Name: Lemon Madeleines Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: French
Ingredients: ½ cup unsalted butter (4 oz, 8 Tbsp, or 1 stick); 3 large eggs (50 g each, at room temperature); ⅔ cup sugar; ¼ tsp Diamond Crystal kosher salt; 1 tsp pure vanilla extract; 2 tsp lemon zest (about 1 lemon); 1 cup all-purpose flour (plain flour); 1 tsp baking powder; 1 Tbsp unsalted butter (for greasing 2 pans); 1 Tbsp all-purpose flour (for dusting 2 pans); ½ Tbsp confectioners’ sugar (optional, for dusting)

If you’re looking for a delightful, buttery treat that melts in your mouth with a refreshing zing, you’re going to adore this Lemon Madeleines Recipe. These little French classics have been a favorite in my kitchen for years because they’re just the right balance of fluffy, light, and citrusy goodness. Trust me, once you give this recipe a try, they’ll become your go-to for tea time or whenever you crave a sweet, dainty snack.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Perfectly Light and Fluffy: You’ll notice how airy yet moist these madeleines turn out, thanks to the gentle folding of ingredients.
Bright Lemon Zest Flavor: A real burst of fresh lemon awakens your taste buds without overwhelming the buttery cake.
Classic Shell Shape: Baking these in a madeleine pan gives you that iconic look that impresses without fuss.
Simple Ingredients: Most of what you need is probably already in your pantry, making this recipe super accessible.

A white plate with blue floral patterns holds nine shell-shaped madeleine cakes arranged closely together in three rows. Five of the madeleines have a golden brown color with a slightly crispy texture and a light dusting of powdered sugar on top. The other four are lighter yellow with a soft and smooth surface. The plate is placed on a white marbled surface, next to a yellow and white checkered cloth. In the background, there is a woven coaster under a glass coffee pot and a part of a white plate with blue patterns is also visible. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Lemon Madeleines, French Lemon Madeleines, Lemon Cake Bites, Citrusy Madeleines, Easy Lemon Pastry

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Lemon Madeleines Recipe lies in its simplicity. Every ingredient plays a part, from the velvety butter to the fresh lemon zest that brightens each bite. I always recommend using fresh, room-temperature eggs to help the batter blend beautifully.

Flat lay of a small stick of unsalted butter, three whole large brown eggs with clean shells, a small white bowl of granulated sugar, a small white bowl of fine kosher salt crystals, a small white bowl with clear vanilla extract, freshly grated lemon zest from one lemon, a small mound of all-purpose flour, a small white bowl of baking powder, a small white bowl of confectioners’ sugar, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997 - Lemon Madeleines, French Lemon Madeleines, Lemon Cake Bites, Citrusy Madeleines, Easy Lemon Pastry

Unsalted Butter: Use the best quality you can find; it really boosts the flavor and richness here.
Large Eggs: At room temperature, eggs whip better, giving these madeleines their signature light texture.
Sugar: Granulated sugar is standard, but you can experiment with superfine sugar for an even smoother batter.
Kosher Salt: A pinch balances the sweetness perfectly—don’t skip it!
Pure Vanilla Extract: Just a teaspoon adds depth to the lemony profile.
Lemon Zest: Fresh zest is key here; it delivers the bright citrus aroma and flavor I love.
All-Purpose Flour: Helps create that light crumb without being too dense.
Baking Powder: Just enough lift for the perfect puff and gentle dome shape.
Butter and Flour for Greasing: Essential to get your madeleines out of the pan without breaking.
Confectioners’ Sugar (Optional): Dust them lightly at the end for an elegant touch.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

While I adore the classic Lemon Madeleines Recipe, I’ve played around with a few tweaks that elevate or adapt these treats depending on your mood or occasion. Feel free to put your own spin on them – it’s part of the fun!

Orange Zest Variation: When life gave me no lemons, I swapped in orange zest, and honestly, my family didn’t even notice the difference – just added a lovely warm twist.
Gluten-Free Version: Using a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend works well here; texture is still nice and tender.
Lavender Infused: Adding a teaspoon of dried culinary lavender brings a fragrant, delicate complexity – perfect for springtime teas.
Chocolate-Dipped: After cooling, dip half of each madeleine in melted dark chocolate for a classy, indulgent treat.

How to Make Lemon Madeleines Recipe

Step 1: Melt Butter and Prep Pans

Start by gently melting ½ cup of unsalted butter until golden and fragrant – I do this over low heat or in short bursts in the microwave to avoid browning it too much. While the butter cools slightly, butter and flour your madeleine pans carefully; this little step ensures your delicate cakes pop right out without breaking their shells.

