Imagine biting into a delicate, shell-shaped pastry that transports you straight to a Parisian café with its sophisticated blend of citrusy brightness and aromatic tea. These Earl Grey Lemon Madeleines are not just a dessert; they're a culinary experience that marries the classic French tradition with a modern, refreshing twist. With their golden, buttery exterior and a hint of Earl Grey's bergamot essence, these madeleines are about to become your new obsession in the world of delightful baked treats.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: French
Serves: 24 madeleines
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 2 tablespoons brewed Earl Grey tea
Instructions
- Prepare the madeleine molds by thoroughly buttering and flouring each cavity, ensuring complete coverage to prevent sticking. Place the prepared molds in the refrigerator to chill.
- In a small saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over low heat. Once melted, remove from heat and allow to cool slightly to room temperature.
- In a medium mixing bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour and baking powder to ensure a smooth, lump-free mixture.
- In a separate large mixing bowl, whisk the eggs and granulated sugar together until the mixture becomes pale and slightly frothy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add the honey, lemon zest, and brewed Earl Grey tea to the egg mixture. Whisk until well combined and fragrant.
- Gently fold the sifted flour mixture into the wet ingredients, being careful not to overmix. Use a spatula and fold just until the flour is incorporated.
- Slowly pour the cooled melted butter into the batter, folding gently to create a smooth, consistent mixture.
- Cover the batter and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or preferably overnight, to allow flavors to develop and batter to rest.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Remove the chilled batter from the refrigerator and give it a gentle stir.
- Using a small cookie scoop or spoon, fill each madeleine mold cavity about 3/4 full with batter.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 9-11 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the centers have a distinctive "bump".
- Remove from the oven and immediately tap the mold on the countertop to release the madeleines. Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Optional: Dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with a light lemon glaze before serving. Best enjoyed the same day they are baked.
Tips
- Chill Your Batter: The secret to those signature madeleine "bumps" is a well-chilled batter. Refrigerate for at least an hour, or overnight for the best results.
- Prep Your Molds Meticulously: Thoroughly butter and flour your madeleine molds to ensure easy release and a beautiful golden exterior.
- Don't Overmix: Gently fold the ingredients to maintain the delicate texture. Overmixing can result in tough madeleines.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: High-quality butter, freshly brewed Earl Grey tea, and fresh lemon zest make a world of difference in flavor.
- Serve Immediately: Madeleines are best enjoyed the same day they're baked, preferably still slightly warm with a dusting of powdered sugar.
- Temperature Matters: Ensure your melted butter is cooled to room temperature before adding to the batter to prevent cooking the eggs.Pro tip: Invest in a proper madeleine pan to achieve that iconic shell shape that makes these treats so special!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 95kcal
Carbohydrates: 8g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 30mg
