I’ve updated this post for Valentine’s Day! If you’ve been reading MLT for a while, then you’ve probably already read this post, but I’ve added a few helpful links and the full recipe, plus simple watercolor gift tags. I hope you are having a beautiful day!
xo annie
Madeleines are one of my favorite things to bake. Most recipes make a small batch and since they are best when enjoyed the same day, it’s perfect. I made Lemon Madeleines for a friend’s birthday using the recipe from Martha Stewart. These little cakes come out perfectly every time.
Make Watercolor Gift Tags
I dusted them with a little confectioners sugar and let them sit out for a bit before I packaged them in a jar. While they were cooling to room temp I quickly made a tag using this inexpensive watercolor set.
I used a punch to cut out the tag shape, but I often just cut a rectangle or a square to use as a tag. I used white twine to wrap around a jar that I found at Home Goods and delivered to her door step. Happy Birthday sweet friend!
Lemon Madeleines
Lemon Madeleines
Madeleines are the perfect little dessert. They are more of a cake than a cookie, but no fork needed.
- Prep Time: 20
- Cook Time: 8
- Total Time: 28 minutes
- Yield: 24 1x
- Category: dessert, cookies, cake
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup butter, melted plus a little more for preparing the Madeleine pans
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 3 large eggs
- 2 large egg yolks
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 2 tablespoons lemon zest
- 2 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 1/2 cups cake flour, sifted
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup confectioners sugar for dusting
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400º
- Prepare two Madeleine pans. (For years I only had one pan, these can be made in two batches if you only have one pan). Using a pastry brush, brush each mold so the cakes will not stick. Set aside.
- Sift cake flour, salt and baking powder into a bowl and set aside.
- Put eggs, egg yolks, sugar, vanilla, lemon juice and zest into the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment. Mix on medium-high speed until it begins to thicken, about 5 minutes. You can use a hand mixer as well.
- Mix in butter and then fold in flour mixture using a spatula. Once completely combined, let batter rest for thirty minutes.
- Fill each mold 3/4 full. The easiest way I’ve found to do this is by using a medium piazza ice-cream scoop that has a spring-loaded release. Every cake will be the exact same size.
- Bake for 7-8 minutes. Rotate pans at 4 minutes and continue to bake until the cakes start coming away from the edges slightly.
- Let cool in pans on wire racks for a minute or two before inverting onto racks. Dust with confectioners sugar and serve right away! Enjoy!
Notes
Although Madeleines require special equipment, they are worth it! They are the prefect dessert and you can change the recipe slightly by the season. In the fall I make Brown Butter Pumpkin Madeleines and around the holidays, I love these Gingerbread Madeleines.
Garden, Home and Party says
May 28, 2015 at 3:27 pmWhat a sweet gift idea.
Karen
Michelle says
May 29, 2015 at 6:00 amSo thoughtful! I love how you’re always doing such sweet, simple things…it’s inspiring! 🙂
Lisa says
May 29, 2015 at 8:59 amYou are too sweet and so creative!! Who wouldn’t love a homemade birthday gift!!! Looking forward to getting together soon!!
annie says
May 30, 2015 at 8:18 amMe too! Love the desk you are considering for your kitchen island! Saw that on instragram!
cindy hattersley says
June 2, 2015 at 8:26 amWhat a great idea…anything lemon makes my heart skip a beat!!
Karen says
June 4, 2015 at 7:43 amSo thoughtful and darn cute!
Anup says
July 21, 2015 at 1:56 amWow..!
So Yummy, its amazing recipe to gift someone special who is crazy about food. My wife is mad for the tasty food and she will definitely like it. Thanks for the recipe.