Delicious Orange Hazelnut Madeleines
Madeleines are gorgeous little sweet cakes originating from France. They are known for their beautiful shape (thanks to the madeleine pan). They are perfect for enjoying with warm tea or coffee, and these are the top reasons why we like them so much:
- the interior is soft, airy, and incredibly flavorful
- the exterior is golden and dusted with icing sugar
- this recipe is beginner-friendly and simple
- thanks to the madeleine pan, the shape of the madeleines is always pretty
- this is the perfect dessert for holidays and to enjoy with warm tea and coffee
Essential ingredients
These are the essential ingredients to make these fabulous French cakes.
Orange zest - orange creates not only a subtle orange color but also a deep flavor. Always use non-waxed bio orange to grate the zest.
Roasted hazelnuts - we love roasted hazelnuts as they are flavorful and make the madeleines super delicious.
Flour - we always use cake flour or all-purpose flour.
Sugar - feel free to use white granulated sugar or cane sugar.
Eggs - use eggs in size M.
Vanilla - adds a beautiful flavor. Use vanilla paste or vanilla pod seeds.
storing and freezing
Store the homemade Orange Hazelnut Madeleines in a cold, dark pantry. Keep them closed in an airtight container or a cookie box for up to 5 days.
Freeze the madeleines like this. Transfer the baked (and cooled) Orange Hazelnut Madeleines to a freezer bag. Keep in the freezer for up to a month.
Try these delicious cookies
- Caramel Sandwich Cookies with Sesame Seeds
- Chocolate-Dipped Orange Palmier Cookies
- Fig Newton Cookies
- Lemon Poppy Seed Cookies
- Ricciarelli (Italian Almond Cookies)
- Whole Wheat Cookies with Nutella
- Biscotti with Raisins and Nuts
- Chocolate Brownie Cookies
- Chocolate Crinkle Cookies
METHOD
-
prepare the ingredients
Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add grated orange zest and set aside. Mix the roasted hazelnuts and sugar in a chopper or food processor to get a fine texture. Sift the mixture into a small bowl. Separately sift the flour, baking powder, and salt into the bowl with the hazelnuts.
-
madeleines mixture
Add eggs, sugar, and vanilla to a large bowl. Mix for 6 - 8 minutes with an electric mixer or until the mixture is pale and tripled in size. Then, using a spatula, stir in the dry ingredients making sure the mixture is smooth and airy. Gently stir in the (cooled) orange-flavored butter.
-
rest the madeleine batter
Place the madeleine batter in a fridge for 30 minutes to 2 hours. Place a rack in the middle of the oven and preheat it to 200 °C / 390 °F. Grease the madeleine pan with butter using a brush or with cooking spray. Sprinkle with flour and shake off any excess. Spoon one tablespoon of batter into the center of each scalloped well filling it approximately two-thirds.
-
bake and serve
Transfer the Hazelnut Orange Madeleines to a preheated oven and bake for 6 - 8 minutes at 200 °C / 390 °F. Transfer the baked Madeleines to a rack, then arrange them on a plate. Optionally sprinkle with icing sugar.
