The Best Madeleine Cookies Recipe Using Cream Recipe
If you have been searching for a truly delightful treat, look no further because The Best Madeleine Cookies Recipe Using Cream is exactly what your sweet tooth deserves. These delicate, buttery, shell-shaped cookies boast a tender crumb thanks to the luscious touch of heavy cream. They perfectly balance a subtle sweetness with a hint of vanilla and lemon zest, creating a sophisticated yet comforting flavor that melts in your mouth. Once you try this recipe, you will find yourself reaching for these charming little cookies again and again, whether for a cozy afternoon tea or a special celebration.

Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe keeps things elegantly simple but don’t let that fool you—each ingredient plays a crucial role in crafting the perfect Madeleines. From the flour’s lightness to the cream’s richness, everything combines to build the iconic texture and flavor you crave.
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (125g), sifted: Provides a light, airy crumb essential for tender Madeleines.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder: Ensures a gentle rise and the signature hump on your cookies.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and enhances overall flavor complexity.
- 2 large eggs, at room temperature: Whipped to create volume and a smooth batter base.
- 2/3 cup granulated sugar (135g): Sweetens just enough to highlight the buttery richness.
- 1/4 cup heavy cream (60ml): Adds that indulgent creaminess that sets this recipe apart.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Infuses warm, aromatic undertones that elevate each bite.
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest (optional): Brightens cookies with a fresh, citrusy zing.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (115g), melted and slightly cooled: Brings richness and moisture for that perfect tender crumb.
How to Make The Best Madeleine Cookies Recipe Using Cream
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Pan
Start by heating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and preparing your Madeleine pan. Grease each cavity generously with butter and dust with flour to prevent sticking and promote that ideal crust. A well-prepped pan ensures your cookies release easily and bake evenly, which is key for the perfect texture and the much-coveted hump on each cookie.
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together sifted flour, baking powder, and salt until completely lump-free. Double sifting enhances the texture and ensures the finest crumb in your Madeleines. This step may seem simple but it lays the foundation for a beautifully even rise during baking.
Step 3: Beat Wet Ingredients
Using a hand mixer, beat your eggs and granulated sugar until the mixture becomes pale, thick, and doubles in volume—roughly three to four minutes. This aeration is vital to the cookie’s lightness. Then, gently fold in the heavy cream, vanilla extract, and lemon zest if you want that subtle citrus pop. This mixture should smell heavenly, hinting at the rich flavors to come.
Step 4: Fold Dry into Wet
Now, it’s time to carefully fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Do this in three additions with a rubber spatula—folding rather than stirring keeps the batter light and airy. Next, fold in your melted butter slowly, preserving the batter’s silkiness and ensuring you don’t deflate all the hard work you’ve done with the eggs. The batter should end up glossy and thick, oozing a buttery aroma that makes you want to dive right in.
Step 5: Fill Molds and Bake
Fill each cavity of your pan about three-fourths full with batter, either by spoon or piping bag for precision. Bake for about 8 to 10 minutes until you notice golden edges and the centers spring back at a gentle press. The scent filling your kitchen during this step is pure comfort—the perfect buttery scent with a touch of vanilla. Remember to cool the cookies briefly in the pan before moving them to a wire rack.
Step 6: Cool and Release
Once out of the oven, gently release the Madeleines from the pan by tapping or loosening edges with a knife if needed. Cool them fully on a wire rack to keep their crisp bottoms intact. This crucial cooling step finishes the textures that make these cookies so enchanting—light, slightly crisp exterior with a soft inside.
How to Serve The Best Madeleine Cookies Recipe Using Cream

Garnishes
Enhance your serving presentation with a dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of melted dark chocolate for extra decadence. Fresh berries alongside can add color and a burst of juicy freshness that contrasts beautifully with the tender cookies.
Side Dishes
These Madeleines pair beautifully with a cup of aromatic tea, a rich espresso, or a cold glass of milk. Their delicate flavor and buttery texture perfectly complement warm beverages and make for a well-rounded snack or dessert.
Creative Ways to Present
Try stacking these golden gems in a clear glass jar tied with a ribbon for gifting or arrange them on a tiered dessert stand for parties. You can also sandwich them with a subtle layer of lemon curd or whipped cream for an indulgent twist on a classic treat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your leftover Madeleines fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. Proper storage preserves their light texture and buttery flavor while keeping them crisp on the outside.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy these treats beyond a few days, freezing is a fantastic option. Wrap each cookie individually in plastic wrap and place them in an airtight freezer bag. They will keep beautifully for up to one month without losing their signature texture or flavor.
