Soft, buttery, and delicately flavored, Easter Madeleines are the perfect festive treat for spring. These light and airy French sponge cakes have a signature shell-like shape with crisp edges and a pillowy interior, making them as beautiful as they are delicious. For Easter, we’re taking these classic madeleines up a notch with pastel-colored glazes, festive sprinkles, and hints of citrus and vanilla for a fresh, seasonal touch.
Madeleines are often described as a cross between a cookie and a cake, offering a melt-in-your-mouth texture with a slight crispiness on the outside. The batter is lightly sweet with buttery richness, and in this Easter version, we add a touch of lemon zest and almond extract for an extra layer of springtime flavor. Whether you’re making them for an Easter brunch, a holiday gathering, or gifting to loved ones, these delicate, elegant madeleines are a wonderful way to celebrate the season.
The best part? They’re easier to make than you think! With just a few ingredients and the right techniques, you’ll achieve perfectly domed, golden-brown madeleines with a soft, tender crumb. Dip them in pastel-colored glazes, sprinkle with edible decorations, and you have a treat that’s not only delicious but also visually stunning.
Why You’ll Love These Easter Madeleines
- Light, Buttery, and Delicate – The perfect balance of crisp edges and soft, spongy centers.
- Easter-Themed and Beautiful – Festive pastel glazes and sprinkles make them perfect for the holiday.
- Quick and Easy to Make – Simple ingredients and techniques ensure a foolproof result.
- Customizable Flavors – Add citrus zest, almond extract, or even dip in white chocolate for extra indulgence.
- Perfect for Gifting and Celebrations – Pack them in decorative boxes or serve them on an Easter dessert table.
Preparation Time and Yield
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Chill Time: 1 hour
- Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 18-20 madeleines
Nutritional Information (Per Madeleine)
- Calories: 120
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Protein: 2g
- Fat: 6g
- Sugar: 7g
Ingredients for Easter Madeleines
For the Madeleines
- ½ cup (113g) unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon almond extract (optional)
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest (or orange zest for variation)
- ¾ cup (95g) all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
For the Easter Glaze
- 1 cup (120g) powdered sugar
- 2-3 tablespoons milk or lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- Food coloring (pastel pink, yellow, lavender, or green)
- Easter sprinkles, edible pearls, or shredded coconut (for decoration)
Step-by-Step Instructions for Easter Madeleines
Step 1: Prepare the Madeleine Batter
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs and sugar until pale and slightly thickened (about 2-3 minutes). Add the vanilla extract, almond extract (if using), and lemon zest, stirring until combined.
In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the egg mixture using a spatula. Slowly drizzle in the melted butter, folding gently until incorporated. Be careful not to overmix—this ensures the madeleines stay light and airy.
Step 2: Chill the Batter for the Signature “Hump”
Cover the batter and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or up to overnight). Chilling helps create the classic madeleine “hump” and improves the texture.
Step 3: Preheat and Prepare the Madeleine Pan
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a madeleine pan with butter or non-stick spray. If using a silicone mold, greasing may not be necessary.
Step 4: Bake the Madeleines
Spoon about 1 tablespoon of batter into each madeleine mold, filling them about ¾ full. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the tops spring back when lightly touched.
Remove from the oven and let them cool in the pan for 2 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 5: Make the Easter Glaze
In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and 2 tablespoons of milk or lemon juice until smooth. If the glaze is too thick, add more liquid 1 teaspoon at a time until you reach a pourable consistency.
Divide the glaze into small bowls and tint each with different pastel food colors (pink, yellow, lavender, and green).
Step 6: Decorate the Madeleines
Dip each madeleine halfway into the pastel glaze, letting the excess drip off. Place on a wire rack and immediately sprinkle with Easter sprinkles, edible pearls, or shredded coconut before the glaze sets. Let them dry for about 15 minutes before serving.
Ingredient Background
Each ingredient in these Easter Madeleines plays a crucial role in creating the perfect light, buttery, and elegant French sponge cake. Eggs are the foundation of madeleines, giving them structure and their signature airy texture. Beating the eggs with sugar until light and fluffy helps incorporate air into the batter, resulting in a delicate crumb and the classic “hump” on the back of each madeleine.
Butter is responsible for the rich flavor and crisp edges. Melted and slightly cooled unsalted butter is gently folded into the batter, ensuring each madeleine has a buttery, golden crust with a soft interior. The addition of vanilla and almond extract enhances the warm, nutty flavor, while lemon zest provides a subtle brightness that makes these perfect for springtime and Easter celebrations.
Flour and baking powder create the structure, while a short chilling period allows the batter to develop its signature domed shape during baking. Chilling also helps the flavors meld, making each bite even more rich and fragrant.
The pastel-colored glaze transforms these classic madeleines into an Easter-themed delight. Powdered sugar creates a smooth, shiny glaze, while a touch of milk or lemon juice keeps it light and flavorful. Food coloring in pastel hues like pink, yellow, lavender, and green makes them festive and visually appealing, while sprinkles, edible pearls, and shredded coconut add the final decorative touch.
Technique Tips for Easter Madeleines
To achieve the perfect “hump”, refrigerate the batter for at least 1 hour (or overnight). This helps the batter firm up, creating a temperature contrast when placed in the hot oven, forcing the batter to rise into the signature domed shape.
For a golden, crisp edge, be sure to grease the madeleine pan thoroughly with butter or non-stick spray. Lightly dusting the pan with flour also helps prevent sticking and creates an even bake.
Use gentle folding techniques when incorporating the melted butter into the batter. Overmixing can deflate the air bubbles, leading to a dense and flat madeleine instead of a light, fluffy texture.
