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Easy French Madeleines - buttery shell cookies perfect for tea time.

Madeleines

Light and buttery shell cookies that are perfect for pairing with coffee, combining the textures of cookies and cakes.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 12 cookies
Course: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: French
Calories: 80
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main ingredients
  • 100 grams Unsalted butter, melted and cooled Brush the wells of the pan with melted butter.
  • 2 large Eggs, room temperature Whisk until foamy.
  • 150 grams Granulated sugar Combine with eggs while whisking.
  • 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract Almond extract can be used as an alternative.
  • 120 grams All-purpose flour Sprinkle in with baking powder and salt.
  • 1 teaspoon Baking powder To help the cookies rise.
  • 1 pinch Salt Enhances flavor.
  • Zest of 1 lemon Optional lemon zest Adds a fresh flavor.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Whisk eggs and sugar until lighter and foamy, about 1 to 2 minutes.
  2. Stir in vanilla extract (and lemon zest if using).
  3. Sprinkle flour, baking powder, and salt. Mix until no dry flour remains.
  4. Fold in cooled melted butter until the batter is smooth and glossy.
  5. Cover and chill the batter for at least 30 minutes; longer is fine.
Baking
  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Brush the madeleine pan with melted butter and dust lightly with flour.
  3. Chill the prepared pan for 5 to 10 minutes if the kitchen is warm.
  4. Fill each shell about 3/4 full with batter.
  5. Bake in the preheated oven for 9 to 11 minutes until lightly golden.
  6. Let the cookies cool before removing them from the pan.

Notes

Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for about 2 days. They are best fresh but still good on the second day. You can freeze them for longer storage.