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Classic French Madeleines

Delicate and festive, these Classic French Madeleines are buttery cookies with a light lemon and vanilla flavor, perfect for holiday celebrations.
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Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 22 minutes
Servings: 18 madeleines
Course: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: French
Calories: 95
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the batter
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter plus 2 tablespoons melted for greasing
  • 2 large eggs at room temperature
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 tsp lemon zest
  • 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour spooned, leveled, and sifted
  • 1/2 tsp baking powder
  • 1/8 tsp salt
  • Confectioners' sugar for dusting
For preparing the pan
  • 2 tbsp melted butter for greasing the pan

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Melt 1/2 cup of butter in a large bowl, then let it cool slightly.
  2. In another large bowl, beat the eggs and granulated sugar on high speed for at least 8 minutes until thick and ribbon-like. Add lemon zest and vanilla.
  3. Whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt, then sift and fold into the egg mixture in two additions.
  4. Stir about 1/4 cup of the batter into the cooled melted butter, then fold back into the main batter.
  5. Cover the bowl and refrigerate the batter for 30 to 60 minutes.
Baking
  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Brush melted butter into every well of the madeleine pan.
  2. Spoon about 1 generous tablespoon of batter into the center of each well.
  3. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes until the tops spring back and edges are golden.
  4. Tap the pan upside down on a wire rack to release them, cool for 5 minutes, then dust with confectioners' sugar.

Notes

Best served the same day while warm. Keep madeleines in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 day, refrigerated for up to 3 days, but freezing is not recommended for best texture.