Have you ever tried madeleines? These little French sponge cakes are super fun to bake and even more fun to eat! Whether you stick with the classic buttery version or jazz it up with lemon or chocolate, there's a madeleine for every taste. Plus, they're perfect for sharing (or not, we won't judge!). So, let's plunge into five incredible madeleine recipes that'll make your taste buds dance and keep you coming back for more!
Classic French Madeleines
Madeleines are delightful little sponge cakes that are light, airy, and perfect for enjoying with a cup of tea or coffee. Originating from France, these shell-shaped treats are known for their tender crumb and buttery flavor, making them a beloved classic.
With a few simple ingredients and steps, you can create these charming pastries right at home, impressing friends and family with your baking prowess.
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, plus extra for greasing
- 1 cup all-purpose flour, sifted
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Zest of 1 lemon (optional)
Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a madeleine pan with butter.
In a mixing bowl, melt the butter and let it cool slightly. In another bowl, whisk together the eggs and sugar until pale and frothy. Add the vanilla extract and lemon zest if using.
Gently fold in the flour, baking powder, and salt, followed by the melted butter, making sure not to overmix. Spoon the batter into the prepared madeleine pan, filling each mold about 3/4 full.
Bake for 10-12 minutes, until the edges are golden and the centers spring back when touched. Remove from the oven and let them cool in the pan for a minute before transferring to a wire rack.
Extra Tips:
For the best results, verify all ingredients are at room temperature before mixing.
If you want to achieve the signature hump of classic madeleines, allow the batter to rest in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before baking.
Additionally, experimenting with different flavors, such as almond extract or orange zest, can add a unique twist to your madeleines. Dust them with powdered sugar or dip them in chocolate for an extra touch of indulgence!
Lemon Zest Madeleines

Lemon zest madeleines are a delightful twist on the classic French sponge cake, offering a rejuvenating citrus flavor that brightens up the traditional treat.
These small, shell-shaped cakes are perfect for afternoon tea or as a light dessert, and their delicate texture pairs beautifully with a cup of coffee or tea.
With just a few simple ingredients and a bit of care in the preparation, you can create a batch of these scrumptious madeleines that will impress your family and friends.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- Zest of 1 large lemon
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
Instructions:
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and greasing a madeleine pan with butter or non-stick spray.
In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt, then set aside.
In a separate mixing bowl, combine the melted butter and granulated sugar, mixing until well blended.
Add the eggs, lemon zest, and vanilla extract, beating until the mixture is light and fluffy.
Gradually fold in the dry ingredients until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
Spoon the batter into the prepared madeleine pan, filling each mold about three-quarters full.
Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the centers spring back when lightly touched.
Allow the madeleines to cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
Extra Tips:
For the best flavor, use fresh lemon zest rather than bottled lemon extract, as the oils in the zest will provide a more vibrant taste.
Additionally, it's helpful to chill the batter for 30 minutes before baking, as this can result in a better rise and the signature hump of the madeleines.
Finally, serve them dusted with powdered sugar for an elegant finish, or pair them with a lemon glaze for an extra citrus kick!
Chocolate-Dipped Madeleines
Chocolate-Dipped Madeleines are a delightful twist on the classic French sponge cake, offering a rich and indulgent flavor that's bound to impress. The light and airy texture of the madeleines pairs perfectly with the velvety chocolate coating, making them an ideal treat for tea time, celebrations, or simply as a sweet snack.
With a few simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can create these charming little cakes that aren't only delicious but also visually appealing.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2/3 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
- 4 ounces semisweet chocolate, chopped
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil or shortening
Instructions:
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and greasing the madeleine pan with butter or non-stick spray.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. In a separate large bowl, combine the melted butter and sugar, mixing until well combined.
Add the eggs one at a time, whisking well after each addition, then stir in the vanilla and almond extracts. Gently fold in the dry ingredients until just combined.
Spoon the batter into the prepared madeleine pan, filling each mold about three-quarters full. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are golden and the centers spring back when touched.
Allow the madeleines to cool slightly before gently removing them from the pan. In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the chopped chocolate with the vegetable oil in 30-second intervals, stirring until smooth.
Dip the cooled madeleines into the chocolate, allowing the excess to drip off before placing them on a wire rack to set.
Extra Tips:
For the best results, verify your butter is slightly cooled before mixing it with the sugar to avoid cooking the eggs.
You can add a hint of zest from lemon or orange to the batter for an extra layer of flavor. If you want to experiment with different types of chocolate, feel free to use dark, milk, or even white chocolate for dipping.
Store your chocolate-dipped madeleines in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days, or refrigerate for longer freshness.
Enjoy these little treats with a cup of tea or coffee for a delightful experience!
Earl Grey Infused Madeleines

Earl Grey Infused Madeleines are a delightful twist on the classic French treat, combining the light and buttery texture of madeleines with the fragrant notes of Earl Grey tea. Perfect for an afternoon tea or a cozy gathering, these little cakes are made with a simple batter that's infused with the aromatic flavors of bergamot from the tea. The result is a delicate, flavorful treat that pairs beautifully with a cup of tea or coffee.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons Earl Grey tea leaves (or 2 tea bags)
- Zest of 1 lemon (optional)
- Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
Cooking Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a madeleine pan with butter or cooking spray.
In a small saucepan, heat 1/4 cup of the melted butter and steep the Earl Grey tea leaves for about 5 minutes, then strain and let it cool.
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
In another bowl, combine the remaining melted butter, granulated sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, followed by the cooled Earl Grey-infused butter and lemon zest, mixing until just combined.
Spoon the batter into the prepared madeleine pan, filling each mold about 3/4 full.
Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are golden and the centers spring back when lightly touched.
Allow them to cool for a few minutes in the pan before transferring to a wire rack.
Extra Tips:
For the best flavor, allow the batter to rest in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes before baking; this helps improve the texture of the madeleines.
Make sure not to overmix the batter, as this can lead to denser cakes.
Experiment with different tea blends for unique flavors, and consider adding a light glaze made from powdered sugar and lemon juice for an extra touch of sweetness.
Finally, serve your madeleines warm or at room temperature, and dust them with powdered sugar just before serving for a beautiful presentation.
Almond Madeleines
Almond madeleines are a delightful twist on the classic French madeleines, offering a subtle nutty flavor that complements their signature buttery richness.
These petite shell-shaped cakes are perfect for tea time or as a sweet treat to enjoy any time of day. The combination of almond flour and extract infuses each bite with a warm aroma, making them simply irresistible.
Let's explore the ingredients and instructions to create these delicate confections.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup almond flour
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- A pinch of salt
- Powdered sugar, for dusting (optional)
Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease your madeleine pan with butter or non-stick spray.
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, almond flour, baking powder, and salt.
In another bowl, beat the eggs and sugar until light and frothy, then mix in the almond extract and vanilla extract.
Gently fold the dry ingredients into the egg mixture, followed by the melted butter, until just combined.
Spoon the batter into the prepared madeleine pan, filling each mold about 3/4 full.
Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Allow them to cool slightly in the pan before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Extra Tips:
For the best results, make sure all your ingredients are at room temperature, as this helps to create a smoother batter.
You can also experiment with different flavors by adding a touch of lemon zest or substituting some of the all-purpose flour with additional almond flour for an even nuttier taste.
If you want to make the madeleines ahead of time, they can be stored in an airtight container for a few days or frozen for longer storage.
Dust them with powdered sugar just before serving for an elegant touch!