I’ve had this post ready for days, but I’ve been spending every spare moment trying to re-format all my old posts that it’s taken me a couple days to do much else. Thank you all for the kind words and feedback. I’m aware of a few little things that need fixing, and hopefully it will all be smoothed out soon.
Anyway, onto these little French beauties…With our upcoming trip to Paris (and Venice/Florence/Rome,) coming up in less than 2 months, I’ve had French desserts on the brain nonstop. I’ve been doing lots of research on all the delicious French pastries,breads and chocolates that I need to try and where I need to go to get them. I’ve also been addicted to my “Coffee Break French” podcast as I try to learn just a bit of the language. With Paris on the brain, I must warn you that you may be seeing a handful of French favorites in the coming weeks! (not like you mind.)
I never really understood the appeal of Maeleines until I tried them. I mean they just looked like little cakes in a fancy mold. What’s the difference between them and the same batter poured into a mini muffin tin? Well it turns out a lot. I tried one a few weeks ago from the Laudreé here in NYC and I was smitten. It was the most spongey, fluffy cake with perfectly crisp edges. It was buttery and soft and just what I wanted to dunk into my coffee.
So, I bought a madeleine pan and couldn’t wait to whip up a batch. I chose a simple recipe that is just like Parisians apparently like them- (with a smooth top,) other bakeries outside Paris seem to prefer the signature bump in the middle. (I decided to stick with the Paris way since the recipe seemed a bit easier!)
I think invested in the pan is definitely worth it. I will be making these in many variations and flavors for many tea parties and baby showers to come!
- 2 eggs room temperature
- ¾ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ⅛ teaspoon salt
- ¼ cup white sugar
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup cake flour
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- ¼ cup butter
- powdered sugar for sprinkling
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Lightly grease 12 (3 inch) madeleine molds; set aside.
- Melt butter and let cool to room temperature.
- In the bowl of a stand mixer with a whisk attachment, beat eggs, vanilla and salt at high speed until light.
- With the machine running, gradually add sugar; and continue beating at high speed until mixture is thick, creamy, pale and ribbons when beaters are lifted, for about 5 to 10 minutes.
- Sift in flours and gently fold into batter.
- Add lemon zest and melted butter. Quickly but gently fold into batter. Spoon batter into molds; it will mound slightly above tops.
- Bake 12 to 14 minutes, or until cakes are golden and the tops spring back when gently pressed with your fingertip.
- Use the tip of the knife to loosen madeleines from pan; invert onto rack. Immediately sprinkle warm cookies with powdered sugar.
Recipe adapted from Cook’s Illustrated
Cindy says
I love your blog and am getting ready to try out many of your recipes (now that I have time). BUT, I do miss the initial pictures on the email that give us a glimpse of what we’re going to see/read/eat. I know this is part of the “new format” you are using. BUT, if I can’t see it and I’m in a rush, I tend to move on and then hope to come back. As you mentioned in your photo tutorial, it’s the PICTURE that grabs. But, I’ll keep reading.. Thanks for all the great recipes, stories and PICTURES.
Audra says
Thanks for your comment Cindy!
Don’t worry- I already heard that my emails were being sent incorrectly and I have fixed it so the pictures will be included! Please let me know if it isn’t working right on Friday :)
Blair says
These look amazing!
Colette @ jff! says
I should’ve named my baby Madeleine, then gobbled her up!
Dani H says
If you are interested, there is a Paris Pastry Shop guide available on iTunes for $3.99 which includes over 300 bakeries, chocolate shops, etc. in Paris {the cost includes free updates} ~
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/paris-pastry-shops/id475338192?mt=8
I don’t have anything to do with the guide other than my daughter telling me about it.
Audra says
Thanks for the suggestion! I will look into that app for sure!
Annie @ Annie's City Kitchen says
Ok, I will totally admit that I didn’t know the difference between a Madeleine and a regular ol’ cake until I just read your post. I’m intrigued though! Lately I’ve been really interested in learning more techniques to build my skills and this seems like a great recipe to try. Certainly a bit different than a regular cake batter!
Georgia @ The Comfort of Cooking says
Your madeleines look so perfectly delicate and delicious, Audra! Great job!
Becca from cookie jar treats says
I never did try madelenes on my trip to Paris over the summer. But, then again I was only there for a day and a half. A girl can only eat so many French pastries at a time. :P By the way, when you go to Paris, definitely get macarons from Laduree. They are the BEST macarons you will ever experience. I got a vanilla and some kind of sugar strawberry flavor and they were oh so heavenly!
RainboePies says
your recipes are amazing!!! I love it!!! please post some more recipes