If you're a fan of classic French pastries, then Madeleines are a must-try. These small, shell-shaped cookies are known for their delicate texture and subtle buttery flavor, enhanced with a hint of lemon zest. A dusting of confectioners' sugar adds just the right amount of sweetness. Although originating from France, they are now enjoyed worldwide as a perfect accompaniment to tea or coffee.
Most of the ingredients required for this recipe are likely to be found in your kitchen pantry. However, you might need to make a trip to the supermarket for the lemon zest if you don't have fresh lemons at home. Also, do ensure that you have confectioners' sugar, as it gives the Madeleines their signature sweet finish. Lastly, unsalted butter is preferred in this recipe for its pure, creamy flavor that doesn't overpower the delicate nature of these cookies.
French Butter Cookies: Madeleines Recipe Ingredients
Unsalted butter: Adds richness and moisture to the cookies. It's unsalted to control the sodium level in the recipe.
Large eggs: Provide structure and stability to the cookies, also contribute to the rich flavor.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens the cookies. Granulated sugar also helps in creating a light and airy texture.
Lemon zest: Gives the cookies a fresh and tangy flavor, balancing the sweetness of the sugar.
Vanilla extract: Gives the cookies a sweet, creamy flavor, enhancing the taste of the other ingredients.
All purpose flour: The base of the cookies. It gives them structure and body.
Baking powder: Acts as a leavening agent, causing the cookies to rise and become light and fluffy.
Salt: Enhances the flavors of the other ingredients.
Confectioners' sugar: Used for dusting over the finished cookies. It adds extra sweetness and gives them a professional touch.
One reader, Joete Winchester says:
These French butter cookies are absolutely delightful! The recipe was easy to follow, and the madeleines turned out perfectly golden and delicious. The subtle hint of lemon zest and vanilla made them so flavorful. I'll definitely be making these again for my next tea party!
Techniques Required for Making French Butter Cookies
How to melt the butter: Melt the butter in a saucepan over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally, until it is completely melted. Be careful not to overheat the butter, as it can separate.
How to beat the eggs and sugar: Using a handheld or stand mixer fitted with a whisk attachment, beat the eggs and sugar together at high speed for at least 8 minutes, until the mixture becomes pale and thick.
How to fold in the dry ingredients: Whisk the flour, baking powder, and salt together in a small bowl. Using a spatula or wooden spoon, gently fold the dry ingredients into the egg mixture until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
How to chill the batter: Cover the batter and chill it in the refrigerator for 30 to 60 minutes. Avoid chilling for longer, as the butter in the batter may begin to solidify.
How to brush the pan with butter: Melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and, using a pastry brush, lightly brush the madeleine pan with the melted butter to prevent sticking.
How to dust with confectioners' sugar: Once the madeleines are slightly cooled, dust them with confectioners' sugar using a fine mesh sieve for a decorative finish.
How To Make Madeleines (French Butter Cookies)
Fancy Madeleines or known as French Butter Cookies are made with a distinct scalloped shell shape that tastes light and airy with crisp edges.
Serves:
Ingredients
- ½cupunsalted butter,plus another 2 tablespoons for the pan
- 2large eggs,at room temperature
- ½cupgranulated sugar
- 2tsplemon zest
- 1tsppure vanilla extract
- 1cupall purpose flour,sifted, spoon & leveled
- ½tspbaking powder
- ⅛tspsalt
- confectioners’ sugar,for sprinkling on top
Equipments
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Madeleine pan
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pastry brush
Instructions
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Melt the butter and set aside to slightly cool as you prepare the rest of the batter.
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Using a handheld or stand mixer fitted with a whisk attachment, beat the eggs and sugar together at high speed for at least 8 minutes.
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Beat in the lemon zest and vanilla extract until combined.
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Whisk the flour, baking powder, and salt together in a small bowl. Using a spatula or wooden spoon, gently fold into the egg mixture.
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Stir ¼ cup of the batter into the melted butter. Then stir it all into the rest of the batter.
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Cover the batter and chill in the refrigerator for 30 to 60 minutes. Try not to chill any longer than this as the butter in the batter will begin to solidify.
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During the last few minutes of chilling, preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
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Melt the remaining 2 Tablespoons of butter. Using a pastry brush, lightly brush the pan with melted butter.
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Spoon 1 generous Tablespoon of batter into the center of each scalloped well. No need to spread it to the edges. Just plop it in the center.
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Bake for 10 to 12 minutes. The madeleines are done when the tops spring back after lightly pressed with your finger.
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Invert the pan onto the counter. Transfer the warm madeleines to a wire rack to slightly cool.
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Dust with confectioners’ sugar, if desired, before serving.
