Vanilla Madeleines Recipe
These delicate and buttery vanilla madeleines are perfect for tea time or as a sweet treat. With their signature shell shape and a hint of vanilla, they’re simple yet elegant.
Ingredients:
For the Batter:
- 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, melted and cooled
- 2/3 cup (135g) granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract (or 1/2 vanilla bean, seeds scraped)
- 1 cup (125g) all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 2 tbsp milk
Optional:
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions:
- Prepare the Pan:
- Grease a madeleine pan with butter and dust with flour, tapping out the excess. Place the pan in the refrigerator while preparing the batter.
- Mix the Wet Ingredients:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until the mixture is pale, thick, and fluffy (about 2–3 minutes). You can use a hand whisk or an electric mixer for this step.
- Add the Dry Ingredients:
- In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gently fold the dry ingredients into the egg mixture in 2 additions, being careful not to deflate the batter.
- Incorporate the Butter and Milk:
- Add the cooled melted butter and milk to the batter, folding gently until just combined. The batter should be smooth and slightly thick.
- Chill the Batter:
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and chill the batter in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour (or up to overnight). This step is key to achieving the classic madeleine “hump.”
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Fill the Pan:
- Remove the chilled batter and the prepared madeleine pan from the fridge.
- Spoon a heaping tablespoon of batter into each mold, filling it about 3/4 full. Do not spread the batter; it will even out as it bakes.
- Bake:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the centers spring back when touched.
- Let the madeleines cool in the pan for 1–2 minutes before gently releasing them onto a wire rack to cool completely.
- Serve:
- Dust with powdered sugar if desired and serve warm or at room temperature.
Tips:
- Vanilla Upgrade: For extra vanilla flavor, add a splash of vanilla bean paste or use the seeds from a fresh vanilla bean.
- Storage: Madeleines are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Optional Glaze: Drizzle or dip in a simple vanilla glaze (powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract) for an extra touch of sweetness.
Enjoy these soft, buttery vanilla madeleines—they’re a guaranteed crowd-pleaser! 😊