Reheating
To enjoy the freshly baked sensation after freezing, gently warm your Madeleines in an oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5 minutes. This brief reheat refreshes their crisp edges while keeping the interiors soft and tender.
FAQs
Can I substitute heavy cream in this Madeleine cookies recipe?
Absolutely! You can replace heavy cream with coconut cream for a dairy-free version that adds a slight tropical flavor while maintaining richness. This substitution keeps the tenderness intact.
Why do my Madeleines sometimes lack the signature hump?
The hump forms when your batter is properly aerated and baked in a well-preheated, hot oven. Avoid overmixing the batter and make sure your oven reaches the right temperature before baking to get that perfect rise.
Can I use a regular cake pan instead of a Madeleine mold?
While you can, the distinctive shell shape and texture come from the Madeleine pan’s shallow grooves. Using a cake pan may change the texture and will definitely alter the iconic appearance.
Is it okay to prepare the batter in advance?
Yes! In fact, preparing the batter up to 24 hours ahead and refrigerating it enhances flavors and texture. Just bring it back to room temperature and give it a gentle stir before baking.
How do I prevent Madeleines from sticking to the pan?
Be generous with buttering and flouring your pan or use a quality non-stick spray. Silicone Madeleine molds are a great alternative and often help with easy release as well.
Final Thoughts
Trying The Best Madeleine Cookies Recipe Using Cream truly opens the door to a delightful baking adventure filled with buttery, tender bites that are perfect for any occasion. With its approachable ingredients and straightforward steps, you’ll find these irresistible cookies quickly become a cherished favorite. Go ahead and give this recipe a whirl—you deserve that moment of sweet, creamy bliss!
PrintThe Best Madeleine Cookies Recipe Using Cream Recipe
Experience the classic French Madeleine cookie in its most tender form with this recipe using heavy cream. The cream creates a rich, velvety texture complemented by a delicate balance of vanilla and optional lemon zest, resulting in buttery, light, and airy cookies with a perfect hump.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert, Cookies
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (125g), sifted
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients:
- 2 large eggs, at room temperature
- 2/3 cup granulated sugar (135g)
- 1/4 cup heavy cream (60ml)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest (optional, from 1 lemon)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (115g), melted and slightly cooled
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Generously grease a 12-cavity Madeleine pan with butter and dust with flour, tapping out any excess. This step ensures an easy release and contributes to the signature hump by providing a hot, well-prepared pan.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, sift together 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking powder, and 1/4 teaspoon salt until lump-free. Double sifting is recommended for an ultra-fine texture, ensuring even rising and a light crumb.
- Beat Wet Ingredients: Using a hand mixer on medium-high speed, beat 2 large room-temperature eggs with 2/3 cup granulated sugar for 3 to 4 minutes until the mixture is pale, thick, and doubled in volume. It should form ribbons when the beaters are lifted. Then slowly add 1/4 cup heavy cream, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and 1 teaspoon lemon zest, mixing until fully combined.
- Fold Dry into Wet: Gradually fold the dry flour mixture into the wet ingredients in three additions using a rubber spatula, gently preserving the air for a fluffy texture. Slowly pour in 1/2 cup melted butter in a steady stream, folding until just combined. The batter should be glossy, thick, and aromatic. Be careful not to overmix to maintain the rise of the cookies.
- Fill Molds and Bake: Spoon about 1 tablespoon of batter into each prepped Madeleine cavity, filling about three-quarters full. For precision and speed, use a piping bag. Bake for 8–10 minutes until edges are golden and centers spring back when pressed. The oven and kitchen will fill with a rich, buttery aroma. Cool the cookies in the pan for 2 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
- Cool and Release: Gently tap the pan to release the Madeleines or use a butter knife to loosen edges. Allow them to cool completely on a wire rack to maintain crispness and avoid soggy bottoms. Proper cooling ensures the ideal light, slightly crisp texture.
Notes
- For dairy-free options, substitute heavy cream with coconut cream and use a suitable gluten-free flour blend for flour substitution.
- Sift flour twice to ensure a lump-free batter and achieve the perfect delicate texture.
- Use European-style butter for a richer flavor and organic, free-range eggs for better color and taste.
- Rest batter overnight in the refrigerator to improve texture and flavor depth.
- If no hump forms on the cookies, ensure the oven is fully preheated and avoid overmixing the batter.
- Using a piping bag can save 2-3 minutes during mold filling and improve uniformity.
- Cooling on a wire rack prevents soggy bottoms and keeps cookies crisp.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 85 kcal
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 40mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Fiber: 0.3g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: Madeleine Cookies, Cream Recipe, French Cookies, Buttery Madeleines, Light and Airy Cookies, Vanilla, Lemon Zest, Tea Time Treat