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Classic French Madeleines

Light, buttery Christmas cookies with a delicate lemon-vanilla flavor, finished with a snowy dusting of confectioners' sugar.
Print Recipe
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
  • 2 large eggs, at room temperature Room temperature eggs whip better.
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 tsp lemon zest
  • 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour Sifted, spooned and leveled.
  • 1/2 tsp baking powder
  • 1/8 tsp salt
For finishing
  • Confectioners’ sugar For dusting.
  • 2 tbsp melted butter For greasing the pan.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Melt the 1/2 cup of butter in a large bowl and let it cool slightly.
  2. In another bowl, beat the eggs and sugar for at least 8 minutes until thick and pale.
  3. Add lemon zest and vanilla to the egg mixture and mix well.
  4. Combine flour, baking powder, and salt; fold them gently into the egg batter in two additions.
  5. Stir about 1/4 cup of the batter into the melted butter and then fold this back into the main batter.
  6. Cover the bowl and refrigerate the batter for 30 to 60 minutes.
Baking
  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Brush the madeleine pan with the melted butter.
  3. Spoon about 1 tablespoon of batter into each well without spreading.
  4. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes until edges are golden and tops spring back when pressed.
  5. Release the madeleines onto a wire rack and dust with confectioners' sugar.

Notes

Serve warm for the best texture and flavor. They can be enjoyed with tea, coffee, or hot chocolate. Store in an airtight container for up to 1 day or refrigerate for up to 3 days.