There’s something magical about a madeleine—the delicate, shell-shaped sponge cakes with their soft, buttery texture and a hint of crispness around the edges. But when you add a luscious lemon glaze? Game over. These Glazed Lemon Madeleines are light, citrusy, and downright irresistible. Perfect for tea time, brunch, or an elegant dessert, they’ll make you feel like you’ve been transported to a charming Parisian café.
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Why You’ll Love Glazed Lemon Madeleines
This recipe isn’t just about baking—it’s about creating a moment of pure joy. Whether you’re making these for a cozy afternoon treat, impressing guests, or just indulging in a little self-care, these madeleines will bring a smile to your face. Here’s why they’re a must-bake:
Elegant & Delicate
Madeleines have a soft, airy texture with just the right amount of crispness on the edges. They’re as beautiful as they are delicious.
Bright & Citrusy
The fresh lemon zest and juice add a vibrant, refreshing flavor that pairs perfectly with the buttery sponge.
Easy Yet Impressive
Madeleines might look fancy, but they’re surprisingly simple to make. With a few key techniques, you’ll get that signature hump and delicate crumb every time.
Perfectly Glazed
The sweet-tart lemon glaze takes these madeleines to the next level, adding a glossy finish and extra zing.
Great for Any Occasion
Enjoy them as a morning treat with coffee, an afternoon snack with tea, or a beautiful dessert for guests.
Ingredients in Glazed Lemon Madeleines
Here’s what makes these little cakes so special:
Butter: The base of any great madeleine—melted and slightly cooled for a rich, tender crumb.
Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps create a delicate texture.
Eggs: The key to achieving that signature light and fluffy consistency.
All-Purpose Flour: A simple, sturdy base for the batter.
Baking Powder: Just a touch to help create that classic hump.
Lemon Zest & Juice: Adds a bright, fresh citrus flavor that makes these madeleines irresistible.
Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor with a warm, aromatic touch.
Milk: A little goes a long way to keep the batter smooth and light.
Powdered Sugar: Used for the silky lemon glaze that coats each madeleine beautifully.
(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Let’s bake these delightful little cakes:
Prepare the Batter: Whisk together eggs and sugar until light and fluffy. Stir in melted butter, lemon zest, and vanilla extract.
Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and a pinch of salt.
Mix Gently: Fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined. Add a splash of milk to loosen the batter.
Chill the Batter: Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or overnight). This step is key to getting that signature madeleine hump!
Preheat & Prepare the Pan: Preheat your oven to the right temperature and grease your madeleine pan to prevent sticking.
Fill the Molds: Spoon or pipe the chilled batter into each madeleine mold, filling them about ¾ full.
Bake to Perfection: Bake until the edges are golden brown and the centers puff up. Let cool slightly before removing from the pan.
Make the Glaze: Whisk together powdered sugar and lemon juice until smooth.
Glaze the Madeleines: Dip each slightly warm madeleine into the glaze or drizzle it over the top. Let them set for a few minutes before serving.
How to Serve Glazed Lemon Madeleines
These little lemony bites are incredibly versatile! Here are some great ways to enjoy them:
With Tea or Coffee: A classic pairing! The light citrus notes complement both perfectly.
As a Dessert: Serve with fresh berries and a dollop of whipped cream for an elegant treat.
For a Brunch Spread: These madeleines add a touch of sophistication to any breakfast or brunch table.
With a Dusting of Powdered Sugar: If you prefer a lighter finish, simply dust them with powdered sugar instead of glazing.
Additional Tips
Chilling is Key: Don’t skip the chilling step—it helps the batter firm up and develop that classic madeleine shape.
Don’t Overmix: Stir just until combined to keep the texture light and airy.
Use a Madeleine Pan: This recipe is best with a proper madeleine pan to get that classic shell shape.
Storage Tips: Store madeleines in an airtight container for up to 2 days. They’re best enjoyed fresh!
Freeze for Later: Freeze unglazed madeleines and glaze them after thawing for a just-baked taste.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I make madeleines without a madeleine pan?
