Lemon Madeleines (Madeleines au Citron)

Lemon madeleines are delicate, buttery French sponge cakes with a hint of citrus. These soft, shell-shaped treats are golden on the outside, tender on the inside, and lightly dusted with powdered sugar for an elegant finish. A perfect pairing with tea or coffee, these madeleines bring a taste of French patisserie to your home.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Classic French Pastry – A traditional madeleine recipe with a refreshing lemon twist.
• Light and Buttery Texture – Soft and airy inside with a delicate golden crust.
• Easy to Make – Simple ingredients and straightforward steps make this an accessible recipe for all skill levels.
• Perfect with Tea or Coffee – A delightful treat for an afternoon break or dessert.
• Make-Ahead Friendly – The batter can be prepared in advance for easy baking.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• Zest and juice of 1 lemon
• 1 pinch of salt
• Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)

Directions

1. Preheat the oven: Set the oven to 350°F (180°C) and grease a madeleine pan with butter or non-stick spray.
2. Whisk the eggs and sugar: In a mixing bowl, whisk the eggs and sugar together until light and fluffy.
3. Incorporate dry ingredients: Sift in the flour, baking powder, and salt, folding gently to combine.
4. Add the butter and lemon: Stir in the melted butter, lemon zest, and lemon juice until the batter is smooth.
5. Chill the batter: Cover and refrigerate the batter for at least 1 hour to help form the signature hump when baking.
6. Fill the molds: Spoon the batter into the madeleine molds, filling each about three-quarters full.
7. Bake: Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the centers are set.
8. Cool and serve: Let the madeleines cool slightly, then dust with powdered sugar before serving.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 12 madeleines
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Chill Time: 1 hour
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 27 minutes
• Calories: Approximately 150 kcal per madeleine

Variations

• Vanilla-Lemon Twist: Add 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract for extra depth of flavor.
• Orange Madeleines: Substitute lemon zest and juice with orange zest and juice for a citrus variation.
• Chocolate-Dipped: Once cooled, dip half of each madeleine in melted dark chocolate and let set.
• Almond-Flavored: Add 1/4 teaspoon almond extract to the batter for a subtle nutty taste.
• Glazed Madeleines: Drizzle with a simple lemon glaze made from powdered sugar and lemon juice.

Storage/Reheating

• Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
• Refrigeration: Can be kept in the fridge for up to 5 days, though best enjoyed fresh.
• Freezing: Freeze madeleines for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
• Reheating: Warm in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 5 minutes to refresh their texture.

FAQs

Why do I need to chill the batter?

Chilling the batter helps develop the classic madeleine hump and enhances the texture.

Can I skip the madeleine pan?

A madeleine pan is ideal, but a mini muffin tin can be used as a substitute.

How do I prevent madeleines from sticking?

Grease the molds thoroughly with butter and dust lightly with flour before adding the batter.

Why didn’t my madeleines rise properly?

Overmixing the batter or skipping the chilling step can prevent proper rising.

Can I make these madeleines without lemon?

Yes, simply omit the lemon zest and juice or replace it with vanilla or almond extract.

What’s the best way to get even-sized madeleines?

Use a piping bag or a small spoon to distribute the batter evenly into the molds.

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?

Yes, but reduce the added salt in the recipe to avoid an overly salty taste.

How do I make the madeleines extra soft?

Avoid overbaking and store them in an airtight container to retain moisture.

Can I prepare the batter in advance?

Yes! The batter can be refrigerated for up to 24 hours before baking.

Should madeleines be served warm or cold?

They are best enjoyed warm or at room temperature for the softest texture.

Conclusion

Lemon madeleines are a delightful French pastry with a light, buttery texture and a hint of citrus. These elegant treats are perfect for afternoon tea, special occasions, or simply indulging in a homemade delicacy. Easy to prepare and even easier to enjoy, this classic recipe will bring a touch of France to your kitchen!