Madeleine cookies are a classic French treat that never fail to impress. Their delicate flavor, soft and buttery texture, and signature shell shape make them a favorite for any occasion. If you’ve ever wondered how to achieve that perfect golden brown exterior with a light, moist center, you’re in the right place.
This Madeline cookies recipe using cream takes the traditional approach up a notch by incorporating heavy cream, which enhances the richness and creates an irresistibly tender crumb. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or trying madeleines for the first time, this recipe ensures bakery-quality results every time.
Grab your mixing bowl, and let’s create the ultimate madeleine cookies recipe using cream perfect with a cup of tea or coffee or as a thoughtful homemade gift.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
If you’re looking for the ultimate madeleine cookies recipe using cream, this one is for you. These soft and buttery treats are moist, flavorful, and have that perfect signature shell shape with a light, airy texture.
Here’s why this recipe stands out:
- Rich & Moist Texture – The addition of cream enhances the softness, making these madeleines extra tender.
- Delicate Buttery Flavor – A perfect balance of butter and eggs, with a hint of vanilla extract and optional lemon zest for freshness.
- Classic French Elegance – These bakery-quality madeleines are ideal for tea time, dessert platters, or as a homemade gift.
- Easy Yet Impressive – While they look fancy, they come together with simple ingredients and foolproof techniques.
What Makes These Madeleines Special?
- The Cream Factor: Unlike traditional madeleine cookies, this recipe uses heavy cream, which creates a soft and moist texture while keeping the crumb light and airy.
- A Perfect Rise: The secret to the classic madeleine hump is chilling the batter before baking. This step ensures that each cookie bakes up with its signature dome.
- Golden Brown Perfection: A properly preheated oven (375°F / 190°C) guarantees even baking, resulting in a crisp edge and a tender, buttery interior.
Who Will Love These Madeleines?
Baking Beginners: Simple techniques, easy-to-follow steps, and no special equipment needed beyond a madeleine pan.
French Pastry Lovers: Authentic French treat with the right texture and taste.
Tea & Coffee Enthusiasts: These cookies with cream pair beautifully with a hot drink, making them an elegant snack for any moment.
Now that you know why this Madeline cookies recipe using cream is a must-try, let’s move on to the ingredients you’ll need!
Ingredients for the Perfect Madeleines
Before you start baking, gather these simple yet essential ingredients. Each one plays a key role in creating soft and buttery madeleines with a moist, delicate crumb.
Dry Ingredients:
1 cup (120g) all-purpose flour – Provides structure while keeping the texture light.
1 teaspoon baking powder – Helps the batter rise, creating that signature madeleine hump.
A pinch of salt – Enhances the flavors and balances the sweetness.
Wet Ingredients:
2 large eggs – Essential for structure and an airy texture. Let them come to room temperature for the best results.
½ cup (100g) granulated sugar – Gives the cookies their slight crispness and golden color.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Adds a warm, fragrant aroma that complements the buttery notes.
½ teaspoon lemon zest (optional) – A touch of citrus brightens the flavor and enhances the soft and moist texture.
¼ cup (60ml) heavy cream – This is the secret to ultra-moist madeleines! It creates a richer batter for a more tender crumb.
⅓ cup (75g) unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled – Ensures the classic French madeleine texture, giving each bite a delicate flavor.
Pro Tips for the Best Ingredients
Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh eggs, butter, and cream make a noticeable difference in flavor and texture.
Sift the Dry Ingredients: This prevents lumps and ensures a smooth, airy batter.
Don’t Skip the Cream: The addition of cream makes these madeleine cookies extra soft and bakery-quality.
Melted Butter Matters: Let it cool slightly before adding it to the batter, or it may affect the texture.
Now that you have all the ingredients ready, let’s move on to the step-by-step instructions for making these perfectly soft madeleine cookies using cream!
Step-by-Step Instructions for Perfect Madeleines
Now that your ingredients are ready, let’s walk through the simple steps to make these soft and buttery madeleine cookies using cream. Follow each step carefully to achieve the perfect light, moist texture with the signature madeleine hump.
1. Prepare the Dry Ingredients
- In a bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- This step ensures a smooth batter and prevents lumps from forming.
2. Whip the Eggs and Sugar
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs and sugar for 3-4 minutes until the mixture becomes pale and fluffy.
- Using a hand mixer or stand mixer makes this step easier and helps incorporate air, giving the madeleines their signature airy texture.
3. Add the Flavor Enhancers
- Stir in the vanilla extract and lemon zest (if using) for a fragrant, delicate flavor.
4. Incorporate the Heavy Cream and Butter
- Slowly pour in the heavy cream, mixing until fully combined.
- Gently fold in the melted and slightly cooled butter to ensure a rich, buttery crumb.
