Lemon Poppy Seed Delight Madeleines
Indulge in these delightful Lemon Poppy Seed Madeleines, a perfect blend of zesty lemon and crunchy poppy seeds. These charming French treats are light, airy, and bursting with flavor, making them an ideal dessert for tea parties or a delightful afternoon snack. The buttery texture combined with a hint of almond extract elevates these madeleines, ensuring that each bite is a joyful experience. Bake a batch and share them with loved ones for an irresistible sweet treat they won't forget!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
14
Ingredients
Ingredients
sugar
1/2 cup (granulated)
lemon
zest from 1 (zested)
eggs
2 large (beaten)
lemon juice
1 tablespoon (freshly squeezed)
vanilla extract
1 teaspoon (pure)
almond extract
1/4 teaspoon (pure)
lemon extract
1/2 teaspoon (pure)
all-purpose flour
3/4 cup (sifted)
all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon (for dusting)
baking powder
1 teaspoon (fresh)
salt
1/4 teaspoon (fine)
poppy seeds
1 tablespoon (unprocessed)
unsalted butter
1/2 cup (melted)
cooking spray
to taste (for greasing)
Instructions
1
In a medium bowl, combine the sugar and lemon zest, mixing well to release the fragrant oils from the zest.
2
Add the eggs to the mixture and whip with an electric mixer on medium-high speed for 4-5 minutes until the mixture is thick and pale yellow.
3
Stir in the lemon juice, vanilla extract, almond extract, and lemon extract, mixing gently to combine.
4
In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually fold this dry mixture into the egg batter, mixing until just combined—be careful to not overmix.
5
Add the poppy seeds and melted unsalted butter to the batter. Mix gently until fully incorporated.
6
Cover the batter and refrigerate it, along with the madeleine pan, for 45 minutes to 1 hour. Chilling helps the madeleines rise beautifully.
7
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Spray the chilled madeleine pan with non-stick cooking spray and dust it with 1 tablespoon of all-purpose flour, tapping out any excess flour.
8
Using a tablespoon, fill each mold about three-quarters full with batter, making sure to create a slight dome.
9
Bake the madeleines in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes or until they are golden brown and spring back when touched.
10
Once done, remove from the oven and let the madeleines cool slightly in the pan before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Lemon Poppy Seed Delight Madeleines?
These are delightful French treats that combine zesty lemon and crunchy poppy seeds in a light, airy, and buttery pastry.
What is the texture of these madeleines?
The texture is light and airy with a buttery consistency and a subtle crunch from the poppy seeds.
How long should I whip the eggs and sugar?
You should whip them with an electric mixer on medium-high speed for 4-5 minutes until the mixture is thick and pale yellow.
Why should I mix the sugar and lemon zest together first?
Mixing them together helps release the fragrant oils from the lemon zest, which enhances the overall lemon flavor.
What flavor extracts are used in this recipe?
This recipe uses vanilla extract, almond extract, and lemon extract.
How do I incorporate the dry ingredients into the egg batter?
You should sift the flour, baking powder, and salt together, then gradually fold them into the egg batter until just combined.
Why is it important not to overmix the batter?
Overmixing can result in a tough texture, preventing the madeleines from being light and airy.
When do I add the poppy seeds and melted butter?
Add the poppy seeds and melted unsalted butter after folding in the flour mixture, then mix gently until fully incorporated.
Why does the batter need to be refrigerated before baking?
Chilling the batter helps the madeleines rise beautifully and develop their characteristic hump during baking.
How long should the batter be chilled?
The batter and the madeleine pan should be refrigerated for 45 minutes to 1 hour.
What is the recommended oven temperature?
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) before baking.
How do I prepare the madeleine pan?
Spray the chilled pan with non-stick cooking spray and dust it with 1 tablespoon of all-purpose flour, tapping out the excess.
How much batter should I put in each mold?
Fill each mold about three-quarters full with batter to create a slight dome.
How long do the madeleines take to bake?
They typically bake for 8 to 10 minutes.
How can I tell when the madeleines are finished baking?
They are done when they are golden brown and spring back when touched.
What should I do after removing them from the oven?
Let the madeleines cool slightly in the pan before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Can I use fresh lemon juice?
Yes, the recipe calls for 1 tablespoon of freshly squeezed lemon juice.
What kind of flour is best for this recipe?
All-purpose flour is used for both the batter and for dusting the baking pan.
Is salted or unsalted butter used?
The recipe specifies 1/2 cup of melted unsalted butter.
What kind of sugar is needed?
The recipe requires 1/2 cup of granulated sugar.
What is the role of the poppy seeds?
The unprocessed poppy seeds provide a delightful crunch and visual appeal to the pastry.
Why is almond extract added?
The almond extract elevates the madeleines, providing a sophisticated depth of flavor.
Are these madeleines suitable for special occasions?
Yes, they are ideal for tea parties, dessert platters, or as an afternoon snack.
How many eggs are required?
The recipe uses 2 large beaten eggs.
Do I need to sift the dry ingredients?
Yes, sifting the flour, baking powder, and salt helps ensure a smooth, lump-free batter.
Is a special pan required for this recipe?
Yes, a specific madeleine pan is used to give the treats their traditional shell-like shape.
What is the purpose of the baking powder?
Baking powder acts as a leavening agent to help the madeleines rise and become light.
Should I use an electric mixer?
An electric mixer is recommended to properly whip the eggs and sugar to a thick, pale consistency.
How do I remove excess flour from the pan?
After dusting the greased molds, turn the pan over and tap it gently to release any extra flour.
What makes this a 'delight' recipe?
The combination of multiple lemon sources and the classic French technique makes these madeleines an irresistible sweet treat.