If you've never had Madelines you're missing a real treat! This soft cookie is a favorite at ladies' teas. The classic "hump" is a wonderful surprise as well.
Decorate by letting them cool before sprinkling with confectioners' sugar or a nice, crusted glaze.
- 7 tbsp melted, cooled butter (if you want a special, nutty flavor, add 1/2 tbsp extra and slightly brown the butter)
- 3/4 cups All-Purpose Flour
- 1/4 tsp baking powder
- 2 eggs
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla
- 1 tsp lemon or orange zest (or rose water)
- Sift together the flour and baking powder
- Beat together the eggs and sugar on high for 8 minutes or until glossy and leaves a trail as it mixes.
- Fold the dry into the egg/sugar mixture- fold very gently!
- Add in the vanilla and zest (or rose water- a teeny bit goes a long way!)
- Add the butter in, folding.
- Cover and place in fridge and chill for 1 hour.
- Brush your Madeline pan with lots of melted butter.
- Chill pan in the freezer for around 15 minutes or so, until the butter is hardened.
- Pour in around 1 tbsp per shell, gently and quickly.
- Bake at 375 for 9-12 minutes.
You should serve them as soon as possible after making BUT if you cannot? Make sure they're on a nice platter, preferably on a paper doily, and only loosely covered.
You can also dip them, cover them in powdery sugar, or even lightly frost them.