One of the things that I love about Christmas is that it is an occasion to eat really good, special food that one does not normally have.  Of course in these days of plenty it is less of a feast than it once was, but as liturgically Christmas is a Feast, it seems very appropriate to eat well!
Madeleines are one of my favourite things to bake, and making a batch is really easy as you need to make the batter in advance, and bake it from chilled. Once ready the batter can safely be kept in the fridge for a few days, and the cakes only take a about 10 minutes to bake, prep ahead at its best! A fresh Madeleine, still warm from the oven is sublime – light and airy, and with a crisp base.  Going with the season I have spiced mine with a warming winter seasonal spice blend – containing cloves, cinnamon, cardamom and star anise amongst others – perfect for a Madeleine.
Can I make Madeleines Dairy Free?
Absolutely you can! Just replace the butter with the same weight of your favourite dairy free spread. I made my honey and orange Madeleines with a dairy free spread – when you are using a butter replacement it is even more important that you serve them fresh from the oven.
- 75 g butter melted and cooled
- 2 large eggs
- 90 g granulated sugar
- 100 g plain flour
- ½ tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp mixed spice blend
- 1 pinch salt
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Weigh the butter into a saucepan and gently heat until melted. Remove the pan from the hob and allow to cool, but not solidify.
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Whisk the eggs and sugar together until they have doubled in size and are light and fluffy. Slowly fold in the flour, baking powder, spice and salt.
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Slowly pour in the melted butter, gently folding all the time until you have a foamy batter that is full of air. When mixed cover the bowl and put in the fridge for at least an hour to chill.
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Melt a little more butter and brush it onto a Madeleine pan, allow to cool and then dust with flour.
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Heat the oven to 190C/ GM 5. Use a spoon to fill the Madeleine pan with the batter so each well is about ? full and bake for 7 - 9 minutes until until risen, golden and shrinking away from the edges of the pan.
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Leave for a few minutes and then turn out. Dust with a little icing sugar and a pinch more spice to serve.
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The Madeleines are best enjoyed when still warm and crisp on the outside. They can be stored for a day but will lose that just cooked crisp outside.
If you do not have a Madeleine tin then make these in a mini muffin pan.
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Camilla
I have never made Madeleines but really love the sound of these with the spice twist – very festive:-)
Helen
I love madeleines, although you do need to make the batter the day before and let it chill.
Bintu | Recipes From A Pantry
I am so desperate to make Madeleines and now I actually can as I have everything including the Waitrose spice blend to do it.
Helen
I love madeleines! One of my favorite things to make.
Dannii @ Hungry Healthy Happy
These are beautiful Helen. I think they would make a lovely Christmas gift for someone too.
Helen
they would, but they really only taste good if you eat them within 10 mins of baking them.
Michelle Stokes
I’ve never made Madeleines but these look delicious and I must give them a go :)
Helen
They are actually very easy to make, and the batter lasts so several days so you can just put them in the oven when you want some.
StressedMum
One thing I have never made is madelines and always wanted too, unfortunately I won’t be able to make them this side of christmas due to our oven blowing up and our new one being delivered next Wednesday, but will be giving these a try at some stage x
Helen
Oh goodness. I hope it arrives on time!
Ana De- Jesus
Madelines are so delicious at this time of year. I like mine with some hot choccy and ice cream.
Helen
Oh that sounds good!
Nayna Kanabar
I need a madeleine tin these look gorgeous nad the addition of the spice makes them A1
Helen
You could use a mini muffin pan Nayna, but a madeleine pan is best.
Claire
These look so yummy, I will definitely be saving this recipe.
Helen
Let me know if you make them Claire.
The London Mum
Oh wow, they look delicious and I love the twist with the festive flavours. I’ve never thought about making them, but seeing as you’ve said they’re easy I might try it!
Helen
Super easy, and have the benefit that you prep them in advance.
Rachel
Tried to make these once and it didnt go so well, I am not sure I left the batter for long enough to chill x
Helen
You need to fold it together very slowly, and chill for a good few hours, maybe try chilling the pan too.
Stella Kashmoney
I am so loving this recipe. Love baking, so I will be playing around with this.
Helen
Madeleines are one of my favourite things to make.
Renna
I’ve never made madelines, but, I think I’m going to try these with gluten Free flour as an experiment. Yummy
Helen
Let me know how you get on. I love madeleines.
Ickle Pickle
They do look very impressive and yummy! My family would be impressed if I made these. Nice as a treat gift too. Kaz x
Helen
They really are super easy. Not so good as a gift as they need to be oven fresh.
Catstello
Never heard of these before, but they look very festive!
Helen
Do give them a go Cat!
Zoe IKIWN
These are so cute, and the recipe looks so easy to follow. I’ve been looking for a little baking project for Christmas Eve and I think I may have just found it! Thank you :)
Helen
I hope you enjoy them Zoe. You can make the batter up to 48 hours before!
Rachel Anderson
I don’t have childhood memories of madeleines, but these do look yummy.
Helen
Thanks Rachel.
Jack Carpenter
Fresh madeleines are so yummy and so simple, and the idea of adding spices is genius. Thanks!
Helen
thanks Jack! I hope you enjoy them.
Jamie
I love madeleines and love making them. I’ve made delicious, simple vanilla madeleines but I didn’t think of adding spices. These are perfect!
Helen
Thanks Jamie, they are such lovely cakes. I make all sorts of variations.
whatlauraloves
I can’t believe I have never heard of a spiced madeline before but they certainly look like something I’d enjoy! xxx
Helen
I love Madeleines, make a big batch of batter and bake a few for the next few days.
Zara Lipstixx
These look and sound amazing! I’m such a sucker for spiced foods! Something so warming about them!
Helen
So so easy to make too, perfect for this time of year.
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These madeleines look absolutely perfect, Helen.
Helen
Thank you Angie, we did rather enjoy them!
Louise
Ooh I LOVE Madeleines! And this look absolutely delicious :)
Louise x
Helen
Thanks Louise, I really do enjoy making madeleines.
Keely
Madeleines are just delicious, thanks for sharing the recipe! I had no idea the batter saved before cooking!
Helen
Absolutely. Keep it in the fridge for several days.