Madeleine Cookies Recipe Using Cream: Soft & Buttery Treat

Introduction

Madeleine cookies are a timeless French classic—soft, buttery, and perfect with a cup of tea. While the traditional recipe uses only butter for richness, I’ve found that adding cream makes them even more tender and moist. This Madeleine cookies recipe using cream creates a melt-in-your-mouth texture that stays soft for longer.

The first time I made madeleines, I was worried they might turn out dry. But with a simple tweak—incorporating heavy cream—the result was a delightful treat. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced baker, this Madeleine cookies recipe using cream will help you create bakery-quality madeleines with a delicate golden crust and a signature hump.

Why This Recipe Works

The secret to irresistibly soft madeleines lies in one special ingredient—heavy cream. While the classic recipe relies on butter and eggs for richness, cream takes it to the next level, ensuring a delicate crumb that stays moist longer.

The Role of Cream in Madeleines

If you’ve ever had a dry madeleine, you know how disappointing it can be. That’s why I started adding heavy cream to my batter—it makes a noticeable difference. Cream locks in moisture, preventing the cookies from drying out too quickly. It also enhances the buttery flavor, giving these madeleines a richer, more indulgent taste.

Beyond texture and flavor, cream helps create a smoother batter, making it easier to pipe or spoon into the molds. This leads to a light, airy bite instead of a dense or dry cookie.

How to Achieve the Signature Madeleine Hump

The iconic hump is what sets madeleines apart. It forms due to a temperature contrast—cold batter hitting a hot oven. To get it just right:

• Chill the batter – Refrigerate for at least an hour (or overnight). This firms up the mixture, leading to better structure.
• Use a high initial oven temperature – Preheat to 375°F (190°C). The sudden heat causes the batter to rise quickly, creating the hump.
• Measure ingredients precisely – Too much liquid can prevent the hump from forming, so keep the cream-to-butter ratio balanced.

These simple tricks ensure that each madeleine has a perfectly domed shape, golden edges, and a soft, melt-in-your-mouth center.ne has a perfectly domed shape, golden edges, and a soft, melt-in-your-mouth center.

What You’ll Need

Having the right tools makes baking madeleines easier and ensures the best texture and shape.

Essential Kitchen Tools

• Madeleine baking pan – Creates the signature shell-shaped cookies.
• Mixing bowls and whisk – For smoothly combining ingredients.
• Sifter – Helps blend dry ingredients evenly.
• Measuring cups and spoons – Ensures precise ingredient ratios.

Optional Tools for Enhanced Baking

• Piping bag – Makes batter distribution easier and neater.
• Zester – Perfect for adding fresh citrus zest for extra flavor.
• Cooling rack – Prevents soggy bottoms and helps maintain texture.

With these tools, you’ll be set up for perfect, bakery-style madeleines!

Ingredients

To make these soft and buttery madeleines, you’ll need a few simple ingredients that come together perfectly. Each one plays an important role in achieving the ideal texture and flavor.

• All-purpose flour (1 cup) – Provides the structure for the cookies.
• Baking powder (1 teaspoon) – Helps the madeleines rise and stay light.
• Salt (1/4 teaspoon) – Enhances the overall flavor and balances sweetness.
• Eggs (2 large) – Adds richness and helps create a fluffy texture.
• Granulated sugar (2/3 cup) – Sweetens the batter and helps with browning.
• Unsalted butter (1/2 cup, melted and cooled) – Adds buttery flavor and keeps the cookies tender.
• Heavy cream (1/4 cup) – The secret ingredient that makes the madeleines extra moist and soft.
• Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon) – Enhances the flavor with a warm, sweet aroma.
• Lemon zest (1 teaspoon, optional) – Adds a light, citrusy touch for extra freshness.

These simple yet essential ingredients work together to create light, flavorful madeleines with a melt-in-your-mouth texture.

Instructions for Baking Madeleine Cookies Recipe Using Cream

These madeleines come together quickly, but following the right steps ensures they have the perfect texture, shape, and flavor.

