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Perfect Small Batch Brown Butter Madeleines with Easy Lemon Glaze

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A quick and easy recipe for small batch brown butter madeleines topped with a bright and tangy lemon glaze, perfect for solo treats or small gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 tablespoons (60g) unsalted butter
  • ½ cup (65g) all-purpose flour
  • ⅓ cup (40g) powdered sugar
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt
  • Zest of 1 small lemon
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • ½ cup (60g) powdered sugar for glaze

Instructions

  1. Brown the butter: Place 4 tablespoons (60g) of unsalted butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Swirl occasionally until it melts, foams, and turns golden brown with a nutty aroma. Remove from heat immediately and pour into a bowl to cool slightly.
  2. Mix dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, sift ½ cup (65g) all-purpose flour with ⅓ cup (40g) powdered sugar and a pinch of salt. Stir in the lemon zest.
  3. Combine wet ingredients: Crack 1 large egg into a bowl and whisk with 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until smooth. Slowly pour the warm brown butter into the egg mixture while whisking constantly to temper the egg.
  4. Fold in dry ingredients: Gently fold the flour mixture into the wet ingredients using a spatula until smooth but slightly thick. Avoid overmixing.
  5. Chill the batter: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to firm up the batter.
  6. Preheat oven and prepare pan: Heat oven to 375°F (190°C). Butter and flour the madeleine pan or spray with baking spray.
  7. Spoon batter into pan: Fill each mold about ¾ full using a small cookie scoop for even portions.
  8. Bake: Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are golden and the center springs back when touched. Let cool in the pan for a few minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
  9. Prepare lemon glaze: Mix ½ cup (60g) powdered sugar with 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice until smooth and pourable.
  10. Glaze madeleines: Once cooled, drizzle or dip the tops of the madeleines in the lemon glaze. Let sit until the glaze sets.

Notes

Use a light-colored pan to brown butter to monitor color changes. Avoid overmixing batter to keep madeleines tender. Chilling batter is essential for the classic hump. Baking time may vary by oven; watch closely after 10 minutes. Lemon glaze adds brightness and a glossy finish. For gluten-free, substitute flour with almond or gluten-free blend. For dairy-free, use plant-based butter and flax egg.

Nutrition

Keywords: brown butter madeleines, lemon glaze, small batch madeleines, easy madeleine recipe, quick dessert, buttery madeleines, lemon dessert