How to Make Madeleines

...She sent out for one of those short, plump little cakes called 'petites madeleines', which look as though they had been moulded in the fluted scallop of a pilgrim's shell... An exquisite pleasure had invaded my senses...


- Marcel Proust, in his novel Remembrance of Things Past

Madeleines (or petite madeleines) are wonderfully buttery treats originating from northeastern France. The perfect marriage of cake and cookie, these moist, chewy light cookies are baked in the shape of a seashell. They are a great afternoon snack paired with a cup of tea, or just by themselves. Recipe makes 24 cookies.

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup (113 g) unsalted butter
  • 1 cup (140 g) all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 tsp baking powder
  • 1/8 tsp salt
  • 3 large eggs, at room temperature
  • 2/3 cup (133 g) granulated sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

Steps

  1. How.com.vn English: Step 1 Melt the butter, and allow it to cool.
  2. How.com.vn English: Step 2 Whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt until well blended.
    Advertisement
  3. How.com.vn English: Step 3 Beat
    the eggs and sugar (with an electric mixer, if possible) until the volume of the mixture has tripled and forms a ribbon when the beaters are lifted (about five minutes or so).
  4. How.com.vn English: Step 4 Mix in the vanilla extract and beat to combine.
  5. How.com.vn English: Step 5 Sift...
    Sift a small amount of the flour mixture into the egg mixture. Using a rubber spatula, fold it in to lighten it. Repeat until all the flour mixture is folded in. Do not overmix! The batter will deflate.
  6. How.com.vn English: Step 6 Whisk
    together a small amount of the flour mixture and the melted butter.
  7. How.com.vn English: Step 7 Fold the cooled melted butter into the egg mixture in three additions.
  8. How.com.vn English: Step 8 Cover and refrigerate the mixture until slightly firm.
  9. How.com.vn English: Step 9 Preheat oven to 375∘F (190∘C).
  10. How.com.vn English: Step 10 Butter the pans generously.
    Dust with flour and tap to remove any excess.
  11. How.com.vn English: Step 11 Drop a teaspoonful of batter into the center of each mold, making sure the batter remains mounded in the center.
  12. How.com.vn English: Step 12 Bake on a center rack for 11-13 minutes, until edges are golden-brown and centers spring back lightly when touched.
    Do not overbake!
  13. How.com.vn English: Step 13 Gently remove the madeleines from the pans by tapping them.
    Let cool on a wire rack smooth sides down.
  14. How.com.vn English: Step 14 Enjoy your delicious french treats!
    Advertisement

Community Q&A

Search
Add New Question
  • Question
    What is the best pan for making Madeleine cakes?
    How.com.vn English: How.com.vn Staff Editor
    This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness.
    How.com.vn English: How.com.vn Staff Editor
    How.com.vn Staff Editor
    Staff Answer
    The proper pan is actually one with scallop shaped molds; in Britain, the pan used is known as a dariole mold. These are small pans which have a molded shell shape that traditional Madeleines are meant to conform to. If you want to use this sort of pan, they should be easily obtainable from a good kitchenware or bakeware store, restaurant cookware suppliers or online suppliers.
  • Question
    Do Madeleines freeze well?
    How.com.vn English: How.com.vn Staff Editor
    This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness.
    How.com.vn English: How.com.vn Staff Editor
    How.com.vn Staff Editor
    Staff Answer
    Yes, Madeleine cakes can be frozen. Allow them to cool completely before placing them in an airtight container suitable for the freezer. They will keep well for up to 2 months when frozen.
  • Question
    What does a Madeleine taste like?
    How.com.vn English: How.com.vn Staff Editor
    This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness.
    How.com.vn English: How.com.vn Staff Editor
    How.com.vn Staff Editor
    Staff Answer
    Madeleine cakes taste buttery, and somewhat like a sponge cake but lighter in texture and taste.
Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit

      Advertisement

      Video

      Tips

      Advertisement

      Warnings

      Advertisement

      Things You'll Need

      • 2 - 12 count 3" (8 cm) madeleine pans (available at specialty stores) or online here.
      • Wire whisk
      • Rubber spatula

      References

      About this article

      How.com.vn is a “wiki,” similar to Wikipedia, which means that many of our articles are co-written by multiple authors. To create this article, 9 people, some anonymous, worked to edit and improve it over time. This article has been viewed 24,181 times.
      15 votes - 99%
      Co-authors: 9
      Updated: June 21, 2024
      Views: 24,181
      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 24,181 times.

      Reader Success Stories

      • How.com.vn English: Jeniffer Horlock

        Jeniffer Horlock

        Jan 24, 2021

        "This delicious treat was a real treat and turned out amazing!"
        Rated this article:
      If you buy through links on our site, we may earn a commission.

      Did this article help you?

      ⚠️ Disclaimer:

      Content from Wiki How English language website. Text is available under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike License; additional terms may apply.
      Wiki How does not encourage the violation of any laws, and cannot be responsible for any violations of such laws, should you link to this domain, or use, reproduce, or republish the information contained herein.

      Notices:
      • - A few of these subjects are frequently censored by educational, governmental, corporate, parental and other filtering schemes.
      • - Some articles may contain names, images, artworks or descriptions of events that some cultures restrict access to
      • - Please note: Wiki How does not give you opinion about the law, or advice about medical. If you need specific advice (for example, medical, legal, financial or risk management), please seek a professional who is licensed or knowledgeable in that area.
      • - Readers should not judge the importance of topics based on their coverage on Wiki How, nor think a topic is important just because it is the subject of a Wiki article.

      Advertisement