Best Madeleine Cookies Recipe Using Cream – Soft, Buttery & Easy

Madeleine cookies are a classic French pastry known for their delicate, shell-shaped design and soft, buttery texture. Traditionally made with simple ingredients like butter, eggs, and sugar, this Best Madeleine Cookies Recipe Using Cream adds a luxurious twist by incorporating heavy cream, making them even more tender

Perfect for afternoon tea, dessert, or a special homemade gift, these Madeleines are surprisingly easy to make with just a few simple ingredients. Whether you’re an experienced baker or a beginner, this step-by-step guide will help you achieve perfectly fluffy, buttery Madeleines every time. Keep reading to discover the secrets to baking authentic French Madeleines with cream, along with expert tips for the best results!

More Internet-Famous Recipes

• Easy Pumpkin Dump Cake Recipe
• Mary Berry Soda Bread Recip
• The Best Millie’s Cookies Recipe
• Pecan Pie Recipe

What Are Madeleine Cookies?

Madeleine cookies, often simply called Madeleines, are small, shell-shaped sponge cakes that originate from France. These delicate pastries have a soft, airy texture with a light crispness on the edges, making them the perfect balance between a cookie and a cake. Traditionally, Madeleines are made using a simple batter of butter, sugar, eggs, flour, and vanilla extract, but this Madeleine recipe adds cream for an extra rich and tender crumb.

The French Origin of Madeleine Cookies

Madeleines are deeply rooted in French baking history, dating back to the 18th century. According to legend, they were first created in the Lorraine region of France by a young baker named Madeleine Paulmier, who served them to the Duke of Lorraine. Their unique shell-like shape comes from the special Madeleine mold, which gives them their characteristic ridges. Today, these small sponge cakes are a staple in French patisseries and are often enjoyed with coffee or tea.

Traditional vs. Modern Madeleine Cookies

Classic Madeleines follow a time-honored baking method, where the batter is mixed, chilled, and then baked to create a light, fluffy texture with a slight hump in the center—a signature feature of perfectly baked Madeleines. However, modern variations introduce different flavors and ingredients, such as:

• Madeleines with Cream – Adds richness and a softer texture.
• Lemon or Orange Zest – Enhances the flavor with a fresh citrusy note.
• Chocolate-Dipped Madeleines – A delicious twist for chocolate lovers.
• Almond or Coconut Madeleines – Infuse nutty flavors for extra depth.

Why You’ll Love These Creamy Madeleine Cookies

Using cream in the batter instead of just butter adds a luxurious softness that makes these Madeleines even more moist and tender. The result is a perfectly balanced treat—buttery and crisp on the edges, yet light and airy in the center. Whether enjoyed as a breakfast indulgence, a mid-day snack, or a sweet dessert, these homemade Madeleines will quickly become a favorite!

Ingredients Needed for the Best Madeleine Cookies

To make perfectly soft, buttery, and delicate Madeleines, you need a few simple yet essential ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role in achieving the light, airy texture and rich flavor that defines these classic French cookies.

ain Ingredients for Madeleine Cookies

All-Purpose Flour (1 cup)
Flour provides the structure for the Madeleines. Using all-purpose flour ensures the right balance between a soft crumb and crisp edges. For an even lighter texture, sift the flour before mixing.

Granulated Sugar (½ cup)
Sugar adds sweetness and helps create a light golden crust. A fine granulated sugar works best, as it dissolves easily into the batter.

Large Eggs (2)
Eggs are key to achieving the signature spongy and delicate texture of Madeleines. They help create the perfect rise and contribute to the richness of the batter. For best results, use room temperature eggs, as they mix more smoothly.

Unsalted Butter (½ cup, melted)
Butter adds richness and moisture while enhancing the overall flavor of the cookies. Traditional French Madeleines rely on butter for their signature taste, and using high-quality European-style butter can make a noticeable difference.

Heavy Cream (¼ cup)
This is the secret ingredient in this recipe! Unlike traditional Madeleines that rely solely on butter, heavy cream makes the cookies extra soft and tender, giving them a delicate, melt-in-your-mouth texture. It also enhances the richness without making them too dense.

