until fully incorporated and the batter is smooth.

    About 3 min

  6. 6

    Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the batter for at least 1 hour, or preferably overnight. This chilling step is crucial for developing the signature 'hump'.

    About 1 hr

    Cook’s note: A longer chill time, up to 12 hours, often results in a more pronounced hump.

  7. 7

    Preheat your oven to 190°C (375°F). Lightly grease and flour a Madeleine pan, tapping out any excess flour.

    About 5 min

    Cook’s note: Ensure the pan is well-greased, especially in the shell indentations, to prevent sticking.

  8. 8

    Spoon the chilled batter into each Madeleine mold, filling them about two-thirds full.

    About 2 min

    Cook’s note: Avoid overfilling, as the batter will expand significantly.

  9. 9

    Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the madeleines have developed a distinct hump in the center.

    About 10 min

    Cook’s note: Baking time may vary depending on your oven and Madeleine pan size.

  10. 10

    Remove the madeleines from the oven and immediately invert them onto a wire rack to cool completely.

    About 1 min

    Cook’s note: Cooling on a rack prevents them from becoming soggy.

  11. 11

    Once cooled, dust with confectioners' sugar, if desired, before serving.

    About 1 min

Per serving

Nutrition

Calories
154.1kcal
Protein
2g
Carbs
17.3g
Fat
8.8g
Fibre
0.2g
Sugar
10.9g

Estimated from the recipe’s ingredient quantities. Values can vary with brands and substitutions.

Keep it good

Storage

Store madeleines in an airtight container at room temperature.

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