How to Make Madeleine Cookies Using Cream for a Soft, Rich Texture

Name: How to Make Madeleine Cookies Using Cream for a Soft, Rich Texture
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 1 h 30 min
Cuisine: French
Ingredients: 1 cup / 120g All-purpose Flour; 1 teaspoon Baking Powder; Pinch of Salt; 2 large Eggs; ½ cup / 100g Granulated Sugar; ¼ cup / 60ml Heavy Cream; ⅓ cup / 75g Unsalted Butter (melted and slightly cooled); 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract; ½ teaspoon Lemon Zest (optional)

Posted on May 7, 2025

A pile of Madeleine cookies using cream dusted with powdered sugar, arranged on an elegant serving plate

DESSERTS & DRINKS

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

Madeline cookies, also known as Madeleines, are iconic French pastries known for their delicate shape, light texture, and buttery flavor. While traditional recipes use butter and eggs to achieve a light crumb, adding cream to the mix results in a richer, more moist, and melt-in-your-mouth experience. This recipe transforms the classic Madeleine cookies into a treat that’s even more delicious and indulgent.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore how to make the best Madeleine cookies using cream, with helpful tips on the ingredients, technique, and storage. We’ll also look at how to create that signature Madeleine hump, which is often the hallmark of a perfectly baked Madeleine.

Whether you are a novice baker or a seasoned pro, this detailed recipe will guide you to baking the most buttery, moist, and golden Madeleine cookies you can imagine.

Table of Contents

Why Add Cream to the Madeleine Recipe?

Traditional Madeleine cookies are often made with butter, eggs, and flour, achieving a light, airy texture. But by adding cream to the mix, we elevate the flavor and moisture content, making the cookies even softer and more tender. The heavy cream works wonders in contributing richness, and the final texture becomes softer than ever, with a melt-in-your-mouth feel that is undeniably delicious.

But why should you opt for the cream-based Madeleine recipe? The answer is simple:

Increased Moisture: Heavy cream enhances the moisture content of the batter, ensuring a delicate, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Buttery Flavor: It intensifies the rich, buttery flavor that Madeleines are known for.
Tender Crumb: The cream softens the crumb structure, giving the Madeleine cookies a delicate and tender bite.

In short, using cream adds a luxurious richness to your cookies, transforming them from a delicious treat into an unforgettable indulgence.

Essential Ingredients for the Best Madeleine Cookies Using Cream

Before diving into the baking process, let’s go over the essential ingredients you’ll need to make these buttery, moist Madeleine cookies using cream. It’s important to use high-quality ingredients to ensure the best results.

Ingredients for Madeleine Cookies Using Cream

Dry Ingredients:

1 cup (120g) all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
A pinch of salt

Wet Ingredients:

2 large eggs
½ cup (100g) granulated sugar
¼ cup (60ml) heavy cream
⅓ cup (75g) unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
½ teaspoon lemon zest (optional)

Ingredients for Madeleine cookies, including eggs, butter, lemon zest, flour, and sugar arranged neatly on a wooden surface. — Gather the key ingredients for making moist and buttery Madeleine cookies using cream

Dry Ingredients:

All-purpose Flour (1 cup / 120g): The main structure of the cookie. This will give your Madeleine cookies the perfect crumb while keeping them light.
Baking Powder (1 teaspoon): Helps the cookies rise, giving them a light and airy texture.
Salt (Pinch): Balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor.

Wet Ingredients:

Eggs (2 large): Essential for creating the signature spongy texture that Madeleines are known for.
Granulated Sugar (½ cup / 100g): Sweetens the batter and contributes to the slightly crisp exterior.
Heavy Cream (¼ cup / 60ml): The secret ingredient that adds moisture, richness, and softness to the cookies.
Unsalted Butter (⅓ cup / 75g, melted and slightly cooled): Butter is the classic ingredient that imparts that rich, buttery flavor we associate with Madeleine cookies.
Vanilla Extract (1 teaspoon): A warm flavor that complements the other ingredients.
Lemon Zest (½ teaspoon, optional): Adds a refreshing citrus note that balances the richness of the cream.

Whisking the batter for Madeleine cookies, showing a smooth and fluffy consistency. — Achieve the perfect consistency for Madeleine cookies using cream by beating eggs and sugar until light and fluffy

Step-by-Step Guide to Preparing the Madeleine Batter Using Cream

Creating the perfect Madeleine batter is an essential part of this recipe. The key is to maintain the light, airy texture while incorporating the richness of the cream. Follow these steps carefully for the best results.

1. Mixing the Dry Ingredients

Start by sifting the dry ingredients into a medium-sized bowl. This includes the flour, baking powder, and salt. Sifting aerates the flour, helping to prevent clumps and ensuring a smooth batter.

2. Beating the Eggs and Sugar

In a separate mixing bowl, crack the eggs and add the sugar. Use a hand mixer or stand mixer to beat the mixture on medium-high speed for 3-4 minutes until it becomes thick, pale, and airy. This step is crucial for achieving the soft, spongy texture in Madeleine cookies.

