Name: Lemon Madeleines Recipe
Prep time: 1 h 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 1 h 20 min
Cuisine: French
Ingredients: 6 Tbsp unsalted butter; 1/2 cup sugar; 3/4 cup flour; 1/2 tsp baking powder; 1/8 tsp salt; zest of 1 large lemon; 2 large eggs; 1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract; powdered sugar, for dusting

If you’re looking for a light, buttery treat with a zesty kick, you’ve got to try this Lemon Madeleines Recipe. These classic French little cakes are perfect for brightening up your afternoon tea or cozy coffee break with their delicate texture and fresh citrus flavor.

A group of golden brown madeleine cakes lies on a black cooling rack set over a white marbled texture. Each cake has a slightly domed, textured top dusted evenly with fine white powdered sugar. One cake in the foreground is broken in half, revealing a soft, airy, pale yellow inside that looks moist with a porous texture. The cakes’ outer crust is smooth with a gentle sheen, giving a warm, inviting feel. In the background, a white mesh sieve is slightly blurred, resting above the rack. The overall scene is bright with natural lighting, emphasizing the cakes' warm tones and the powdered sugar’s delicate texture photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Lemon Madeleines Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Lemon Madeleines Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Lemon Madeleines Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I have such fond memories baking madeleines with my family — the sweet, buttery scent filling the kitchen and the bright burst of lemon zest that makes these treats utterly irresistible. Honestly, once you make them, you’ll want to keep this recipe handy for any special occasion or just because.

Classic French Charm: Experience the iconic shell-shaped cakes with the perfect hump every time.
Simple Ingredients: You likely already have everything in your pantry and fridge to whip these up.
Bright Citrus Flavor: Fresh lemon zest brings a refreshing zing that balances the buttery richness.
Quick & Rewarding: Prep takes just 10 minutes plus chilling, then a short, 8 to 10-minute bake.

Ingredients & Why They Work

This Lemon Madeleines recipe uses a handful of simple but carefully chosen ingredients to give you that light, tender crumb and signature crisp edges. When shopping, look for fresh lemons for zesting and good quality unsalted butter for the best results.

Flat lay of a few tablespoons of unsalted butter in a small white ceramic bowl, a half cup of granulated sugar in another small white bowl, a half cup of all-purpose flour in a white ceramic bowl, a small white bowl holding baking powder and salt side by side, fresh zest of one large lemon spread delicately on a white plate, two large whole brown eggs with clean shells, a small white bowl filled with vanilla extract, and a small white ceramic bowl with powdered sugar for dusting all arranged in perfect symmetry, 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

Unsalted butter: Adds richness and helps achieve the tender, buttery crumb you expect in madeleines.
Sugar: Sweetens gently without overpowering the lemon’s brightness.
Flour: Provides structure, so the madeleines hold their iconic shell shape yet remain delicate.
Baking powder: Gives just enough lift to create that delightful “hump” on each cake.
Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances the other flavors.
Lemon zest: Delivers fresh citrus aroma and taste — definitely use fresh peel, not bottled.
Eggs: Bind everything together and contribute to the tender texture.
Vanilla extract: Adds subtle warmth and complexity to the flavor.
Powdered sugar: A light dusting on top finishes them off with just a hint of extra sweetness.

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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.

Make It Your Way

Lemon Madeleines Recipe is wonderfully versatile, so don’t hesitate to tweak it to match your taste or occasion. Whether you want to highlight the citrus or mix in new flavors, these little cakes welcome your creativity with open arms.

Lavender Lemon Madeleines: Adding a teaspoon of culinary lavender to the dry ingredients transforms these treats into a fragrant, floral delight that pairs beautifully with your afternoon tea.
Gluten-Free Version: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend for a celiac-friendly option. Just be sure to check your blend includes xanthan gum for the best texture.
Orange Zest Swap: For a sweeter, less tart citrus flavor, swap the lemon zest for orange zest. It’s a fresh twist that brightens up the classic madeleine profile.
Chocolate-Dipped: Once cooled, dip half of each madeleine in melted dark chocolate and let them set. The combination of buttery cake and rich chocolate is irresistible!
Herbal Infusion: Infuse the melted butter with fresh thyme or rosemary to add a subtle savory note—perfect if you’re serving these with a cheese platter or at brunch.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Lemon Madeleines Recipe

A silver mixing bowl sits on a white marbled surface, filled with a dry white flour mixture and bright yellow lemon zest scattered on top, creating a contrast of colors and textures. A metal whisk rests inside the bowl, partially submerged in the mixture, and to the left, there is a whole yellow lemon next to a metal grater with some lemon zest on it. The whole setup gives a fresh and clean look of the early baking stage. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Melting the Butter and Preparing the Dry Mix

Start by melting 6 tablespoons of unsalted butter gently over low heat. Aim for a smooth, fully melted consistency, then set it aside to cool until warm but not hot—this prevents cooking the eggs later. Meanwhile, whisk together ½ cup sugar, ¾ cup flour, ½ teaspoon baking powder, and ⅛ teaspoon salt in a medium bowl until well combined. Stir in the zest of one large lemon to evenly distribute that fresh citrus aroma throughout the mix.

