Desserts > Patisserie > French Pastry

Vanilla Madeleines Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3 large eggs, room temperature
- 2/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- Powdered sugar, for dusting

Special equipment needed:
- Madeleine pan

Step-by-step instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease a madeleine pan with butter or cooking spray.

2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.

3. In a separate large bowl, beat the eggs and sugar together until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.

4. Add the vanilla extract and melted butter to the egg mixture and mix until well combined.

5. Gradually add the flour mixture to the egg mixture, stirring until just combined.

6. Spoon the batter into the madeleine pan, filling each mold about 3/4 full.

7. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are golden brown and the centers spring back when lightly touched.

8. Remove from the oven and let cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

9. Dust with powdered sugar before serving.


- Time:
Preparation time: 15 minutes
- Cooking time: 10-12 minutes
Temperature:
- Oven temperature: 350°F (180°C)
Serving size:
- Makes 24 madeleines

Nutritional information:
- Calories: 100
- Fat: 5g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Protein: 2g

Substitutions for ingredients:
- Salted butter can be used instead of unsalted butter, but reduce the amount of salt in the recipe to 1/8 teaspoon.
- Gluten-free flour can be used instead of all-purpose flour.
- Lemon or almond extract can be used instead of vanilla extract.

Variations:
- Chocolate Madeleines: Add 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder to the flour mixture and reduce the flour to 3/4 cup.
- Orange Madeleines: Add 1 tablespoon orange zest to the egg mixture.
- Honey Madeleines: Replace the granulated sugar with 2/3 cup honey.

Tips and tricks:
- Make sure the melted butter is cooled before adding it to the egg mixture to prevent the eggs from cooking.
- Chill the madeleine pan in the refrigerator for 10 minutes before filling it with batter to help the madeleines rise and form their signature hump.
- Use a pastry brush to evenly distribute the melted butter in the madeleine pan.

Storage instructions:
- Store the madeleines in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

Reheating instructions:
- To reheat the madeleines, place them in a 350°F (180°C) oven for 5 minutes or until warmed through.

Presentation ideas:
- Serve the madeleines on a platter dusted with powdered sugar and garnished with fresh berries or edible flowers.

Garnishes:
- Powdered sugar, fresh berries, edible flowers

Pairings:
- Tea, coffee, hot chocolate

Suggested side dishes:
- Fresh fruit, yogurt, whipped cream

Troubleshooting advice:
- If the madeleines don't have a hump, try chilling the batter in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before baking.
- If the madeleines stick to the pan, use a butter knife to gently loosen them from the mold.

Food safety advice:
- Make sure the eggs are at room temperature before using them in the recipe to ensure even mixing.

Food history:
- Madeleines are a traditional French pastry that originated in the town of Commercy in the 18th century.

Flavor profiles:
- Vanilla, buttery, slightly sweet

Serving suggestions:
- Serve the madeleines as a dessert or as a sweet snack with tea or coffee.

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Region: French

Taste: Sweet, Buttery, Vanilla, Light, Fluffy, Vanilla-Scented