Delicately floral and lightly sweet, these lavender madeleines are perfect for an afternoon tea or elegant dessert tray.
There’s something quietly special about madeleines. These little French sponge cakes—lightly golden and delicately shell-shaped—have a way of making even an ordinary afternoon feel thoughtful and slow. While they may look like something you’d find in a French patisserie, they’re surprisingly easy to make at home with a few pantry staples and a little patience.
This version adds a soft floral note with just a dash of lavender essence. Paired with vanilla, it brings a gentle perfume to the cakes without becoming overpowering. The result is something beautifully balanced—sweet, light, and aromatic, perfect with a cup of Earl Grey or chamomile.
In our home, these are a favourite for slow Sundays or when friends drop by unexpectedly. The batter can be made the night before and kept chilled until you’re ready to bake—meaning you can serve them warm and fresh with very little effort.
If you’ve never made madeleines before, don’t be intimidated. The process is simple and satisfying: whisk, fold, chill, and bake. The key is in the rest time, which helps create their signature domed center and soft, springy texture. Once baked, they’re lightly crisp on the outside and tender within—just the kind of treat you want to enjoy slowly.
Whether you’re baking them as a gift, sharing with guests, or setting a quiet table for one, these lavender madeleines are a gentle nod to the beauty of homemade things. And like many of the recipes shared here on The Coastal Home, they remind us that simple can still feel special.
Ingredients
- 2 eggs (room temperature)
- 110g sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla paste
- A dash of lavender essence (approx. 1/4 tsp or to taste)
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1 cup plain flour (approx. 125g)
- 105g unsalted butter, melted and cooled
Method
- Whisk the eggs and sugar
In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs and sugar until pale, thick, and slightly foamy—this adds air and helps create that signature madeleine rise. - Add the flavorings
Stir in the vanilla paste and a dash of lavender essence. Start with a small amount—you can always add a touch more next time for a stronger floral note. - Fold in the dry ingredients
Sift in the flour and baking powder. Gently fold using a spatula until just combined. Don’t overmix. - Incorporate the butter
Slowly drizzle in the melted butter, folding until smooth and glossy. - Rest the batter
Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or up to overnight. This helps the batter firm up and encourages the classic “hump” during baking. - Preheat and prep
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease and lightly flour your madeleine tray to prevent sticking. - Bake
Spoon the chilled batter into the prepared pan—about 3/4 full in each shell. Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until golden around the edges and slightly domed in the center. - Cool and serve
Let the madeleines cool in the tin for a minute or two, then gently turn them out onto a wire rack. Serve plain, or dust with a little icing sugar for a classic finish.
Tips & Tricks
- Use a madeleine pan for the classic scalloped shape. If you don’t have one, a mini muffin tin works in a pinch.
- Lavender essence is more subtle than dried lavender and gives a smooth, perfumed finish—perfect for baking.
- Don’t skip the chilling step—this is what gives the madeleines their distinctive rise.
Storing Madeleines
Madeleines are best enjoyed fresh on the day they’re baked. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container for up to 2–3 days. You can also freeze them (without icing sugar) and gently reheat in a low oven before serving.
Pin It for Later
These lavender madeleines are a lovely addition to any baking repertoire—refined yet simple, perfect for both everyday and special occasions.
Save this recipe and come back to it whenever you need a light and elegant treat.
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