A French Classic
“Could we have some tea? Why sure, I’d like some myself. He brought the steaming cups in and went back for the sugar bowl.”
East of Eden, John Steinbeck
Inspiration
When I reorganized my baking pans I found my madeleine pan wedged between a whoopie pie pan and a muffin tin. It seemed to wink at me; all that French history hidden away in the depths of an American pantry. Madeleines are the quintessential scallop shaped French cookie made famous by Marcel Proust in Remembrance of Things Past. Monsieur Proust was right, madeleines are perfectly paired with a steaming cup of tea on a winter afternoon. The madeleines are a mini version of a decadent sponge cake. The cookies ethereal qualities are found in their traditional French heritage of butter and eggs laced with vanilla and lemon zest.
Essentials
I used Dorie Greenspan’s Madeleine recipe from Baking, From my Home to Yours. The recipe can be found here. I so much enjoy her cookbooks, they not only have a story to share but approachable recipes that yield successful outcomes. Daydreaming about the recipe variation for Lavender Madeleines was a catapult all the way to spring.
Use the best ingredients possible in making the madeleines. The flavor of the butter, eggs, vanilla and lemon will join together in harmony when you prepare the madeleines. I used a sample of Heilala Vanilla bean paste in my madeleines and was cognizant of warm floral notes from the sweet vanilla seeds. I took an interest in their vanilla bean paste as it is laden with vanilla seeds, contains no fillers or sugar and is thickened naturally with seaweed. Heilala vanilla is grown on the Vava’u Islands of Tonga and manufactured in New Zealand. The history of building a flourishing vanilla business is as fascinating as the heady vanilla. If you are searching for a favorite vanilla, Heilala is a splendid choice.
Heilala Vanilla provided me with a sample of their vanilla bean paste. The opinions expressed are my own and I was not compensated to review their product.
Marvelous post, Deb! I’ve never baked with vanilla paste and now, and very curious to give it a shot. Your madeleines — and your photos — are just lovely.
Thank you go your tasty comment Carol! Vanilla bean paste is a fast, easy alternative to using a vanilla bean pod.
Wow Deb, this is beautiful I love madeleines. Never heard about vanilla paste before…sounds very interesting to me. I shud look for one:)
Thank you Nina! Vanilla paste is a quick, easy option for using a whole vanilla bean.
I really need a madeleine pan – these are SO pretty! They look light and fluffy and oh-so delicate; I’m going to go get a cup of tea now and pretend that I have one of these to enjoy alongside it.
The Madeleines are a perfect little snacking cookie! Thank you your delicious comment Sydney!
Vanilla and lemon are perfect flavors with madeleines. These are beauties, Deb!
Thank you Laura! I agree lemon and vanilla are a scrumptious combination.
would love some! (and love lemon) tea time please!
Wish I could send you some, but they have disappeared! If we meet for tea I will bring some! Thank you for your lovely comment!
What a beautiful blog you have. This is the first time I have been tempted to make Madeleine’s .
Thank so very much for your tasty comment!
A good, just made madeleine is a wonderful bite. And I love vanilla bean and paste. They look wonderful Deb! Love those buttons, the most unexpected props!
Thank you Paula! The Madeleine’s from the store just aren’t the same!
Oh, my gosh, Deb!
If the traditional madeleines are wonderful, these ones made from the combination of 2 great flavors – vanilla and lemon- might be the bomb. Next time that I make madeleines, I’ll have to try this Dorie’s recipe. Congrats on the pictures…They are gorgeous!!!!!! xx
Thank you Denise! Dorie Greenspan’s recipes are always the best!
Your madeleines look perfect! I could eat myself sick on madeleines and have actually never baked them at home. There’s no excuse now with a great recipe at my disposal here on your site…I’m going to turn my kitchen into a madeleine factory!
Oh Julia, they are addicting! I want to try the chocolate and the lavender is seriously haunting me! Thank you for your tasty comment!
These are so lovely. They make me think of Spring.
Thank you for your delicious comment Lynda!
These sound so unbelievably scrumptious! I’ve never made madeleines before (don’t have a pan), but this might just convince me to go out and get one!
As a cookie lover investing in a madeleine pan has been worth the expense! Thank you for commenting Stephanie!
I truly have a sister in your Deb – I have a collection of buttons, and my (silicone) madeline tray is wedged somewhere, between what and what, I know not though.
As ever, this looks delectable – you’re helping me expand my vocab! I like
Oh Oz, my button collection has been buried away in the cupboard far too long! They are little snippets of history and travel that have many stories to tell. I would love to hear more about your collection!
O wow! Divine…….I can taste the buttery vanilla on my tongue……and these photos, are they yours are just wonderful. Scrummy…..
Thank you Catherine! Yes the photos are all mine!
Stunning. I love vanilla paste, and vanilla powder (the latter fantastic for non-baked things as no alcohol to taint) but have only made madeleines once, not very successfully. They tasted fine but weren’t anything special despite a touch of lovely Japanese matcha. Will give Dorie’s probably idiot-proof (for folk like me, not you) recipe a whirl. Ge-or-ge-ous photos too.
Thank you Kellie! The few times I’ve baked with matcha the baked good was heavier and more dense than I expected. Doris’s recipes can be counted on for consistent results.
These look just beautiful! I’ve always wanted to try making madeleines but have always been a bit intimidated. After reading through this though it seems very doable, thank you for sharing!
Thank you Eva! Dorie’s recipes are just the right amount of user friendly! Have fun baking!
Thanks for sharing this recipe. I love Madeleines and will try your recipe as I am baking for a charity tea party next month and I know these will be very well received. Plus I have just recently replaced my old madeleine tray! I find the flavour of vanilla paste quite amazing and wouldn’t be without it in my baking supplies. Happy Baking to you all.
Thank you for commenting! Madeleines are lovely aren’t they!