Step 2: Beating Eggs and Combining Ingredients

In a separate small bowl, beat 2 large eggs until smooth and just a little frothy. Pour the beaten eggs and 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract into the dry ingredients. Use gentle folding motions to combine, stopping when you still see a few small flour patches—that’s totally okay and keeps your batter light and tender.

Step 3: Incorporating Butter and Chilling the Batter

Slowly pour the warm melted butter into the batter in three parts. After each pour, fold gently but thoroughly until the batter turns thick, shiny, and fully combined. Once your batter is ready, cover the bowl snugly with plastic wrap and chill it in the refrigerator for exactly 1 hour. This critical step helps the batter thicken and enhances that iconic madeleine hump during baking.

Step 4: Preparing the Pan and Preheating the Oven

Preheat your oven to a precise 400 degrees Fahrenheit. While it warms, generously brush your madeleine pan with melted butter or oil, paying close attention to every little shell-shaped indentation. This thorough greasing is essential to keeping your cakes from sticking and makes removal quick and easy.

Step 5: Filling, Baking, and Cooling Madeleines

Spoon about 1 tablespoon of batter into each mold, filling them roughly two-thirds to three-quarters full. You should get exactly 16 madeleines from this recipe—if you notice spare batter, double-check your portions for evenness. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes until the centers have risen and edges turn a warm golden brown. The aroma at this stage is absolutely heavenly!

Once baked, remove the pan and use a fork or small butter knife to immediately loosen the madeleines while still warm. Transfer them to a cooling rack to prevent sticking and preserve their delicate texture. Finish by dusting with powdered sugar for that classic, elegant touch.

Top Tip

These tips will help you achieve the perfect texture and flavor in your Lemon Madeleines Recipe, ensuring they bake beautifully every time.

Chill the Batter: I’ve found that refrigerating the batter for exactly 1 hour is key for developing the classic madeleine hump and tender crumb.
Butter Your Pan Well: Make sure to generously brush the madeleine mold with melted butter. Skimping here almost always causes sticking, especially if your pan isn’t non-stick.
Measure Batter Precisely: Dividing your batter evenly so each mold is about ⅔ to ¾ full helps you get exactly 16 perfectly sized madeleines.
Remove Quickly: Don’t let the madeleines cool in the pan too long, or they’ll stick. Use a fork or small knife right out of the oven to loosen them gently.

How to Serve Lemon Madeleines Recipe

A white scalloped plate holds nine madeleine cakes arranged closely in a circular pattern, each cake lightly dusted with powdered sugar, showing a golden brown exterior with a shell-like texture. Above to the left, a white cup filled with light brown coffee sits on a matching white saucer, with a spoon resting on the edge of the saucer. Next to the cup is a single madeleine with a bite taken out, revealing a soft, yellow, airy inside. Above to the right, another white plate holds three more madeleines, also dusted with powdered sugar. The scene is set on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

Lightly dusting freshly baked madeleines with powdered sugar is a classic and elegant garnish that highlights their delicate texture. For an extra punch, add a thin twist of lemon zest or serve alongside a small bowl of lemon curd for dipping. A thin drizzle of honey can also bring a lovely sweetness balance to the citrusy notes.

Side Dishes

Lemon Madeleines are wonderful on their own but also pair beautifully with a hot cup of strong coffee or a fragrant tea like Earl Grey or chamomile. For a more decadent spread, serve with fresh berries or whipped cream on the side. These little cakes can be delightful as part of a light afternoon tea or a refined dessert plate after a meal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Because Lemon Madeleines are best enjoyed fresh, try to eat them the day they are made. If you do have leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one day. This will help keep them tender and prevent them from drying out.

Freezing

Freezing isn’t ideal for preserving the delicate texture of madeleines, but if necessary, you can freeze them wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and placed inside a freezer-safe bag or container. Freeze for up to 1 month. To thaw, leave them at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving.

Reheating

To enjoy madeleines warm after storage, gently reheat them in a preheated oven at 300°F for about 5 minutes. Avoid microwaving as it can make them rubbery or too soft. Just a gentle warming is all it takes to revive their buttery, melt-in-your-mouth charm.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use a different citrus instead of lemon?

Absolutely! While lemon zest gives a refreshing tang classic to these madeleines, you can experiment with orange or lime zest for a different citrus twist. Just be sure to use fresh zest for the best flavor.

What if I don’t have a madeleine pan?

If you don’t have a traditional madeleine pan, a small muffin tin can work as a substitute—though your madeleines will take on a different shape and texture. Be sure to follow the same filling and baking instructions, and grease the molds well.

Why is chilling the batter important?

Chilling the batter for 1 hour helps it thicken and allows the butter to firm up again, which contributes to the signature hump on top of madeleines and gives them their tender, light texture. Skipping this step can lead to flat, dense cookies.

Can I make these vegan or dairy-free?

This Lemon Madeleines Recipe traditionally relies on butter and eggs for its texture and flavor. To make a vegan or dairy-free version, you’d need to experiment with substitutes like plant-based butter and egg replacers, but expect some differences in texture and taste.

Final Thoughts

Making classic French Lemon Madeleines at home is such a rewarding experience—the delicate, buttery texture paired with bright lemon zest is absolutely irresistible. With just a bit of patience and attention to detail, these charming little cakes can bring a touch of Parisian elegance to your kitchen and tea time. I hope this recipe becomes one of your favorites to bake and share. Bon appétit!