Step 2: Whisk Eggs, Sugar, and Salt

In a large bowl, whisk together the room-temperature eggs, sugar, and kosher salt until the mixture nearly triples in volume and becomes pale and ribbon-like. This fluffy base is the secret behind the madeleines’ light texture – don’t rush it! I usually give it a good 5–7 minutes by hand or less if using an electric mixer.

Step 3: Add Flavor and Fold in Dry Ingredients

Next, stir in the vanilla extract and freshly grated lemon zest. Then gently fold in the flour and baking powder mixture, being careful not to deflate all that air you worked for. Folding by hand with a spatula helps keep the batter airy and gives that gorgeous rise in the oven.

Step 4: Incorporate the Butter and Chill

Slowly drizzle the cooled melted butter into the batter while folding carefully. This step enriches the cake, keeping it tender and moist. Once combined, I cover the batter and let it chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This downtime helps the flavors develop and ensures the sponge holds its shape beautifully.

Step 5: Bake and Cool

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Spoon the batter into the prepared pans, filling each mold about ¾ full. Bake for about 10–12 minutes, watching closely for the signature puffed hump and golden edges. Remove promptly and let them cool in the pan for a few minutes before turning the cakes out onto a wire rack. If you opt to dust with confectioners’ sugar, wait until completely cool for best results.

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Pro Tips for Making Lemon Madeleines Recipe

Patience with Whisking: Taking the time to whisk eggs and sugar properly creates that signature airy texture you’ll love.
Don’t Skip Chilling: Letting the batter rest chills the gluten and improves the madeleine’s shape when baking.
Use Fresh Lemon Zest: Dried or pre-grated zest just can’t compete with the brightness of fresh zest in this recipe.
Grease and Flour Pans Well: This simple step saves you the heartbreak of broken madeleines on unmolded trays.

How to Serve Lemon Madeleines Recipe

The image shows a white plate with blue designs holding ten oval-shaped madeleine cookies arranged in a loose pile. The madeleines vary in color from golden yellow to a more toasted brown, with some showing a light powdered sugar dusting on top. Their texture appears soft with slight ridges on the surface, and the edges are gently browned. The plate is set on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Lemon Madeleines, French Lemon Madeleines, Lemon Cake Bites, Citrusy Madeleines, Easy Lemon Pastry

Garnishes

I typically dust my madeleines with a light sprinkle of confectioners’ sugar just before serving – it adds a subtle sweetness and makes them look extra pretty. On special occasions, a thin drizzle of melted white chocolate or a few fresh mint leaves pairs beautifully with the lemon flavor.

Side Dishes

These madeleines are perfect alongside a warm cup of Earl Grey or chamomile tea. I also like serving them with a small bowl of fresh berries or a dollop of whipped cream to enhance the light citrus notes.

Creative Ways to Present

When hosting, I love arranging lemon madeleines on a tiered cake stand topped with edible flowers for a charming, rustic look. Another fun idea is wrapping a few madeleines in parchment paper tied with a ribbon as party favors – guests always ask for the recipe afterward!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover madeleines in an airtight container at room temperature, layering them between sheets of parchment paper. They stay fresh and soft for up to three days, though in my house, they rarely last that long!

Freezing

Freezing works wonderfully for these petite cakes. After they’ve cooled, wrap each madeleine individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag. They keep well for up to a month. When the craving hits, you’ll have a fresh treat ready in the freezer.

Reheating

When reheating frozen madeleines, unwrap and let them thaw at room temperature for 10 minutes. Then warm them gently in a 300°F (150°C) oven for about 5 minutes to restore their soft, buttery texture. Avoid microwaving as it can make them chewy.

FAQs

Can I make Lemon Madeleines Recipe without a madeleine pan?

While a traditional madeleine pan gives your cakes their signature shell shape, you can use mini muffin tins as an alternative. The texture and flavor will still be fantastic, but you won’t get those classic ridges.
Why do my madeleines come out flat?

Flat madeleines usually mean the batter didn’t have enough air incorporated. Make sure you whisk the eggs and sugar until pale and fluffy. Also, chilling the batter before baking is crucial to getting that lovely hump.
How long do Lemon Madeleines stay fresh?

Stored in an airtight container at room temperature, they stay fresh for about 2-3 days. For longer storage, freezing is your best bet without sacrificing quality.
Can I use other citrus zest for this recipe?

Absolutely! Orange zest works beautifully if you want a sweeter, milder citrus flavor. Just be sure to use fresh zest to maintain that brightness.

Final Thoughts

I absolutely love how this Lemon Madeleines Recipe brings a little piece of French elegance into my home kitchen. From the first time I tried making them, I was hooked by the simple yet irresistible combination of buttery fluff and fresh lemon zing. They’re not just pretty treats – they’re the kind of dessert you’ll find yourself reaching for again and again, whether it’s for afternoon tea, a special gathering, or just to brighten your day. I can’t wait for you to try them yourself – you’re going to fall in love just like I did!