If you have a soft spot for delicate, buttery treats that feel like a warm hug, you are going to love this Brown Butter Madeleines Recipe. These petite French cakes boast a rich, nutty flavor thanks to perfectly browned butter, combined with the sweetness of maple syrup and a tender crumb that melts in your mouth. Whether you’re baking to impress guests or to enjoy a quiet moment with tea, this recipe invites you to savor every little scalloped bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the basics right is what makes this Brown Butter Madeleines Recipe shine. Each ingredient plays a starring role in creating that luxurious texture and deep flavor we all crave.
- Unsalted butter (1 cup): Browning this brings out a rich, nutty aroma that forms the flavor foundation.
- Granulated sugar (1 cup): Adds sweetness and helps create a tender crumb.
- Pure maple syrup (1/2 cup): Infuses a subtle, natural sweetness with a hint of complexity.
- All-purpose flour (1 1/4 cups): The structure builder that ensures the madeleines hold their iconic shape.
- Baking powder (1 tsp): Gives a gentle lift so each madeleine is light and airy.
- Large eggs (3): Act as a binder and contribute to that delicate texture.
- Vanilla extract (1 tsp): Enhances the sweetness and compliments the brown butter beautifully.
How to Make Brown Butter Madeleines Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Pan
Start by heating your oven to 375°F and generously greasing your madeleine pan to ensure each cake releases easily after baking. This step is key for maintaining those classic shell shapes without sticking, and sets the stage for perfect baked results.
Step 2: Brown the Butter
Gently melt the unsalted butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Keep a close eye as it starts to foam and then turn a gorgeous golden brown with a nutty scent. Once browned, remove from heat and let it cool slightly. This browned butter is the secret ingredient that elevates the classic madeleine to something truly special.
Step 3: Mix the Batter
In a bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and baking powder, ensuring everything is evenly combined. In a separate bowl, beat the eggs with the granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Next, gently fold in the browned butter along with the maple syrup and vanilla extract, then gradually blend in the dry ingredients. This careful mixing ensures a smooth, airy batter ready for baking.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Fill each madeleine mold about three-quarters full with the batter. Slide the pan into your preheated oven and bake for approximately 12 minutes, or until the madeleines are golden and spring back lightly when touched. Let them cool briefly before gently releasing them from the pan to enjoy their delicate crisp edges and tender centers.
How to Serve Brown Butter Madeleines Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle your Brown Butter Madeleines with a light dusting of powdered sugar or drizzle them with a thin glaze made from lemon juice and powdered sugar for a touch of brightness. Fresh berries and a few mint leaves also make an inviting visual and flavor contrast.
Side Dishes
These madeleines pair fantastically with a hot cup of tea or freshly brewed coffee, complementing a cozy afternoon moment. For a decadent twist, serve alongside a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream to turn simple treats into a delightful dessert experience.
Creative Ways to Present
For entertaining, arrange your madeleines on a vintage tiered stand alongside edible flowers for a charming display. You can also sandwich them with a layer of chocolate ganache or fruit preserves between two madeleines for bite-sized delights sure to impress your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover Brown Butter Madeleines in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. This helps preserve their delicate texture without drying them out.
Freezing
You can freeze the madeleines by first layering them between sheets of parchment paper in an airtight container or freezer bag. They should keep well for up to 2 months, offering you the convenience of having a sweet treat ready whenever cravings strike.
Reheating
When you’re ready to enjoy frozen madeleines, let them thaw at room temperature and warm briefly in a low oven (around 300°F) for 3 to 5 minutes to refresh their crisp edges and soften the crumb, restoring that just-baked charm.
FAQs
Can I use regular butter instead of unsalted butter?
While technically you can, using unsalted butter allows you to control the saltiness of your Brown Butter Madeleines Recipe better, ensuring the delicate flavors shine through without being overly salty.
Does the pan type matter?
A madeleine pan is designed with scalloped molds that give these cakes their iconic shape, so it’s highly recommended. Using the right pan helps the batter bake evenly and develop that signature crisp edge.
Can I substitute maple syrup with honey?
Honey can be a substitute, but it will alter the flavor slightly, making it more floral and less nutty than maple syrup. If you switch it, consider reducing the oven temperature by a few degrees to prevent over-browning.
Why is my browned butter smelling burnt?
When browning butter, it’s important to watch closely. Brown butter should smell nutty and warm; if it has a sharp, burnt smell, the butter has gone too far and will taste bitter, so starting fresh will improve your madeleines.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Traditional madeleines rely on eggs and butter for texture and flavor, so this Brown Butter Madeleines Recipe isn’t naturally vegan. However, you could experiment with vegan alternatives for butter and egg replacers, though the flavor and texture will differ.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly magical about a batch of freshly baked Brown Butter Madeleines Recipe sitting next to a comfy chair and a great cup of tea. Their tender crumb, buttery depth, and subtle sweetness make every bite feel like a little celebration. I encourage you to try making this at home—it’s a wonderful way to bring a touch of French elegance to your kitchen that feels just as comforting as it does impressive.
Print
Brown Butter Madeleines Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 4 to 4.4 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Description
These Brown Butter Madeleines are delicate French sponge cakes with a rich, nutty flavor from browned unsalted butter, sweetened with maple syrup and sugar. Perfectly golden and springy, they offer a beautifully moist texture with a subtle vanilla aroma, ideal for an elegant tea-time treat or dessert.
Ingredients
Brown Butter
- 1 cup unsalted butter, for browning
Dry Ingredients
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
Wet Ingredients
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup pure maple syrup
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prep: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and generously grease your madeleine pan to prevent sticking.
- Brown Butter: In a saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat until it turns golden brown and emits a nutty aroma. Remove from heat and allow it to cool slightly.
- Mix Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and baking powder. In a separate large bowl, beat the eggs with the granulated sugar until pale and fluffy. Gradually combine the browned butter and pure maple syrup with the egg mixture, gently folding in the dry ingredients to form a smooth batter. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Bake: Spoon the batter into the prepared molds, filling each about three-quarters full. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the madeleines are golden brown and springy to the touch. Remove from oven and cool slightly before removing from the pan.
Notes
- Be careful not to burn the butter; it should be golden brown and smell nutty.
- Do not overmix the batter to maintain the light texture of the madeleines.
- To ensure a perfect shell shape, chill the pan before baking or use a madeleine pan specifically designed for this treat.
- Serve madeleines warm or at room temperature with tea or coffee.