5. Fold in the Dry Ingredients
- With a spatula, carefully fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Avoid overmixing, as this can result in dense cookies instead of the light, fluffy texture we want.
6. Chill the Batter – A Crucial Step
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (overnight for the best results).
- This step helps develop the flavors and ensures the batter is firm enough to create the classic madeleine hump.
7. Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Madeleine Pan
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Lightly grease and flour the madeleine pan, ensuring the cookies don’t stick while baking.
8. Fill the Molds and Bake
- Spoon or pipe the batter into each mold, filling them about ¾ full.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges turn golden brown and the centers spring back when lightly touched.
9. Cool and Serve
- Allow the madeleines to rest in the pan for 2 minutes before moving them to a wire rack to cool fully.
- For an extra special touch, dust them with powdered sugar or dip them in melted chocolate.
Now that your perfectly soft madeleines are ready, let’s explore some pro tips and variations to customize your batch!
Pro Tips & Flavor Variations for Perfect Madeleines
Baking the ultimate madeleine cookies recipe using cream isn’t just about following the steps about understanding the small details that make a big difference. Here are expert tips and creative variations to help you master this classic French treat.
Pro Tips for Perfect Madeleines
Chill the Batter for the Signature Hump
- Don’t skip refrigeration! A chilled batter helps create the iconic madeleine hump, giving these cookies their distinctive shape.
Avoid Overmixing
- Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet to keep the batter light and airy. Overmixing will make your cookies dense instead of soft.
Use Room Temperature Ingredients
- Ensure your eggs, butter, and heavy cream are at room temperature to help them blend smoothly for an even texture.
Grease and Flour the Madeleine Pan Properly
- Lightly coat your madeleine pan with butter and a dusting of flour to prevent sticking while baking.
Fill the Molds Evenly
- Fill each mold about ¾ full for uniform golden brown cookies that rise evenly.
Bake at the Right Temperature
- A properly preheated oven (375°F/190°C) ensures even baking and a soft, buttery texture.
Let the Madeleines Cool Properly
- Allow them to cool in the pan for a couple of minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to prevent them from becoming soggy.
Flavor Variations to Try
Classic Vanilla & Lemon Zest – Stick to the original for a delicate, fragrant treat.
Chocolate-Dipped Madeleines – Dip the cooled cookies into melted chocolate for a decadent twist.
Honey Almond – Replace half the sugar with honey and sprinkle slivered almonds on top before baking.
Orange Blossom & Cardamom – Add ½ teaspoon orange blossom water and a pinch of ground cardamom for a floral, spiced flavor.
Espresso Madeleines – Stir 1 teaspoon of instant espresso powder into the batter for a rich coffee flavor.
Coconut & White Chocolate – Swap lemon zest for coconut flakes and drizzle with melted white chocolate.
Whether you keep them classic or experiment with flavors, these soft and buttery madeleines are guaranteed to impress. Now, let’s talk about the best ways to serve and enjoy them!
Serving Suggestions for Madeleines
Freshly baked madeleine cookies are a delight on their own, but pairing them with the right accompaniments can elevate the experience. Whether you’re serving them for a cozy afternoon snack or a special occasion, here are the best ways to enjoy these soft and buttery treats.
1. Classic Pairings
With Tea or Coffee – The delicate, buttery texture of madeleines pairs perfectly with a warm cup of tea or coffee, making them ideal for breakfast or an afternoon treat.
With Hot Chocolate – Dip these soft and moist cookies into rich hot chocolate for an indulgent pairing.
With Ice Cream – Serve warm madeleines alongside a scoop of vanilla or chocolate ice cream for a simple yet elegant dessert.
2. Elegant Presentation Ideas
As a Gift – Pack them in a homemade gift box with parchment paper between layers for a thoughtful and delicious present.
On a Dessert Platter – Arrange them with fresh fruit, chocolate-covered almonds, or macarons for a bakery-quality dessert spread.
Drizzled with Honey or Chocolate – For an extra special touch, drizzle melted chocolate or honey over your cookies with cream before serving.
3. Storage Tips for Freshness
- Madeleines are best enjoyed fresh, but you can store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- To maintain their soft and moist texture, place a sheet of parchment paper between layers when stacking them.
- For longer storage, freeze madeleines in a zip-top bag for up to 2 months and reheat them in the oven for a few minutes before serving.
These classic French madeleine cookies are perfect for any occasion, whether you’re enjoying them at home or sharing them with loved ones. Now that you know how to serve them, let’s wrap up with some final thoughts!
Final Thoughts on This Madeleine Cookies Recipe Using Cream
Baking madeleine cookies is more than just following a recipe it’s about creating a delicate, soft and buttery treat that feels as special as it tastes. With the addition of cream, these madeleines have an extra moist and tender crumb, making them an irresistible French classic worth mastering.
