Ah, welcome to my festive kitchen, a haven of holiday cheer and the birthplace of the legendary Lemon Glazed Madeleines. Picture this: a cozy room aglow with twinkling lights, the air rich with the scents of cinnamon, nutmeg, and, of course, fresh-baked pastries. It’s here that I’ll share with you the secrets of my most cherished Christmas cookie recipe.
Lemon Glazed Madeleines Recipe
This recipe yields approximately 24 madeleines, perfect for sharing with loved ones during the holiday season.
Ingredients:
For the Madeleines:
- 2 large eggs, at room temperature
- 2/3 cup (130g) granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 cup (120g) all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, melted and cooled
For the Lemon Glaze:
- 1 cup (120g) powdered sugar
- 2-3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon lemon zest
Instructions:
- Preparation: Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Generously butter and flour your madeleine pan to ensure a perfect release after baking.
- Batter Making: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and lemon zest until the mixture is light and fluffy. This is the heart of our madeleines, where the subtle lemon aroma begins to take shape.
- Dry Ingredients: Sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gently fold this into the egg mixture, being careful not to overmix. The key here is a light hand to keep the batter airy.
- Adding Butter: Finally, fold in the melted butter until the mixture is smooth and homogenous. Let the batter rest for about 20 minutes. This rest period allows the flour to hydrate and the batter to thicken slightly, ensuring the madeleines have their signature hump.
- Baking: Spoon the batter into the prepared madeleine pan, filling each mold about three-quarters full. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the centers spring back when lightly pressed. Watch as they rise in the oven, forming delicate, shell-shaped cookies with a golden hue.
- Cooling: Remove the madeleines from the oven and let them cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Making the Glaze: While the madeleines cool, whisk together the powdered sugar, lemon juice, and lemon zest to create the glaze. The consistency should be thick yet pourable, adding a vibrant, zesty finish to our cookies.
- Glazing: Dip the ridged side of each cooled madeleine into the lemon glaze, letting the excess drip off. Place them back on the wire rack for the glaze to set.
And there you have it, the perfect Lemon Glazed Madeleines, ready to enchant your holiday gatherings. Each bite is a blend of delicate sponge cake and bright lemon, a festive treat that’s as delightful to the eyes as it is to the palate. Enjoy these with a warm cup of tea or coffee, surrounded by the joy and warmth of the holiday season. Happy baking! 🎄🍋🍪