3. Adding the Cream and Butter

Now it’s time to fold in the heavy cream and melted butter. Start by adding ¼ cup of heavy cream, followed by the vanilla extract and optional lemon zest. Then, slowly drizzle in ⅓ cup of melted butter. Be gentle with the folding process to preserve the airiness of the batter.

4. Combining Wet and Dry Ingredients

Once the wet ingredients are fully incorporated, it’s time to gently fold in the dry ingredients. Use a folding motion to combine them, being careful not to overmix. The batter should remain light and fluffy, not dense.

5. Chilling the Batter

This is a crucial step that helps you achieve the Madeleine hump. Cover the batter and refrigerate it for at least 1 hour (overnight for the best results). Chilling the batter allows the flour to absorb the moisture fully, resulting in a soft, moist texture. Cold batter hitting a hot oven helps create the signature hump that makes these cookies stand out.

Baking the Madeleines to Perfection

Now that the batter is chilled, it’s time to bake the Madeleine cookies. Here are the steps for getting golden, moist, and perfectly shaped cookies every time.

1. Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Make sure the oven is fully preheated before placing the cookies inside to ensure they bake evenly.

2. Prepare the Madeleine Pan

To ensure that the Madeleines come out easily, brush each mold of your Madeleine pan with melted butter. Dust lightly with flour, shaking off any excess. This will help prevent the cookies from sticking and ensure a smooth release once baked.

3. Filling the Madeleine Molds

Use a spoon or a piping bag to fill each mold about ¾ full. Do not spread the batter – it will naturally settle into the mold as it bakes. Avoid overfilling, as the batter will expand.

4. Baking the Madeleines

Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the center springs back when lightly pressed. The signature Madeleine hump should form on top. Be careful not to overbake, as this can cause the cookies to become dry instead of moist.

5. Cooling the Madeleines

Let the cookies cool in the pan for about 2 minutes to allow them to set. Then, gently release them from the pan and transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

How to Store and Serve Madeleines

To ensure your Madeleine cookies using cream stay moist and delicious, follow these storage tips:

Room Temperature Storage:

Store in an airtight container to prevent drying out.
Keep the cookies in a cool, dry place, away from moisture.
These cookies stay fresh for up to 3 days.

Refrigerating Madeleines:

Wrap each Madeleine in plastic wrap before placing them in an airtight container.
Let them come to room temperature before serving for the best texture.
These cookies can last up to 7 days in the fridge.

Freezing Madeleines:

Wrap Madeleine cookies individually in plastic wrap to prevent freezer burn.
Store in a freezer-safe bag or airtight container.
To refresh them, simply thaw at room temperature or warm them for 2-3 minutes in a 300°F (150°C) oven.
Madeleines can be frozen for up to 2 months.

FAQs About Madeleine Cookies Recipe Using Cream

1. Why do I need to chill the Madeleine batter?

Chilling the batter is essential for achieving the signature Madeleine hump. Cold batter hitting a hot oven creates steam, which helps the batter rise quickly, forming the classic hump on top. It also ensures the cookies bake evenly with a soft, airy texture.

2. Can I substitute the heavy cream with something else?

While heavy cream is crucial for achieving the moist texture, you can substitute it with milk or a non-dairy cream alternative if necessary. However, the cookies may be slightly less rich and moist than when made with heavy cream.

3. How long do Madeleine cookies last?

To keep your Madeleine cookies fresh and moist, store them in an airtight container. They’ll last up to 3 days at room temperature or 7 days in the fridge. For longer storage, freeze them for up to 2 months.

4. Why aren’t my Madeleines forming the classic hump?

If your Madeleine cookies aren’t forming a hump, it’s likely because the batter was too warm when it hit the oven, or the oven wasn’t preheated enough. Be sure to chill the batter for at least 1 hour and preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) for the best results.

5. Can I add flavors like chocolate or berries to the batter?

Yes! You can experiment with flavor additions like finely chopped chocolate, dried fruit, or zest from other citrus fruits. Just be mindful not to overload the batter, as it can affect the texture and rise of the cookies.

Conclusion: Perfect Madeleine Cookies Using Cream

Adding cream to your Madeleine cookies recipe results in a beautifully rich and moist treat. By following the detailed steps in this guide, you’ll achieve perfectly baked Madeleine cookies with a light, buttery texture and a signature hump that will impress anyone who tries them.

Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or simply as a delicious treat for yourself, these Madeleine cookies using cream are bound to become a favorite in your baking repertoire. Enjoy them fresh with tea, coffee, or as an elegant dessert after a meal. The addition of cream is the key to making these cookies extra indulgent and perfectly moist, ensuring that each bite is a soft, buttery delight.

Don’t forget to visit our Facebook page and save this recipe to Pinterest for more delicious dishes and culinary inspiration!

www.freshrecipescorner.com