Description
Orange Cardamom Madeleines are an aromatic variation of the classic French madeleine, a small, shell-shaped sponge cake. The traditional madeleine is known for its light, airy texture and buttery flavor. By adding orange zest, fresh orange juice, and ground cardamom, this version brings a unique blend of citrusy freshness and warming spice to the mix. These madeleines are perfect for a variety of occasions, whether it’s an afternoon tea party, a cozy gathering, or even a holiday celebration.
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup ground almonds
- ⅔ cup cane sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 115g unsalted butter (melted and browned for depth)
- 1 teaspoon orange zest
- ½ teaspoon ground cardamom
- 3 tablespoons fresh orange juice
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
Instructions
- Brown the butter: Melt butter over medium-low heat until golden and nutty. Let cool.
- In a bowl, mix flour and ground almonds.
- In another bowl, whisk sugar and eggs until pale and thick.
- Add flour mixture to egg mixture and fold gently.
- Stir in orange zest, cardamom, and orange juice.
- Slowly mix in the cooled browned butter until fully incorporated.
- Chill the batter for at least 1 hour (overnight is even better).
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease and flour madeleine pans.
- Spoon 1 tablespoon of batter into each mold.
- Bake for 13–15 minutes, checking at 10 minutes. They should be puffed and golden.
- Cool in pan for 5 minutes, then gently unmold.
- Dust with powdered sugar and serve warm or at room temp.
Notes
These fragrant madeleines are best enjoyed warm with a cup of black tea or chai. For a zesty finish, dust with orange zest-infused powdered sugar or dip the shell side in white chocolate. Store in a tin to maintain their delicate texture for a few days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Baking
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: French
Keywords: Orange Cardamom Madeleines