The Perfect Glazed Lemon Madeleines Recipe for Afternoon Tea

My recent obsession with glazed lemon madeleines started during a lazy Sunday afternoon in paris.

Delicate shells of buttery batter capture the essence of French pastry craftsmanship.

Whispers of zesty citrus dance through each perfectly ridged cake.

Soft, tender crumbs melt on your tongue with surprising lightness.

Each madeleine tells a story of elegant simplicity and precise baking technique.

Sweet glaze adds a luminous finish that beckons you closer.

These miniature cakes promise pure culinary delight that will transport you to a charming Parisian café.

Glazed Lemon Madeleines: French Treats, Citrus-Kissed

• Quick Prep Magic: Whip up these elegant French treats in just a few simple steps, with minimal kitchen equipment needed and a straightforward mixing process that even beginner bakers can master.
• Zesty Flavor Burst: Bright lemon zest and honey create a delightful aromatic profile that transforms ordinary madeleines into a sophisticated, refreshing dessert perfect for any occasion.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Chill the batter for an hour before baking, which not only develops deeper flavors but also allows for flexible timing and stress-free preparation for gatherings or spontaneous baking sessions.
• Impressive Presentation: The classic shell-shaped pan and glossy lemon glaze turn these madeleines into a stunning, bakery-quality dessert that looks far more complicated than they actually are to create.

Base Ingredients for Glazed Lemon Madeleines

• Flour: Provides structure and texture for the delicate madeleines.
• Baking Powder: Helps the madeleines rise and become light and airy.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances sweetness.

• Eggs: Creates richness and helps bind the batter together.
• Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a golden exterior.
• Lemon Zest: Provides bright, citrusy flavor and aromatic notes.
• Honey: Adds moisture and subtle sweetness to the madeleines.
• Vanilla Extract: Brings depth and complementary flavor to the dessert.
• Melted Butter, Milk: Contribute to tender, soft texture and rich taste.

• Confectioners' Sugar: Creates smooth, sweet glaze coating.
• Lemon Juice: Adds tangy flavor and helps form glossy glaze.

Glazing and Baking Lemon Madeleines

Step 1: Prepare Dry Ingredients

Grab a small bowl and whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.

Set this mixture aside for later.

Step 2: Create Fragrant Sugar Base

In a large bowl, use your fingertips to rub sugar and lemon zest together until the mixture becomes wonderfully aromatic.

Pour in eggs and beat with an electric mixer on high speed for about 5 minutes until the mixture transforms into a thick, pale wonder.

Step 3: Add Liquid Flavor Boosters

Stir in honey and vanilla extract, blending them smoothly into the egg mixture.

Step 4: Incorporate Wet and Dry Components

Gently fold dry ingredients into the batter using a spatula, mixing just until combined.

• Melted butter
• Milk

Ensure everything is fully incorporated without overmixing.

Step 5: Chill the Batter

Cover the batter with plastic wrap, pressing it directly against the surface.

Refrigerate for at least 1 hour to develop rich flavors.

Step 6: Prepare Madeleine Pan

Generously spray a 16-shell madeleine pan with baking spray.

Use a cookie scoop to distribute batter evenly among the molds.

Return to the refrigerator for another hour of chilling.

Step 7: Preheat and Prepare Baking

Heat the oven to 400°F.

Place a heavy baking sheet inside while preheating to create an extra crisp base.

Step 8: Bake to Golden Perfection

Position the madeleine pan on the hot baking sheet.

Bake for 11-13 minutes until the edges turn golden and the cakes spring back when touched.

Step 9: Release and Cool Madeleines

Tap the pan firmly on the counter to release the delicate cakes.

Transfer to a cooling rack.

Step 10: Create Lemon Glaze

Whisk together confectioners’ sugar and lemon juice until smooth and glossy.

Step 11: Glaze and Final Bake

Dip the bump side of each madeleine into the glaze.

Place glazed madeleines bump-side up on a rack lined baking sheet.

Bake for 1-3 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.

Remove at the first sign of bubbling.

Allow to cool completely before serving.

Pro Techniques For Lemon Madeleines

• Roll lemon on the counter before zesting to release more oils and intensify the citrusy flavor.
• Beat eggs and sugar until the mixture becomes pale, thick, and forms ribbons when lifted, which creates the signature light texture.
• Refrigerating the batter allows gluten to relax and flavors to develop, resulting in more tender and flavorful madeleines.
• Use room temperature melted butter for smoother incorporation and ensure even distribution throughout the batter.
• Watch the glazed madeleines closely when baking to prevent burning, removing them at the first sign of bubbling for a glossy, crisp finish.

Glazed Madeleines That Stay Soft After Day One

• Store leftover madeleines in an airtight container lined with parchment paper. They'll stay fresh for 2-3 days at cool room temperature or up to 5 days in the refrigerator.
• Wrap individual madeleines tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 1 month to preserve their delicate texture and lemony flavor.
• Gently warm refrigerated madeleines in a toaster oven at 300°F for 2-3 minutes. Avoid microwave reheating, which can make them tough and soggy.
• Dust with fresh confectioners' sugar or drizzle with new glaze just before serving to revive their original delightful appearance and taste.