A1: Technically, yes, but they won’t have the classic shape. Mini muffin tins can work in a pinch.
Q2: How do I keep my madeleines soft?
A2: Store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They tend to dry out quickly, so enjoy them fresh!
Q3: Can I make these ahead of time?
A3: Yes! You can make the batter ahead and refrigerate overnight, then bake fresh when needed.
Q4: Why didn’t my madeleines get the signature hump?
A4: The batter likely wasn’t chilled long enough. Chilling is essential for that perfect rise!
Q5: Can I use other citrus flavors?
A5: Absolutely! Try orange, lime, or even grapefruit for a fun twist.
Q6: What if I don’t have powdered sugar for the glaze?
A6: You can blend granulated sugar in a food processor to create a fine powder.
Q7: How do I get the glaze to set properly?
A7: Let the glazed madeleines sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes so the glaze can harden slightly.
Q8: Can I make them dairy-free?
A8: Yes! Substitute butter with dairy-free margarine and use plant-based milk.
Q9: How do I prevent sticking?
A9: Grease the pan well with butter or non-stick spray, and dust lightly with flour.
Q10: Can I add poppy seeds for extra texture?
A10: Absolutely! A teaspoon of poppy seeds adds a delightful crunch.
Final Thoughts
These Glazed Lemon Madeleines are pure sunshine in a bite—light, buttery, and bursting with fresh citrus flavor. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or trying madeleines for the first time, this recipe is simple yet impressive. Try them out and let me know how they turn out!
Print
Glazed Lemon Madeleines
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 25 minutes
- Yield: 16 madeleines 1x
- Category: Cookies
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: FRENCH
Description
These Classic Glazed Lemon Madeleines are light, buttery, and delicately flavored with fresh lemon zest. Their signature shell shape and soft, sponge-like texture make them the perfect elegant treat for any occasion. A dusting of powdered sugar or a sweet lemon glaze adds the perfect finishing touch!
Ingredients
For the Madeleines:
- 2/3 cup (90g) all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp fleur de sel or fine sea salt
- 1/3 cup (67g) granulated sugar
- Finely grated zest of 1 lemon
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 Tbsp honey
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, melted & slightly cooled
- 2 Tbsp (1 oz) whole milk
- Confectioners’ sugar for dusting (optional)
For the Glaze (Optional):
- 1/2 cup (60g) confectioners’ sugar
- 1 1/2 to 2 Tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
Instructions
Making the Madeleines
- In a small bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, rub sugar and lemon zest together with fingertips until fragrant. Add eggs and beat on high with an electric mixer for about 5 minutes until thick and pale.
- Mix in honey and vanilla extract.
- Gently fold in dry ingredients with a spatula until just combined. Fold in melted butter and milk until fully incorporated.
- Press plastic wrap directly against the surface of the batter and chill for at least 1 hour.
- Grease a 16-shell madeleine pan with baking spray. Use a 1 ½-inch cookie scoop to evenly divide the batter among the molds. Refrigerate for another hour.
- Preheat oven to 400°F. Place a heavy baking sheet in the oven while preheating.
- Place the madeleine pan on the hot baking sheet and bake for 11-13 minutes, until golden and springy.
- Immediately tap the pan on the counter to release the madeleines. Transfer them to a cooling rack. If not glazing, dust with confectioners’ sugar.
Glazing the Madeleines
- Preheat oven to 500°F. Line a baking sheet with foil and place a cooling rack on top.
- In a bowl, whisk confectioners’ sugar and lemon juice together until smooth.
- Dip the bump side of each madeleine into the glaze and place bump-side up on the cooling rack.
- Bake for 1-3 minutes, watching carefully. Remove at the first sign of bubbling. Let cool completely.
Notes
- Chilling the batter helps develop the characteristic hump of madeleines.
- If you don’t have fleur de sel, fine sea salt works well.
- For a richer flavor, substitute brown butter for melted butter.
- Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 madeleine
- Calories: 56
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 30mg
- Fat: 3g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 25mg