Nutrition
- Calories: 91.75kcal
- Fat: 5.14g
- Saturated Fat: 3.08g
- Trans Fat: 0.19g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 1.38g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.29g
- Carbohydrates: 10.16g
- Fiber: 0.19g
- Sugar: 5.33g
- Protein: 1.33g
- Cholesterol: 30.80mg
- Sodium: 31.55mg
- Calcium: 13.92mg
- Potassium: 15.69mg
- Iron: 0.40mg
- Vitamin A: 46.82µg
- Vitamin C: 0.26mg
Technique Tip for Perfect Madeleines
When making madeleines, it's crucial to beat the eggs and sugar together for the full 8 minutes. This process, known as creaming, incorporates air into the batter, which helps the cookies rise and gives them their distinctive light, airy texture. Also, chilling the batter is an essential step. It allows the gluten in the flour to relax, resulting in a tender crumb. However, avoid chilling for too long as the butter in the batter will begin to solidify. Lastly, remember to dust the madeleines with confectioners' sugar while they're still warm, as the heat helps the sugar to adhere better, creating a beautiful and tasty finish.
Time-Saving Tips for Making Madeleines
Prep ahead: Prepare the batter the night before and chill it in the refrigerator. This will save time on the day of baking.
Use a non-stick pan: Using a non-stick madeleine pan will make it easier to remove the cookies, saving time on cleanup.
Bake in batches: If you have multiple madeleine pans, bake in batches to save time instead of waiting for one batch to finish before starting the next.
Room temperature eggs: Use room temperature eggs to reduce the mixing time and ensure a smoother batter.
Sift dry ingredients: Sifting the dry ingredients beforehand will save time during the mixing process and result in a lighter batter.
Preheat oven: Make sure to preheat the oven while the batter is chilling to save time during the baking process.
Silicone baking mats: Use silicone baking mats to line the pans for easy cleanup and quick release of the madeleines.
Cooling rack: Use a cooling rack to cool the madeleines quickly and evenly, saving time before dusting with confectioners' sugar.
Substitute Ingredients For Madeleines (French Butter Cookies) Recipe
unsalted butter - Substitute with margarine: Margarine can be used as a substitute for unsalted butter in this recipe. It has a similar fat content and can provide a similar texture and flavor to the cookies.
large eggs - Substitute with flax eggs: Flax eggs can be used as a vegan substitute for large eggs in this recipe. To make a flax egg, mix 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed with 3 tablespoons of water and let it sit for a few minutes to thicken.
granulated sugar - Substitute with coconut sugar: Coconut sugar can be used as a substitute for granulated sugar. It has a similar sweetness and can add a hint of caramel flavor to the cookies.
all purpose flour - Substitute with whole wheat flour: Whole wheat flour can be used as a healthier alternative to all-purpose flour. It will add a nuttier flavor and extra fiber to the cookies.
baking powder - Substitute with baking soda: Baking soda can be used as a substitute for baking powder in this recipe. Use 1/4 teaspoon of baking soda for every 1 teaspoon of baking powder called for in the original recipe.
Presenting French Butter Cookies Beautifully
Elevate the plating: When presenting the madeleines, focus on creating an elegant and visually appealing arrangement on the plate. Consider using a combination of fresh berries and edible flowers to add a pop of color and sophistication to the presentation.
Incorporate texture: Introduce a contrast in textures by incorporating a delicate dusting of edible gold leaf or candied lemon peel to add a touch of luxury and visual interest to the dish.
Utilize negative space: Embrace the concept of minimalism by allowing for ample negative space on the plate. This will draw attention to the exquisite details of the madeleines and create a sense of balance in the presentation.
Elevate with a dipping sauce: Offer a small side of dark chocolate ganache or lemon curd for dipping, presented in a sophisticated manner to provide an additional layer of flavor and elegance to the dish.
Personalized serving vessels: Consider serving the madeleines on individual artisanal ceramic plates or vintage-inspired dessert stands to add a touch of charm and individuality to each serving.
Garnish with precision: Pay attention to the finer details by garnishing the plate with meticulously placed microgreens or candied citrus slices to showcase precision and artistry in the presentation.
Essential Tools for Making Madeleines
Handheld or stand mixer: Used to beat the eggs and sugar together at high speed to create a light and fluffy batter.
Whisk attachment: Attached to the handheld or stand mixer to incorporate air into the batter while beating the eggs and sugar.
Small bowl: Used to whisk the flour, baking powder, and salt together before folding into the egg mixture.
Spatula or wooden spoon: Used to gently fold the dry ingredients into the egg mixture without deflating the batter.
Pastry brush: Used to lightly brush the madeleine pan with melted butter to prevent sticking.
Madeleine pan: The special scalloped pan used to bake the madeleine cookies, giving them their distinctive shell shape.
Wire rack: Used to transfer the warm madeleines to cool, allowing air to circulate around them and prevent sogginess.
Pastry brush: Used to lightly brush the madeleine pan with melted butter to prevent sticking.
