Coco Madeline's recipe

The Ultimate Guide to Making Classic Chocolate Madelines

Madelines, those iconic shell-shaped French tea cakes, are surprisingly simple to bake with just a few key steps. Here’s a comprehensive guide to perfecting the classic chocolate version.

First, gather your ingredients: 100g unsalted butter, 100g sugar, 100g all-purpose flour, 30g cocoa powder, 2 large eggs, ½ tsp vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Melt the butter and let it cool slightly—this “brown butter” step is optional but adds depth.

Whisk eggs and sugar until pale and fluffy, then fold in the melted butter, vanilla, and cocoa powder. Sift in flour and salt, gently mixing until just combined to avoid overmixing, which can make the cakes tough. Chill the batter for at least 1 hour (or overnight) to enhance flavor and texture.

Preheat your oven to 390°F (200°C). Grease and flour a Madeline pan. Fill each shell nearly to the top with batter. Bake for 8-10 minutes until the edges are golden and the centers spring back when touched.

For a touch of elegance, dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with melted chocolate. Serve warm with coffee or tea for a truly delightful experience. Enjoy your homemade Madelines—the perfect blend of simplicity and elegance!