Madeleine cookies are a classic French dessert, known for their light, airy texture and delicious buttery flavor. With the addition of cream, these Madeleine cookies with cream become even more indulgent, offering a rich, soft bite that melts in your mouth. Whether you’re an experienced baker or trying your hand at Madeleine cookies with cream recipe for the first time, this Madeleine cookies with cream recipe will guide you step-by-step to create a batch of these irresistible, tea-time treats.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tbsp lemon zest (optional, for a citrusy twist)
- Pinch of salt
Equipment:
- Madeleine pan (traditional shell-shaped molds)
- Electric mixer or whisk
- Mixing bowls
- Sifter

Instructions:
1. Prepare the Madeleine Pan:
Before starting, preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease your Madeleine pan with butter or non-stick spray. This step ensures that your cookies will easily pop out of the molds after baking.
2. Mix the Wet Ingredients:
In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the eggs, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until the mixture becomes light and frothy. Add the melted butter and heavy cream to the bowl, and stir until fully combined. The addition of heavy cream will give these cookies their soft, creamy texture, making them even more delightful to bite into.
3. Sift the Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, sift the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and pinch of salt together. This ensures a light, airy texture for your Madeleine cookies with cream. If you’re using lemon zest, add it to the dry ingredients at this stage.
4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Slowly fold the sifted dry ingredients into the wet mixture using a spatula. Be gentle when mixing, as you want to maintain the light, airy texture that’s characteristic of these delicate Madeleine cookies with cream.
5. Fill the Madeleine Molds:
Spoon the batter into the Madeleine pan, filling each mold about 2/3 of the way. You can use a piping bag for more precision. The batter should just reach the top of the molds, allowing room for the cookies to rise.
6. Bake the Madeleines:
Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown, and a toothpick inserted comes out clean. The perfect Madeleine cookie with cream has a soft, fluffy texture with a slight crispiness on the edges.
7. Cool and Serve:
Once baked, remove the Madeleine cookies with cream from the pan immediately and place them on a wire rack to cool. Serve your warm cookies with tea, coffee, or just enjoy them on their own. The creamy Madeleine cookies are perfect for any occasion, offering a refined touch to your dessert table.

If you’re a fan of buttery, flaky pastries, be sure to check out our Swiss Gipfeli Recipe for another delicious treat that’s perfect for breakfast or dessert.
Why These Madeleine Cookies Are Special:
The key to making perfect Madeleine cookies with cream lies in the balance of ingredients. Heavy cream adds moisture and a rich texture to the batter, resulting in cookies that are tender on the inside and slightly crisp on the outside. The use of vanilla extract and optional lemon zest enhances the flavor profile, making these cookies even more aromatic and delightful.
If you’re interested in exploring more about classic French desserts, check out this article on Traditional French Pastries and Desserts. It’s a great resource for discovering more time-honored recipes to enrich your baking collection.
Key Tips for Perfect Madeleine Cookies:
- Use Fresh Ingredients: For the best results, use fresh eggs, high-quality butter, and heavy cream. This ensures the richness and flavor of your Madeleine cookies shine through.
- Don’t Overmix: Be careful not to overmix the batter when combining the wet and dry ingredients. Overmixing can result in dense cookies, while gently folding the ingredients helps keep them light and fluffy.
- Sift the Flour: Sifting the flour and baking powder together helps prevent lumps and ensures a smooth, airy texture in your cookies.
- Serve with Tea: These Madeleine cookies are perfect for tea time, offering a delicate, buttery flavor that pairs beautifully with a cup of your favorite brew.
Final Thoughts:
Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or just as a treat for yourself, Madeleine cookies with cream are an absolute delight. Their light, buttery texture combined with the richness of heavy cream makes them an irresistible dessert. With this Madeleine cookies recipe, you can bring a touch of French pastry to your kitchen and enjoy the sweet, delicate flavors of these classic French cookies anytime.