Vanilla Extract (1 teaspoon)
Vanilla brings a warm, aromatic note to the Madeleines. For a more gourmet flavor, you can substitute it with vanilla bean paste.

Baking Powder (½ teaspoon, optional)
Traditional Madeleines rely on whipped eggs for their rise, but adding a small amount of baking powder ensures a light and fluffy texture, especially for beginners.

Salt (¼ teaspoon)
A pinch of salt balances the sweetness and enhances all the other flavors in the batter.

---

Optional Add-Ins for Extra Flavor in Madeleine Cookies

While this recipe creates classic, buttery Madeleines, you can easily customize the flavor by adding:

• Lemon or Orange Zest – Adds a fresh, citrusy aroma.
• Chocolate Chips or Cocoa Powder – For a rich, chocolatey twist.
• Almond or Coconut Extract – Enhances the flavor with a nutty depth.
• Honey – Provides natural sweetness and extra moisture.

---

Essential Equipment for Baking Madeleines

To achieve the perfect shell-shaped, golden-brown Madeleines, you’ll need the right baking tools:

• Madeleine Pan – A nonstick Madeleine mold is essential for creating the signature ridges and delicate texture.
• Whisk or Hand Mixer – Helps whip the eggs and sugar to the right consistency.
• Mixing Bowls – For combining and mixing the ingredients smoothly.
• Pastry Brush – Useful for greasing the mold with butter to prevent sticking.
• Cooling Rack – Allows the Madeleines to cool evenly after baking.

Step-by-Step Guide – How to Make Madeleine Cookies with Cream

Making perfect Madeleines with cream is easier than you might think! The key to achieving their light, fluffy texture with a slightly crisp edge is following the right techniques. Below, you’ll find a detailed, step-by-step guide to help you bake soft, buttery, and delicious Madeleines at home.

1: Gather Your Ingredients and Equipment for Madeleine Cookies

Before you start baking, make sure you have all your ingredients measured and ready. This will ensure a smooth process and prevent any mistakes. You’ll also need a Madeleine pan, a whisk, and a mixing bowl. If possible, use room temperature ingredients, as they mix more evenly.

2: MMelt the Butter and Prepare the Madeleine Cookie Pan

• Melt the unsalted butter in a small saucepan over low heat or in the microwave. Set it aside to cool slightly.
• Lightly grease your Madeleine pan with butter, ensuring all the shell-shaped molds are coated. This will prevent the cookies from sticking and help create a beautiful golden crust.

3: Whip the Eggs and Sugar for Madeleine Cookies

• In a large mixing bowl, whisk the eggs and sugar together until the mixture turns pale, thick, and slightly foamy. This process incorporates air into the batter, which is essential for creating light and fluffy Madeleines.
• If using a hand or stand mixer, beat on medium-high speed for about 3–4 minutes until the mixture doubles in volume.

4: Add the Wet Ingredients

• Stir in the vanilla extract for added flavor.
• Pour in the heavy cream, gently folding it into the mixture to maintain its airy texture. The cream adds richness and a super soft, melt-in-your-mouth consistency to the Madeleines.

5: Sift and Fold in the Dry Ingredients

• In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder (if using), and salt.
• Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, folding gently with a spatula. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the Madeleines dense instead of light and fluffy.

6: Incorporate the Melted Butter

• Slowly pour the cooled melted butter into the batter while continuing to fold. The butter adds moisture and flavor while ensuring the Madeleines bake with their signature golden edges.
• At this point, if you’re adding optional flavors like lemon zest, orange zest, or almond extract, gently mix them in.

7: Chill the Batter

• Cover the batter with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30–60 minutes (or up to overnight). This chilling step is crucial, as it allows the batter to thicken, ensuring the Madeleines develop their classic hump while baking.

8: Preheat the Oven and Fill the Madeleine Pan

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) while the batter is chilling.
• Once ready, scoop about a tablespoon of batter into each mold of the prepared Madeleine pan. The batter should sit in the center without spreading—it will naturally fill the mold as it bakes.

9: Bake Until Golden and Puffy

• Place the pan in the oven and bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the Madeleines have risen and turned golden brown around the edges. The classic hump should appear in the center, a sign of perfectly baked Madeleines.
• To test for doneness, gently press the center of a Madeleine—it should spring back when touched.