1: Prepare the Batter

1. In a mixing bowl, whisk eggs and granulated sugar together until the mixture turns pale and frothy. This step helps incorporate air for a lighter texture.
2. Add vanilla extract and lemon zest (if using), stirring gently to combine.
3. In a separate bowl, sift together all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt to ensure even distribution.
4. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the egg mixture, being careful not to overmix.
5. Stir in the melted butter and heavy cream, mixing until the batter is smooth and well combined.

2: Rest the Batter

1. Wrap the bowl with plastic film and let the batter chill in the refrigerator for at least an hour. Chilling is essential for developing flavor and creating the signature hump.
2. If possible, let the batter rest overnight for even better results.

3: Prepare for Baking

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Grease and lightly flour the madeleine baking pan to prevent sticking.

4: Bake the Madeleines

1. Spoon or pipe the chilled batter into the prepared molds, filling each one about ¾ full.
2. Place the pan in the oven and bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges turn golden brown and the centers have risen into a hump.
3. Remove from the oven and let the madeleines cool in the pan for 2 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack.

5: Cool and Serve

1. Allow the madeleines to cool completely before serving.
2. Dust with powdered sugar, if desired, for an extra touch of sweetness.

For the best results, enjoy this Madeleine cookies recipe using cream while they’re fresh and warm!

Tips and Hacks

Baking madeleines may seem simple, but small details can make a big difference. Here are some expert tips to help you get perfect results every time.

How to Keep Madeleines Moist

• Store them properly – Keep madeleines in an airtight container to prevent them from drying out.
• Use a slice of bread – Placing a slice of bread in the container helps retain moisture. The cookies will absorb just enough humidity to stay soft.

Tricks for a Fluffier Texture

• Don’t overmix the batter – Gently fold in the dry ingredients to keep the batter light and airy. Overmixing can result in dense madeleines.
• Always use room-temperature ingredients – This ensures better mixing and a smoother batter.

Ways to Boost Flavor

• Try different extracts – Swap vanilla for almond extract for a nutty twist.
• Experiment with citrus – Orange or lime zest can bring a refreshing change to the classic lemon zest.

By following these tips, you’ll get light, fluffy, and flavorful madeleines every time!

Madeleine Cookies Recipe Using Cream

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• Author: Saad
• Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
• Yield: Serves 12 1x

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Description

These soft and buttery madeleines get their irresistibly moist texture from a secret ingredient—heavy cream. With a delicate crumb, golden edges, and the classic madeleine hump, they’re perfect with tea or coffee. Enjoy them fresh or customize with chocolate, lemon, or nutty variations!

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 cup all-purpose flour

• 1 teaspoon baking powder

• 1/4 teaspoon salt

• 2 large eggs

• 2/3 cup granulated sugar

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled

• 1/4 cup heavy cream

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 1 teaspoon lemon zest (optional)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the Batter

   • In a mixing bowl, whisk eggs and granulated sugar until pale and frothy.

   • Add vanilla extract and lemon zest (if using) and mix gently.

   • In a separate bowl, sift together flour, baking powder, and salt.

   • Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the egg mixture without overmixing.

   • Stir in the melted butter and heavy cream until well combined.

2. Chill the Batter

   • Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or overnight for best results.

3. Prepare for Baking

   • Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).

   • Grease and lightly flour a madeleine pan.

4. Bake the Madeleines

   • Spoon or pipe the chilled batter into the molds, filling each about 3/4 full.

   • Bake for 10–12 minutes, until golden brown with a signature hump.

   • Let cool in the pan for 2 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack.

5. Cool and Serve

   • Let the madeleines cool completely before serving.

   • Dust with powdered sugar if desired.

Notes

Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Freeze plain madeleines for up to 2 months and reheat at 300°F (150°C) for 5 minutes.

Try variations like chocolate (swap 2 tbsp flour for cocoa powder) or almond (add 2 tbsp ground almonds).

