Classic French Madeleines Recipe

Name: Classic French Madeleines
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 1/2 sticks unsalted butter 3/4 cups, melted, plus additional for greasing your pan; 1 1/2 cups cake flour sifted; 1/2 teaspoon baking powder; 1/4 teaspoon coarse salt; 2 egg yolks; 3/4 cup granulated sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 teaspoon sour cream; 2 1/2 tablespoons grated lemon zest freshly; 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice 2 to 3 lemons total

Servings: persons

1
Before you begin: Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease your madeleine pan using melted butter. Set aside.
2
Grate your lemon zest. I like a lot of lemon flavor but you can adjust the amount of zest based on your preference. To grate my lemon I use a nifty citrus grater by Microplane that I picked up at Williams-Sonoma. Tip: You can do this step in advance. Just refrigerate your zest in an airtight storage container until you're ready to use.
3
Put your eggs, sugar, vanilla and lemon zest to a bowl and mix on high speed using an electric mixer for 4-5 minutes until thickened and smooth. If you are using a hand mixer, mix for about 6 minutes. Next, mix in the butter, about 1 minute.
4
Fold in the flour using a spatula, then let the batter rest approximately 20 minutes.
5
Spoon batter into greased pan filling each mold approx 3/4 full. Bake for 7-10 minutes, rotating once halfway through baking. Madeleines are done when tester inserted in center comes out clean and edges are golden. Invert madeleines onto wire rack and let cool.
6
Dust with confectioners sugar and enjoy!

696

kcal

Calories

Fat

Carbs

Protein

Fat Carbs Protein

* Per serving · 4 servings · Values may vary.

Tips for the best results

Read through all the steps once before you start and measure out your ingredients first — it makes everything go more smoothly.
Taste as you go and adjust the seasoning before serving.
Avoid overcrowding the pan — cook in batches if needed for the best texture.
Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving so the flavors settle.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and enjoy within a few days.

Variations & substitutions

Use a neutral oil or a plant-based spread in place of butter for a dairy-free version.
Brown sugar instead of white sugar adds a deeper, more caramel-like flavor.
A good 1:1 gluten-free flour blend works well if you need a gluten-free version.
Coconut cream is a reliable plant-based alternative to dairy cream.

No specific allergen information. Please check the ingredient list for possible allergens.

My Personal Notes

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How did you like this recipe?

This recipe makes 4 servings. You can adjust the portion size directly on this page.

You need 10 ingredients. The key ingredients include: 1 1/2 sticks unsalted butter 3/4 cups, melted, plus additional for greasing your pan, 1 1/2 cups cake flour sifted, 1/2 teaspoon baking powder, 1/4 teaspoon coarse salt, and more.

Yes, Classic French Madeleines falls under the Drinks & Smoothies category and is a great choice for this type of meal.

Keep refrigerated in an airtight container and enjoy within 1–2 days for the best freshness. Best served cold — no reheating needed.

That's it — enjoy your meal!

Classic French Madeleines

Tips for the best results

Variations & substitutions

My Personal Notes

How did you like this recipe?

Frequently Asked Questions