10: Cool and Serve

1. Remove the Madeleines from the oven and let them cool in the pan for a few minutes.
2. Carefully transfer them to a cooling rack to prevent excess moisture buildup.
3. If desired, dust with powdered sugar for an elegant finishing touch.

11: Enjoy Fresh or Store for Later

• Madeleines are best enjoyed fresh and warm. Their texture is lightest and fluffiest right after baking.
• If storing, keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or freeze them for longer shelf life.

Tips for Perfect, Soft, and Buttery Madeleine Cookies

Achieving perfect Madeleines requires a balance of the right ingredients, proper technique, and a few key tricks. Below are some expert tips to help you bake soft, buttery, and delicately textured Madeleines with their signature golden edges and a perfect hump.

1. Use Room Temperature Ingredients

Using room temperature eggs, butter, and cream ensures that the ingredients mix together smoothly, resulting in a batter with a consistent texture. Cold ingredients can lead to uneven mixing and a denser final texture.

2. Properly Whip the Eggs and Sugar

One of the most important steps in making Madeleines is whipping the eggs and sugar until pale, thick, and airy. This process incorporates air, which gives the cookies their characteristic light and fluffy texture. If using a hand mixer or stand mixer, beat the eggs and sugar on medium-high speed for at least 3–4 minutes until the mixture becomes ribbony when lifted.

3. Sift the Dry Ingredients for a Lighter Texture

To avoid lumps and create an extra delicate crumb, always sift the flour, baking powder, and salt before adding them to the wet ingredients. Sifting also helps evenly distribute the leavening agent, ensuring the Madeleines rise properly.

4. Gently Fold the Batter—Don’t Overmix

When combining the wet and dry ingredients, use a gentle folding motion instead of vigorous stirring. Overmixing will develop the gluten in the flour, leading to tough and dense Madeleines instead of the desired soft and airy texture.

5. Rest and Chill the Batter for the Signature Hump

One of the most crucial steps for achieving perfect Madeleines is chilling the batter. Letting it rest in the refrigerator for at least 30–60 minutes (or up to overnight) allows the flour to hydrate, the butter to solidify slightly, and the air bubbles to settle. This temperature difference between the chilled batter and the hot oven creates the classic hump in the center of the Madeleines.

6. Properly Prepare the Madeleine Pan

To ensure your Madeleines don’t stick and bake evenly, follow these preparation steps:

• Grease the pan thoroughly with melted butter or nonstick spray.
• Lightly dust the molds with flour and tap out the excess. This creates a nonstick barrier for easy removal.
• If using a nonstick Madeleine pan, greasing may not be necessary, but a light butter coating enhances the golden color and crisp edges.

7. Don’t Overfill the Molds

Each cavity in the Madeleine pan should be filled about ¾ full (or about 1 tablespoon of batter per mold). The batter will spread as it bakes, so overfilling can cause irregular shapes or overflow.

8. Bake at the Right Temperature for the Best Texture

A preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) is ideal for achieving a golden crust while keeping the inside soft and tender. Baking at a lower temperature may prevent the signature hump from forming, while a higher temperature can cause excessive browning before the centers are fully baked.

9. Bake Until Just Golden and Springy

• The perfect baking time is typically 10–12 minutes, but this can vary slightly depending on your oven.
• Madeleines are done when the edges are golden brown, the tops are set, and the cookies spring back when lightly pressed.
• Be careful not to overbake, as this can dry them out and make them too firm.

10. Cool Properly Before Serving

• Let the Madeleines cool in the pan for about 2 minutes before gently loosening them with a knife or tapping the pan to release them.
• Transfer to a cooling rack to prevent steam from making the bottoms soggy.
• Dust with powdered sugar for a classic finish or serve them warm for the best texture.

11. Enhance the Flavor with Extra Add-Ins

While classic Madeleines are delicious on their own, you can experiment with additional flavors for a unique twist:

• Citrus zest (lemon, orange, or lime) for a fresh aroma.
• Almond or coconut extract for a nutty depth.
• Drizzle with melted chocolate or glaze for a decorative finish.

