These little buttery, citrus-kissed madeleines are a perfect treat for afternoon tea, gifting, or just indulging yourself. The batter is infused with nutty browned butter and citrus zest, and the delicate candy rose decorations add a charming, whimsical touch. If you’re new to madeleines, don’t worry—this step-by-step guide makes it easy to achieve that iconic hump and a gorgeous presentation.

Why You’ll Love These Madeleines

Buttery and tender: Browned butter gives them a rich, nutty depth that melts in your mouth.
Bright citrus flavor: A hint of orange or lemon zest keeps them fresh and lively.
Perfectly domed: The 24-hour cold rest helps create that classic madeleine “hump” every time.
Adorable presentation: The candy rose decorations add a whimsical, bakery-worthy touch.
Beginner-friendly: With clear steps and tips, even first-time bakers can create a beautiful, impressive treat.

Ingredients

For the Madeleines

160 g unsalted butter, room temperature
100 g caster sugar
25 g honey
2 large eggs, room temperature
50 g whole milk, room temperature
Zest of half an orange or lemon
165 g all-purpose flour
5 g baking powder

To Prep the Pan

10 g unsalted butter, melted
10 g all-purpose flour

For Decoration

Green, red, and pink candy melts
White chocolate, melted (approx. 1 tsp per madeleine)

Directions

1. Brown the butter: Melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Watch carefully—it should turn a light amber color and smell nutty, but don’t let it burn. Remove from heat and set aside to cool slightly.

2. Mix sugar, honey, and eggs: In a large bowl, whisk together the sugar, honey, and eggs until smooth and creamy.

3. Combine dry ingredients: Sift the flour and baking powder into the egg mixture, and gently fold until just combined. Then add the milk and citrus zest, folding until incorporated.

4. Add the browned butter: Stir the brown butter into the batter until smooth and fully combined.

5. Refrigerate the batter: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 24 hours. This cold rest is key for developing the classic madeleine hump and deep flavor.

6. Prep for baking: After 24 hours, remove the batter from the fridge and let it soften slightly at room temperature while you prep the madeleine molds. Preheat your oven to 375°F. Butter and flour the molds (metal molds work best).

7. Fill the molds: Give the batter a quick stir to loosen it, then transfer to a tipless piping bag. Pipe the batter into each mold about ¾ full.

8. Bake: Bake on the middle rack for 10–12 minutes. The edges should be golden amber and the tops slightly domed. Cool in the mold for 3–5 minutes before removing. Optional: brush the tops with a little honey for extra shine and flavor.

9. Decorate with candy roses: Wash and dry the molds. Using a toothpick or fine brush, “draw” the rose shapes with green, red, and pink candy melts in the cavities. Freeze for 5 minutes to set. Once set, place a small amount of melted white chocolate and gently press in the madeleines. Freeze for 30 minutes before demolding.

Variations

Citrus swaps: Use lemon zest instead of orange, or even a mix of both for a brighter flavor.
Flavor twists: Add 1 tsp vanilla extract or 1/2 tsp almond extract for a subtle depth.
Chocolate version: Fold in mini chocolate chips or a swirl of melted dark chocolate before baking.
Nutty madeleines: Fold in finely chopped toasted almonds or pistachios for extra texture.

Storage & Make-Ahead Tips

Refrigeration: Store cooled madeleines in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezing: Madeleines freeze well. Freeze baked and cooled madeleines in a single layer on a tray, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Batter prep: The batter can rest in the fridge up to 48 hours. You can bake in batches when ready.
Decorations: Candy melt roses can be made ahead and stored in the freezer. Assemble with madeleines just before serving to keep designs fresh.

Tips for Success

Cold batter is key: Don’t skip the 24-hour rest—it makes all the difference for texture and flavor.
Watch the butter: Browning butter can go from perfect to burnt quickly, so keep your eyes on it.
Decoration flexibility: The candy roses are optional but add a beautiful finishing touch. Experiment with your own colors!

Yield

Makes 24

Ready to Make Your Own “Rose Garden” Citrus Madeleines?

There’s never been a better time to pull out your madeleine pan and try this recipe. With just a few simple ingredients, a little patience, and a touch of creativity, you can create delicate, buttery treats that look as gorgeous as they taste. Whether you’re baking for friends, family, or just a cozy afternoon at home, these madeleines are sure to impress. So grab your whisk, your candy melts, and let’s get baking—your very own “Rose Garden” awaits!

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