Margaret cookies

How to Make Classic French Madeleines

Madeleines, the delicate shell-shaped cookies beloved in France, are surprisingly simple to bake. Here’s a step-by-step guide to perfecting these tea-time treats.

Ingredients: You’ll need 100g butter, 2 eggs, 60g sugar, 60g all-purpose flour, 1 tsp vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. A madeleine pan is essential for their iconic shape.

Steps:

1. Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 200°C (390°F). Butter the madeleine pan thoroughly and dust with flour, tapping out excess.

2. Mix Wet Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk eggs and sugar until pale and frothy. Add vanilla extract and melted (slightly cooled) butter, mixing well.

3. Add Dry Ingredients: Gently fold in flour and salt until just combined—overmixing can make the cakes tough.

4. Rest & Bake: Cover the batter and let it rest at room temperature for 30 minutes. Spoon a tablespoon of batter into each shell-shaped cavity. Bake for 8–10 minutes until edges are golden and centers spring back when touched.

5. Cool & Serve: Let cool in the pan for 2 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. Dust with powdered sugar if desired.

Tips: For a citrus twist, add lemon zest. Serve warm with coffee or tea. These tender, buttery cookies are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Enjoy your homemade madeleines!