Traditional Soft Madeleines
By Wafa — 100+ tested recipes
Discover the secret to ultra-soft madeleines with their characteristic hump. A quick and simple recipe for a snack that tastes like childhood.

Ingredients
- 2 eggs
- 80 g sugar
- 100 g flour
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 100 g melted butter
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 pinch salt
Instructions
- 1In a saucepan, melt the butter and let it cool until lukewarm.
- 2In a bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- 3In another bowl, whisk the eggs and sugar until the mixture turns pale and fluffy. Gently fold the flour mixture into the egg and sugar preparation. (The mixture must be very smooth before resting.)
- 4Gradually pour in the melted, lukewarm butter while stirring gently to obtain a smooth batter. Add the vanilla extract and mix.
- 5Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let the batter rest in the refrigerator for at least one night. (This step is essential for the thermal shock that creates the hump.)
- 6Preheat your oven to 220°C (430°F). Grease and flour the madeleine molds, then fill them 3/4 full with the batter.
- 7Bake the madeleines for about 10 minutes, or until they are golden brown.
Tips
- Make sure to let the batter rest in the cold to encourage the formation of the hump.
- Do not overfill the molds to prevent the batter from overflowing.
- Use a metal mold for better heat conduction.
Substitutions
- melted butter → brown butter (beurre noisette) — For a more authentic, nutty flavor.
Nutrition
Frequently asked questions
Is it absolutely necessary to let the batter rest to get the characteristic hump?
Resting the batter is a crucial element for achieving the famous hump on your madeleines. This not only allows the ingredients to harmonize but also creates a thermal shock during baking, which is essential for the hump to form. This step ensures an optimal rise.
I don't have a madeleine tray, what can I do?
You can use a muffin tin, but you won't get the traditional shell shape of madeleines. Additionally, the baking time will vary, and you will likely need to cook them slightly longer.
How long do madeleines keep?
Madeleines are best when fresh, but they can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days.
Reviews
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