If your madeleines stick to the pan, allow them to cool for a few minutes before gently tapping the pan on a surface to release them. If necessary, run a small knife around the edges to help loosen them.
To glaze madeleines perfectly, dip each one into the glaze at a slight angle, allowing excess to drip off before placing them on a wire rack to set. Work quickly, as the glaze hardens within minutes.
Alternative Presentation Ideas
For an elegant dessert platter, arrange the pastel-glazed madeleines on a tiered cake stand, alternating colors for a beautiful spring display. Garnish with fresh flowers, lemon zest curls, or edible gold flakes for a sophisticated Easter table setting.
To create Easter Madeleine Gift Boxes, place decorated madeleines in small paper liners inside a decorative box. Wrap with pastel ribbon and attach a handwritten tag for a thoughtful homemade gift.
For a chocolate-dipped variation, melt white or dark chocolate and dip one end of each madeleine into the chocolate before adding Easter sprinkles. This adds a decadent contrast to the delicate sponge cake.
Freezing and Storing Easter Madeleines
For best freshness, store madeleines in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If they begin to dry out, microwave them for 5-10 seconds to restore their soft texture.
To freeze madeleines, allow them to cool completely before placing them in a single layer in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. To serve, let them thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes, or warm them briefly in a low oven.
For glazed madeleines, freeze them before adding the glaze. Once thawed, dip them in the pastel icing and decorate before serving.
Healthier Twist Ideas
For a lighter version, swap out half of the butter for Greek yogurt or unsweetened applesauce. This reduces the fat content while maintaining moisture and flavor.
To make gluten-free madeleines, substitute a high-quality gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour. Be sure to add ¼ teaspoon xanthan gum to help with structure and texture.
For a refined sugar-free option, replace granulated sugar with coconut sugar or a natural sweetener like maple syrup. The flavor will be slightly deeper, but the madeleines will still be perfectly soft and buttery.
Serving Suggestions for Events
For an Easter brunch, serve madeleines alongside fresh fruit, a light citrus salad, and tea or coffee for a delightful springtime spread. The lemon and vanilla flavors pair beautifully with herbal teas like chamomile, earl grey, or lavender tea.
At an afternoon tea party, arrange pastel-glazed madeleines with mini cupcakes, macarons, and petit fours for an elegant dessert table. Serve with honey-sweetened iced tea or lemonade for a refreshing pairing.
For a kid-friendly Easter treat, let children decorate their own madeleines by setting up a station with various icing colors, sprinkles, and edible glitter. This makes for a fun, hands-on Easter activity while creating personalized treats.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Why didn’t my madeleines develop a hump?
If your madeleines are flat, it’s likely due to not chilling the batter long enough or overmixing the eggs and flour. Make sure the batter is properly refrigerated for at least 1 hour, and be gentle when folding in ingredients.
2. Can I make madeleines without a madeleine pan?
Yes! While a madeleine pan gives them their signature shell shape, you can use a mini muffin tin as an alternative. The texture will remain the same, but they’ll have a slightly different appearance.
3. Can I make the batter ahead of time?
Absolutely! The batter can be refrigerated for up to 24 hours before baking. This actually improves the flavor and helps create the perfect hump.
4. Can I use different flavors in the glaze?
Yes! You can flavor the glaze with orange juice, almond extract, or coconut milk for a unique twist.
5. How do I make dairy-free madeleines?
Use vegan butter or coconut oil instead of butter, and almond or oat milk in place of regular milk for the glaze.
Conclusion
These Easter Madeleines are a light, buttery, and beautifully decorated springtime treat that are perfect for Easter brunch, gifting, or afternoon tea. With their delicate sponge texture, pastel glazes, and festive sprinkles, they are as elegant as they are delicious.
Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or as a fun baking project, these madeleines are easy to make, visually stunning, and always a crowd-pleaser. Try them today and enjoy every soft, sweet, and spring-inspired bite!
Print
Easter Madeleines
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 18-20 madeleines 1x
Ingredients
For the Madeleines
- ½ cup (113g) unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon almond extract (optional)
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest (or orange zest for variation)
- ¾ cup (95g) all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
For the Easter Glaze
- 1 cup (120g) powdered sugar
- 2–3 tablespoons milk or lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- Food coloring (pastel pink, yellow, lavender, or green)
- Easter sprinkles, edible pearls, or shredded coconut (for decoration)
Instructions
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs and sugar until pale and slightly thickened (about 2-3 minutes). Add the vanilla extract, almond extract (if using), and lemon zest, stirring until combined.
In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the egg mixture using a spatula. Slowly drizzle in the melted butter, folding gently until incorporated. Be careful not to overmix—this ensures the madeleines stay light and airy.
Cover the batter and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or up to overnight). Chilling helps create the classic madeleine “hump” and improves the texture.
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a madeleine pan with butter or non-stick spray. If using a silicone mold, greasing may not be necessary.
Spoon about 1 tablespoon of batter into each madeleine mold, filling them about ¾ full. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the tops spring back when lightly touched.
Remove from the oven and let them cool in the pan for 2 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and 2 tablespoons of milk or lemon juice until smooth. If the glaze is too thick, add more liquid 1 teaspoon at a time until you reach a pourable consistency.
Divide the glaze into small bowls and tint each with different pastel food colors (pink, yellow, lavender, and green).
Dip each madeleine halfway into the pastel glaze, letting the excess drip off. Place on a wire rack and immediately sprinkle with Easter sprinkles, edible pearls, or shredded coconut before the glaze sets. Let them dry for about 15 minutes before serving.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Chill Time: 1 hour
- Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 7g
- Fat: 6g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Protein: 2g