Confectioners' sugar: Used to dust the madeleines before serving, adding a touch of sweetness and a decorative finish.
Storing and Freezing French Butter Cookies
- Cover leftover madeleines with foil or plastic wrap or place in a plastic bag to prevent drying out.
- Properly stored, freshly baked madeleines will last for about 1 to 2 days at normal room temperature.
- To extend the shelf life of madeleines, freeze them:
- Wrap madeleines tightly with aluminum foil or plastic freezer wrap, or place in heavy-duty freezer bag.
- Freeze for up to 2 months.
- To thaw frozen madeleines, remove them from the freezer and let them come to room temperature, about 30 minutes, before serving.
- For best results, do not refrigerate madeleines as refrigeration can dry them out.
- You can also freeze the madeleine batter. Just scoop the batter into the madeleine pan, cover with plastic wrap and freeze. Once frozen, pop them out of the pan and into a freezer bag or container.
- When ready to bake, place the frozen batter into the prepared pan and bake from frozen. You may need to add an extra minute or two to the baking time.
How To Reheat Leftover Madeleines
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the madeleines on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Heat them in the oven for 3-5 minutes, or until they are warm and slightly crispy on the edges. This method will help restore their original texture and flavor.
If you prefer a softer texture, wrap the madeleines in aluminum foil before placing them in the preheated oven. This will help retain moisture and prevent them from becoming too crispy. Heat for 5-7 minutes, or until warmed through.
For a quick reheating option, place the madeleines on a microwave-safe plate and heat them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds. Be careful not to overheat them, as they can become tough and rubbery.
If you have a toaster oven, you can also use it to reheat your madeleines. Preheat the toaster oven to 350°F (175°C) and place the cookies on the wire rack. Heat for 2-3 minutes, or until warmed through and slightly crispy on the edges.
For a more indulgent treat, slice the madeleines in half horizontally and spread a thin layer of butter or jam on the cut sides. Sandwich the halves back together and heat them in the oven or toaster oven for 3-4 minutes, or until the filling is melted and the cookies are warmed through.
Random Fact about Madeleines
The French butter cookies, also known as madeleines, are named after a young girl named Madeleine. According to the legend, these cookies were created by a cook in the 18th century to please King Louis XV. The king loved them so much that he named them after the girl who brought them to him.
Is Making Madeleines at Home Economical?
The cost-effectiveness of this French butter cookies: madeleines recipe is relatively high. The ingredients are commonly found in households, making it a budget-friendly option. The use of butter and eggs may be more expensive, but the yield of the recipe justifies the cost. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $8-$10, depending on the availability of ingredients. Overall Verdict: 9/10. The delightful taste and simple preparation make it a worthwhile and economical choice for a sweet treat.
Are Madeleines Healthy or Unhealthy?
The French butter cookie recipe, known as madeleines, is a delightful treat but not particularly healthy. Here's why:
- The recipe contains a significant amount of butter and sugar, which are high in calories and can contribute to weight gain and other health issues if consumed in excess.
- The use of all-purpose flour means the cookies are made with refined carbohydrates, which lack fiber and essential nutrients.
- While the recipe includes some beneficial ingredients like eggs and lemon zest, they are overshadowed by the less healthy components.
To make this recipe healthier, consider the following modifications:
- Replace half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat pastry flour to increase the fiber content and add more nutrients.
- Reduce the sugar by 25% to lower the overall calorie count without significantly affecting the taste and texture.
- Use unsalted grass-fed butter, which contains more beneficial fatty acids compared to regular butter.
- Incorporate more lemon zest or add other flavorings like almond extract or vanilla bean to enhance the flavor without relying on extra sugar.
- Serve the madeleines with fresh berries or a fruit compote to add more vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants to the dessert.
Editor's Thoughts on This Classic French Butter Cookie Recipe
This French butter cookies madeleines recipe is a delightful treat. The use of lemon zest and vanilla extract adds a beautiful aroma and flavor to the cookies. The batter's chilling time allows the flavors to meld and the cookies to develop their characteristic humps. The instructions are clear and easy to follow, making this recipe accessible for both novice and experienced bakers. The end result is a batch of delicate, buttery madeleines with a lovely golden crust, perfect for serving with a cup of tea or coffee.
Enhance Your Madeleines (French Butter Cookies) Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:
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Why trust this Madeleines (French Butter Cookies) Recipe:
This recipe for French butter cookies, madeleines, is a delightful and authentic treat that captures the essence of French baking. With a perfect balance of butter and lemon zest, these cookies offer a rich and zesty flavor profile. The meticulous steps, such as the high-speed beating of eggs and sugar, ensure a light and airy texture. The inclusion of vanilla extract adds a warm and aromatic note. The chilling process allows the flavors to meld, resulting in a harmonious blend. Trust in this recipe for a taste of classic French pastry perfection.
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