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Lemon and Vanilla Madeleines

These madeleines are petite, shell-shaped sponge cakes with a tender, airy crumb and a slight crisp exterior. They are flavored with lemon zest and vanilla, resulting in a fragrant treat that has a delicate texture and a golden-brown finish.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 12
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: French
Calories: 120
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cups all-purpose flour sifted
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 stick unsalted butter melted and cooled slightly
  • 2 large eggs at room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon grated lemon zest
  • pinch salt

Equipment

  • Madeleine pan
  • Mixing bowls
  • Whisk
  • Rubber spatula
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Fine sieve

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and generously grease your madeleine pan or brush it with softened butter.
  2. Sift the all-purpose flour into a bowl to remove lumps and set aside.
  3. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs and sugar until the mixture is light, slightly thickened, and has a pale yellow color, about 3 minutes.
  4. Slowly pour in the melted butter while whisking gently to incorporate fully and create a smooth batter.
  5. Stir in the vanilla extract and lemon zest, mixing just until evenly distributed.
  6. Gently fold in the sifted flour and salt with a spatula, mixing until just combined without overworking the batter. It will be slightly runny.
  7. Spoon or pipe the batter into the prepared madeleine mold, filling each cavity about three-quarters full.
  8. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the madeleines are golden around the edges and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  9. Remove the madeleines from the oven and allow them to cool in the pan for a few minutes before gently popping them out onto a wire rack.
  10. Let the madeleines cool completely before serving to achieve the perfect tender crumb and slightly crispy exterior.

Notes

For best flavor, let the madeleines sit for a few hours to develop their aroma before eating. They are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days.