Light Pairings For Madeleines

Pair Zesty Lemon Madeleines with These Delightful Companions

• Brew Refreshing Tea Pairing: Choose light, floral Earl Grey or delicate chamomile tea to complement the lemon's bright citrus notes and enhance the madeleines' subtle sweetness.
• Select Crisp Wine Match: Grab a chilled glass of Moscato d'Asti or a light Prosecco, whose gentle bubbles and sweet undertones beautifully balance the madeleine's tangy lemon glaze.
• Create Perfect Dessert Combination: Serve alongside fresh berries or a small scoop of lavender-infused vanilla ice cream to amplify the lemon's zesty character and add a creamy contrast to the delicate cake texture.
• Enjoy Morning Coffee Companion: Pair with a smooth cappuccino or lightly roasted Colombian coffee, letting the madeleine's subtle sweetness dance with the coffee's rich, warm undertones.

Lemon Madeleines Flavor Variants

• Gluten-Free Madeleines: Replace wheat flour with almond flour or a gluten-free blend to create a tender, light pastry suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Dairy-Free Adaptation: Swap milk and butter with coconut milk and coconut oil for a rich, plant-based version that maintains the classic madeleine texture.
• Orange Blossom Variation: Substitute lemon zest with orange zest and add a touch of orange blossom water for a fragrant, Mediterranean-inspired flavor profile.
• Lavender Honey Twist: Infuse honey with dried lavender buds and replace vanilla extract with lavender extract to create an elegant, floral-infused madeleine experience.

FAQs

• What are madeleines?

Madeleines are small, delicate French butter cakes with a distinctive shell-like shape, traditionally baked in special fluted pans and known for their light, spongy texture.

• Why do I need to chill the batter?

Chilling helps develop flavor, allows flour to absorb liquid, and ensures the signature bump on madeleines by creating temperature contrast when baking.

• How do I know if my madeleines are properly mixed?

The batter should look pale, thick, and ribbony after beating eggs and sugar, with no flour streaks when folding dry ingredients.

• Can I make madeleines without a special pan?

While a traditional madeleine pan creates the iconic shell shape, you could use a muffin tin, but the classic appearance and texture will be different.

Glazed Lemon Madeleines Recipe

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4.7 from 11 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Sweet French “Lemon Madeleines” promise delicate shell-shaped pleasure with zesty citrus notes. Delicate pastries melt perfectly, delivering classic French bakery magic that invites pure culinary delight.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2/3 cup (90 grams) all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs, room temperature
• 1/2 cup (113 grams) unsalted butter, melted & slightly cooled
• 1/3 cup (67 grams) granulated sugar

Flavor Enhancers:

• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• Finely grated zest of 1 lemon

Seasoning and Additional Ingredients:

• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon fleur de sel or fine sea salt
• 2 tablespoons (1 ounce) whole milk
• Confectioners sugar for dusting (optional)

For the Glaze (Optional):

• 1/2 cup (60 grams) confectioners sugar
• 1 1/2 to 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice

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Instructions

1. Blend flour, baking powder, and salt in a mixing vessel. Reserve for later use.
2. Massage sugar and lemon zest together with fingertips until aromatic, releasing citrus oils. Incorporate eggs and whip with electric mixer for approximately 5 minutes, creating a voluminous, pale mixture.
3. Introduce honey and vanilla extract, blending thoroughly into the egg mixture.
4. Delicately incorporate dry ingredients using a silicone spatula, maintaining a light touch. Gently fold in melted butter and milk until uniformly combined.
5. Seal batter with plastic wrap, ensuring direct contact with surface. Refrigerate for minimum 60 minutes to enhance flavor development and texture.
6. Liberally coat madeleine pan with non-stick baking spray. Distribute batter evenly using a portioning scoop. Return pan to refrigerator for additional chilling.
7. Heat oven to 400°F. Position a heavyweight baking sheet inside during preheating to create consistent heat distribution.
8. Position madeleine pan on preheated baking sheet. Bake for 11-13 minutes until edges turn golden and surface springs back when touched.
9. Immediately release madeleines by inverting pan onto work surface. Transfer to cooling rack.
10. Whisk confectioners’ sugar and lemon juice until achieving a smooth, glossy glaze.
11. Immerse each madeleine’s curved surface into glaze, allowing excess to drip away.
12. Arrange glazed madeleines on wire rack. Return to oven for 1-3 minutes, monitoring closely to prevent burning. Remove at first sign of glaze bubbling.
13. Allow madeleines to cool completely, permitting glaze to set and flavors to stabilize.

Notes

• Chill the batter and pan thoroughly to achieve the signature madeleine “bump” and light, airy texture.
• Use fresh lemon zest for maximum citrus flavor and always zest before juicing to capture the most aromatic oils.
• Avoid overmixing the batter when folding in dry ingredients to maintain a delicate, tender crumb.
• Prep madeleine pan meticulously with baking spray to ensure easy release and perfect shell-like shapes.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: French

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 155
• Sugar: 12g
• Sodium: 70mg
• Fat: 8g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 19g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 2g
• Cholesterol: 35mg