12. Store Properly to Keep Them Fresh

Madeleines taste best when freshly baked, but if you need to store them:

• At room temperature: Keep them in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
• In the freezer: Store in a sealed bag for up to 2 months. To serve, let them thaw at room temperature or warm them slightly in the oven.

Variations and Serving Ideas for Madeleine Cookies

While classic Madeleines are already delicious on their own, incorporating different flavors and presentation styles can make them even more special. Whether you prefer a traditional buttery Madeleine or want to experiment with unique ingredients, here are some exciting variations and serving ideas to enhance your Madeleines.

1. Flavor Variations

Adding different ingredients to your Madeleine batter can elevate their taste, making them suitable for any occasion.

Citrus Madeleines

• To brighten up the flavor, add lemon, orange, or lime zest to the batter.
• Additionally, you can drizzle a citrus glaze made with powdered sugar and juice for extra flavor.

Chocolate Madeleines

• For a rich, indulgent twist, replace 2–3 tablespoons of flour with cocoa powder to create chocolate Madeleines.
• Furthermore, drizzling them with melted chocolate or dipping the edges enhances their gourmet appeal.
• If you love extra chocolatey treats, consider adding chocolate chips to the batter.

Almond or Coconut Madeleines

• To introduce a nutty flavor, substitute a portion of the flour with finely ground almonds or coconut flour.
• Similarly, adding almond extract can intensify the nutty aroma.
• For extra texture, sprinkle toasted coconut on top before baking.

Honey or Maple Madeleines

• Instead of using regular sugar, try replacing part of it with honey or maple syrup for a naturally sweet variation.
• Not only do these Madeleines taste amazing, but they also pair well with herbal teas and light fruit spreads.

Earl Grey or Matcha Madeleines

• If you love tea-infused desserts, consider adding Earl Grey tea leaves for a fragrant, floral twist.
• Likewise, matcha green tea powder gives the Madeleines a vibrant color and an earthy taste.

Spiced Madeleines

• To create a cozy, warm flavor, incorporate cinnamon, nutmeg, or cardamom into the batter.
• This variation works especially well in the fall and pairs perfectly with a chai latte or spiced hot chocolate.

2. Filling and Topping Ideas

Enhancing your Madeleines with delicious fillings or toppings can make them even more irresistible.

Filled Madeleines

• Once baked, use a piping bag to fill the Madeleines with:
  • Pastry cream (vanilla, chocolate, or coffee-flavored).
  • Fruit preserves such as raspberry, apricot, or strawberry.
  • Nut butter like almond or hazelnut spread for extra richness.

Dipped and Glazed Madeleines

• To elevate their appearance, dip half of each Madeleine in dark, milk, or white chocolate and let them set.
• In addition, drizzling them with caramel or vanilla glaze adds a sophisticated touch.
• To further enhance texture, sprinkle crushed nuts, shredded coconut, or freeze-dried fruit on top.

Powdered Sugar Dusting

• If you prefer a simple but elegant presentation, dust the Madeleines with powdered sugar right before serving.

3. How to Serve Madeleines

Madeleines are incredibly versatile and pair well with various drinks and accompaniments.

With Hot Beverages

• For a classic pairing, serve Madeleines with a cup of tea (Earl Grey, chamomile, or green tea).
• Similarly, they go wonderfully with coffee or espresso, balancing the bitterness with their sweet, buttery flavor.
• Alternatively, enjoy them with hot chocolate for a comforting, indulgent dessert.

With Cold Beverages

• If you prefer something refreshing, pair them with a cold glass of milk for a nostalgic experience.
• Likewise, serving them with fruit-infused iced tea or lemonade makes for a delightful summer treat.

As a Dessert Platter

• To impress guests, arrange a variety of Madeleines on a dessert board with:
  • Fresh berries and sliced fruits.
  • Whipped cream or yogurt for dipping.
  • A selection of flavored Madeleines to offer variety.

4. Special Occasion Ideas

Gift-Worthy Packaging: If you want to make a thoughtful homemade gift, wrap Madeleines in a decorative box with ribbon.

Holiday-Themed Madeleines: For festive occasions, add cinnamon and ginger for Christmas or shape them into heart molds for Valentine’s Day.

Gourmet Plating: For an elegant dessert, serve Madeleines alongside vanilla ice cream with a drizzle of chocolate sauce.