By following the key steps whipping the eggs and sugar, chilling the batter, and baking at the right temperature you’ll achieve bakery-quality madeleines every time. Whether you enjoy them with tea or coffee, drizzle them with melted chocolate, or pack them as a homemade gift, these cookies with cream are sure to impress.
Now that you’ve perfected the ultimate madeleine cookies recipe using cream, why not experiment with new flavor variations? Try adding orange zest, espresso, or coconut for a fun twist. Baking is all about creativity, so make this recipe your own!
Have any questions or want to share your results? Drop a comment below I’d love to hear how your madeleines turned out!
Madeline Cookies Recipe Using Cream
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients:
- 1 cup 120g all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- A pinch of salt
Wet Ingredients:
- 2 large eggs room temperature
- ½ cup 100g granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon lemon zest optional
- ¼ cup 60ml heavy cream
- ⅓ cup 75g unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
Instructions
Prepare the Dry Ingredients
- In a bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- This step ensures a smooth batter and prevents lumps from forming.
Whip the Eggs and Sugar
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs and sugar for 3-4 minutes until the mixture becomes pale and fluffy.
- Using a hand mixer or stand mixer makes this step easier and helps incorporate air, giving the madeleines their signature airy texture.
Add the Flavor Enhancers
- Stir in the vanilla extract and lemon zest (if using) for a fragrant, delicate flavor.
Incorporate the Heavy Cream and Butter
- Slowly pour in the heavy cream, mixing until fully combined.
- Gently fold in the melted and slightly cooled butter to ensure a rich, buttery crumb.
Fold in the Dry Ingredients
- With a spatula, carefully fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Avoid overmixing, as this can result in dense cookies instead of the light, fluffy texture we want.
Chill the Batter – A Crucial Step
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (overnight for the best results).
- This step helps develop the flavors and ensures the batter is firm enough to create the classic madeleine hump.
Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Madeleine Pan
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Lightly grease and flour the madeleine pan, ensuring the cookies don’t stick while baking.
Fill the Molds and Bake
- Spoon or pipe the batter into each mold, filling them about ¾ full.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges turn golden brown and the centers spring back when lightly touched.
Cool and Serve
- Allow the madeleines to rest in the pan for 2 minutes before moving them to a wire rack to cool fully.
- For an extra special touch, dust them with powdered sugar or dip them in melted chocolate.
Notes
- Calories: 120 kcal
- Total Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
- Sodium: 35mg
- Carbohydrates: 13g
- Sugar: 6g
- Protein: 2g
FAQs: Mastering Madeleines with Cream
Whether you’re new to baking madeleine cookies or refining your technique, these common questions will help you perfect your soft and buttery madeleines every time.
How to keep madeleines moist?
To maintain a soft and moist texture, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. Adding a sheet of parchment paper between layers helps prevent them from drying out. If storing longer, freeze them and reheat for a freshly baked feel.
Why are madeleines so dry?
Overbaking is the most common reason for dry madeleines. Bake at 375°F (190°C) and remove them once the edges turn golden brown and the center springs back when lightly touched. Also, avoid overmixing the batter, as this can result in a denser texture.
Why are my madeleines sticky after baking?
Humidity can make madeleines sticky, especially if they’re stored while still warm. Let them fully cool on a wire rack before placing them in storage. If they still feel sticky, lightly dust them with powdered sugar before serving.
Should madeleines be soft or crunchy?
Traditional French madeleines should have a light, fluffy interior with a slightly crisp edge. If they turn out too crunchy, they may have been overbaked or left uncovered for too long after cooling.
What is the secret to good madeleines?
Chill the batter – This helps create the classic madeleine hump.
Use heavy cream – This enhances the texture, making them extra moist and tender.
Don’t overmix – Gently fold the dry ingredients to maintain an airy crumb.
Use a madeleine pan – It gives them their signature shell shape and even baking.
Can you put too much baking powder in madeleines?
Yes! Too much baking powder can make the batter rise too quickly, causing the hump to collapse or making the texture too spongy. Stick to 1 teaspoon for the perfect rise.
What is the best flour for madeleines?
All-purpose flour works best, providing structure while keeping the texture light. If you prefer a finer crumb, you can use a mix of cake flour and all-purpose flour in equal parts.
What is a substitute for madeleine molds?
If you don’t have a madeleine pan, you can use a mini muffin tin. While it won’t create the signature shell shape, it will still give you a delicious, tender cookie.
How do the French eat madeleines?
Madeleines are often enjoyed with a cup of tea or coffee, either plain or lightly dusted with powdered sugar. Some French bakers dip them in melted chocolate, while others enjoy them as a breakfast treat or afternoon snack.
Now that you have all the answers, you’re ready to master this ultimate madeleine cookies recipe using cream! Happy baking!