Classic French Madeleines

Madeleines, the delicate shell-shaped French cakes, are a timeless classic. Their buttery flavor and light, airy texture make them an ideal accompaniment to tea or coffee. Here’s a step-by-step guide to baking these delightful treats right in your own kitchen.

Ingredients:

• 1 stick (4 ounces) unsalted butter, melted until browned
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 and 1/2 teaspoons lemon zest, finely grated
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 and 1/4 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 3 large eggs, at room temperature
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup confectioners’ sugar, sifted (optional)

Directions:

1. Preparing the Browned Butter

• Melt the Butter: Cut the butter into tablespoons and place them in a heavy saucepan over medium heat. Once the butter has melted, reduce the heat to low and continue cooking until the solids sink to the bottom of the pan and turn golden brown, about 10 minutes.
• Cool the Butter: Remove the pan from heat and pour the browned butter into a small bowl. Stir in the vanilla extract and lemon zest, then set aside to cool.

2. Mixing the Dry Ingredients

• Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.

3. Whipping the Eggs and Sugar

• Beat the Eggs: In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment, beat the eggs at medium speed while gradually adding the granulated sugar.
• Whip Until Thick: Increase the speed to medium-high and continue whipping until the mixture is very thick and pale, about 3 to 4 minutes.

4. Combining the Mixtures

• Fold in Dry Ingredients: Gently fold in the flour mixture in three additions, stirring just until combined.
• Add Butter Mixture: Fold in the cooled butter mixture.

5. Chilling the Batter

• Refrigerate: Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, up to 2 days. This step is crucial for developing the batter’s flavor and texture.

6. Preparing for Baking

• Preheat the Oven: 30 minutes before baking, preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
• Prepare the Molds: Generously brush the madeleine molds with butter and lightly dust with flour.

7. Baking

• Fill the Molds: Spoon level scoops of the batter into each mold.
• Bake: Bake for 12 minutes, or until the “bellies” rise and are golden brown.

8. Finishing Touches

• Cool and Remove: Cool in the pan on a cooling rack for a few minutes, then gently loosen the madeleines from the molds.
• Dust with Sugar: Dust with sifted confectioners’ sugar before serving.

Serving and Enjoyment

Serve these madeleines warm for the best experience. Their delightful combination of buttery richness and light, zesty flavor will surely impress your guests.

Nutritional Information:

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 12 minutes
• Total Time: 4 hours 27 minutes
• Calories: 289 kcal per serving
• Servings: 12 madeleines

Enjoy baking and savoring these classic French madeleines, and bring a little piece of France into your home!