Lavender Madeleines Recipe – A Delicate French Treat for Tea Time
Lavender madeleines are the epitome of French elegance, a perfect pairing for your afternoon tea or a delightful treat for a special lunch. These delicate little cookies are light, airy, and infused with a subtle lavender aroma that takes you straight to the heart of Provence. Whether you’re hosting a spring gathering or just indulging in a moment of quiet luxury, these madeleines will certainly charm your guests. The recipe is quick, taking less than 30 minutes from start to finish, making it an ideal choice for those who want something sophisticated yet simple to prepare.
With the perfect balance of sweetness and floral notes, these madeleines are baked to golden perfection with a signature hump that gives them their unique, iconic shape. This recipe yields 24 madeleines, making it an excellent choice for sharing with friends and family.
Ingredients & Nutritional Information
Here’s everything you need to make these beautifully aromatic lavender madeleines:
| Ingredients | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Granulated sugar | 3/4 cup |
| Unsalted butter, melted | 5 tablespoons |
| Eggs | 2 large |
| Vanilla extract | 1/2 teaspoon |
| All-purpose flour | 1 cup |
| Confectioners’ sugar (for dusting) | As desired |
| Dried lavender flowers | 1 tablespoon |
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
(Each Madeleine)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 100.4 kcal |
| Total Fat | 6.2 g |
| Saturated Fat | 3.8 g |
| Cholesterol | 32.9 mg |
| Sodium | 6.7 mg |
| Carbohydrates | 10.3 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 0.1 g |
| Sugars | 6.3 g |
| Protein | 1.1 g |
Instructions for Making Lavender Madeleines
Making lavender madeleines is straightforward, and the process is as enjoyable as the results. Follow these easy-to-understand steps, and you’ll soon be savoring these fragrant little cookies.
-
Prepare the Lavender Sugar:
Start by making lavender-infused sugar. In a food processor, combine the granulated sugar and dried lavender flowers. Pulse until the mixture is finely ground, releasing the delicate lavender fragrance. -
Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it’s nice and hot when you place the madeleines in. This helps them rise beautifully and achieve that iconic hump. -
Mix the Eggs and Lavender Sugar:
In a large bowl, use a wire whisk to beat together the eggs, lavender sugar mixture, and vanilla extract until the mixture is light and fluffy. You’re aiming for a smooth, airy texture—this will give the madeleines their melt-in-the-mouth quality. -
Incorporate the Butter:
Gradually whisk in the melted unsalted butter into the egg mixture. Be gentle as you incorporate it to keep the airiness intact, ensuring that the batter remains light and airy. -
Fold in the Flour:
Using a rubber spatula, gently fold in the all-purpose flour. Be careful not to overmix, as this can deflate the batter. Fold until just combined for the best texture. -
Prepare the Madeleine Pans:
Generously spray your madeleine pans with non-stick cooking spray. If you have a traditional Madeleine pan with intricate molds, this step is crucial to ensure that the cookies come out easily after baking. -
Fill the Molds:
Using a spoon, fill each madeleine mold with a scant tablespoon of batter. Don’t flatten the batter; instead, leave it mounded in the center of each mold. This will give your madeleines the characteristic “hump” that is the hallmark of this French delicacy. -
Bake the Madeleines:
Place the filled pans in the preheated oven and bake for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the madeleines are golden brown. You’ll notice the edges turn a beautiful golden color, and the top will puff up, forming the signature hump. -
Remove from Pan and Cool:
Once baked, remove the madeleines from the oven and allow them to cool for a few minutes. Carefully remove them from the pan and place them on a wire rack to cool completely. This helps them maintain their texture and prevents them from becoming soggy. -
Dust with Confectioners’ Sugar:
Before serving, dust the madeleines with a light sprinkling of confectioners’ sugar. This step adds a touch of sweetness and a refined look that will impress anyone you serve them to. -
Serve and Enjoy:
Once they’ve cooled and been dusted with sugar, these lavender madeleines are ready to be enjoyed! Serve them alongside your favorite tea, coffee, or even as a delightful dessert for a special occasion.
Tips for the Best Lavender Madeleines:
- Lavender Quality: The quality of lavender is crucial to the flavor. Use culinary-grade lavender flowers to ensure the best taste.
- Butter Temperature: Make sure the butter is melted but not too hot. Hot butter can cook the eggs when mixed, affecting the texture of the batter.
- Molding: If you don’t have a Madeleine pan, you can still make these by using a muffin tin or a similar mold, though the shape may not be quite as authentic.
- Flavor Variations: Feel free to experiment by adding a hint of lemon zest or even a touch of honey for additional layers of flavor.
Conclusion:
These lavender madeleines are a perfect dessert or tea-time treat that combines the rich tradition of French baking with the delicate floral essence of lavender. They’re simple to prepare yet offer a sophisticated flavor that will elevate any afternoon gathering. Whether for a special occasion or just a treat for yourself, this recipe will become a favorite in your kitchen for years to come.
Enjoy these lavender madeleines with a steaming cup of tea, and indulge in a moment of peaceful elegance.