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Chill Time: 1 hour
• Cook Time: 10-12 minutes

Nutrition

• Serving Size: Per Serving
• Calories: 160
• Fat: 9g
• Carbohydrates: 18g
• Fiber: 0.5g
• Protein: 2g

Serving & Storage

Best Ways to Serve Madeleines

Madeleines are best enjoyed fresh and slightly warm, when their edges are crisp and the centers are soft. They pair beautifully with a hot cup of tea, coffee, or even hot chocolate. For a citrusy drink that complements the buttery madeleines, try this refreshing Lemon Tea Recipe, which adds a bright, zesty balance. For a classic French touch, dust them lightly with powdered sugar before serving.

If you want to get creative, try dipping one side of your madeleines in melted chocolate and letting them set for an extra indulgent treat. They also taste amazing with a side of fruit jam or whipped cream for a little extra sweetness.

How to Store Madeleines

• At room temperature – Store madeleines in an airtight container for up to 3 days. They are best eaten within the first 24 hours, as they tend to dry out quickly.
• To store them longer, tightly wrap the madeleines in plastic film and place them in a sealed airtight container. This helps maintain freshness for a couple more days.

Can You Freeze Madeleines?

Yes! If you want to enjoy madeleines later, freezing is a great option.

• Freeze them plain (without powdered sugar) in an airtight container for up to 2 months.
• To serve, simply reheat them in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5 minutes, or let them come to room temperature naturally.

With proper storage, you can always have fresh, delicious madeleines ready to enjoy anytime!

Variations

One of the best things about madeleines is how easily you can customize them to suit different flavors. Here are a few delicious variations to try:

Chocolate Madeleines

For a rich, chocolatey twist, replace 2 tablespoons of flour with unsweetened cocoa powder. This adds depth to the flavor while keeping the delicate texture intact. If you want even more indulgence, dip the cooled madeleines in melted dark or milk chocolate.

Lemon Madeleines

For a citrusy and refreshing variation, increase the lemon zest to 2 teaspoons and add 1 teaspoon of fresh lemon juice to the batter. Using zest properly enhances baked goods by infusing them with natural oils and intense citrus flavor. Learn the best ways to use citrus zest in baking in this Bon Appétit guide. The bright acidity enhances the buttery richness and makes these madeleines perfect for spring or summer.

Nutty Flavor Twist

If you love a nutty touch, mix 2 tablespoons of finely ground almonds or hazelnuts into the flour before sifting. This adds a subtle crunch and enhances the overall depth of flavor. For extra nuttiness, swap vanilla extract for almond extract.

Each of these variations brings a unique taste to classic madeleines, so feel free to experiment and find your favorite!

FAQs About Madeleine Cookies Recipe Using Cream

How do you keep madeleines moist?

The best way to keep madeleines from drying out is to store them in an airtight container at room temperature. If you need to store them for longer, adding a slice of bread inside the container helps retain moisture.

Why do madeleines taste so good?

Madeleines have a unique flavor because of the combination of butter, cream, and vanilla. The balance of richness and lightness makes them irresistibly soft and flavorful.

How can I get the signature madeleine hump?

To achieve the perfect hump:

1. Refrigerate the batter for a minimum of one hour before baking.
2. Preheat the oven to a high temperature (375°F/190°C).
3. Avoid overmixing to maintain the right batter consistency.

Why are my madeleines dry?

If your madeleines turn out dry, it could be due to overbaking. Take them out of the oven once they develop a golden-brown color. Also, be sure to measure ingredients correctly and avoid adding too much flour.

With these FAQs, you’ll have everything you need to bake perfect madeleines every time!

Conclusion on Madeleine Cookies Recipe Using Cream

Madeleine cookies are a true French classic—delicate, buttery, and incredibly soft. By adding heavy cream to the batter, this Madeleine cookies recipe using cream ensures a moist, melt-in-your-mouth texture that stays fresh longer.

With just a few simple ingredients and the right baking techniques, you can easily achieve bakery-quality madeleines at home. Whether you prefer the traditional version or want to experiment with chocolate, lemon, or nutty variations, these cookies are perfect for any occasion.

So, grab your madeleine pan, whip up a batch, and enjoy these delicious homemade treats with a cup of tea or coffee. Happy baking!