Jaffa madeleines

Jaffa madeleines are light, buttery French cookies infused with fragrant orange zest and a hint of cocoa. Ideal for tea parties, these treats are prepared by mixing and chilling a flavorful batter before baking.

30 Nov 2025
Cook time 10 min
Prep time 15 min

Ingredients:

1/3 cup sugar
2 tbsp orange zest
1 egg
1/2 cup all-purpose white wheat flour
1 tsp baking powder
1/3 cup butter
1 tbsp dry cocoa powder
Jaffa madeleines

Jaffa madeleines are a delightful twist on the classic French confection. With a subtle hint of orange zest and a touch of rich cocoa, these madeleines are perfect for a sophisticated tea party or an indulgent snack. Follow our recipe to create these light, buttery treats in the comfort of your own kitchen.

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Madeleine Pan:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Generously grease a madeleine pan with butter and lightly dust it with flour to prevent sticking. You can also use non-stick spray for easier release.
2. Mixing the Sugar and Orange Zest:
- In a medium bowl, combine the sugar and orange zest. Rub the zest into the sugar with your fingertips until the sugar is fragrant and slightly moist. This helps release the oils from the zest, imparting more flavor into the madeleines.
3. Whisk the Egg and Sugar Mixture:
- Crack the egg into the bowl with the sugar and zest mixture. Whisk together until the mixture becomes pale and slightly frothy. This will take about 2-3 minutes of vigorous whisking.

4. Combine the Dry Ingredients:
- In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and cocoa powder. Sifting ensures there are no lumps and the ingredients are well combined.
5. Incorporate the Dry Ingredients:
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Fold them in using a spatula until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in tough madeleines.
6. Add the Melted Butter:
- Gently fold in the melted butter until the batter is smooth and well combined. The batter should be slightly thick and shiny.
7. Chill the Batter:
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. Chilling the batter helps the madeleines achieve their classic hump during baking.
8. Fill the Madeleine Pan:
- After chilling, remove the batter from the fridge. Using a spoon or small cookie scoop, fill each cavity of the prepared madeleine pan about three-quarters full. The batter will spread out as it bakes, so there's no need to level it out.
9. Bake the Madeleines:
- Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the center springs back when lightly pressed.
10. Cool and Serve:
- Remove the pan from the oven and allow the madeleines to cool for a few minutes before gently removing them from the pan. You can use a small knife or offset spatula to help release them if needed.
- Transfer the madeleines to a wire rack to cool completely.
11. Enjoy:
- Your Jaffa Madeleines are now ready to be enjoyed! These delightful treats pair wonderfully with a cup of tea or coffee.

Jaffa madeleines are a sophisticated and delightful treat that are sure to impress with their delicate texture and harmonious blend of flavors. By following these tips and steps, you'll create a batch of these elegant madeleines that are perfect for any occasion. Enjoy them fresh from the oven with a cup of tea or coffee.

Jaffa madeleines FAQ:

What is the baking time for Jaffa madeleines?

Jaffa madeleines should be baked for 8-10 minutes at 375°F (190°C) until the edges are golden brown and the center springs back when lightly pressed.

How can I tell if my madeleines are done baking?

You can tell the madeleines are done when the edges are golden brown and they spring back lightly when touched in the center. Additionally, they should have a nice dome shape.

Can I store leftover madeleines, and if so, how?

Yes, leftover madeleines can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2-3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to a month.

What substitutions can I make for cocoa powder in this recipe?

If you want to skip cocoa powder, you can omit it entirely or replace it with an equal amount of flour for a traditional orange madeleine flavor.

Do I need a special pan for madeleines?

Yes, a madeleine pan is recommended for this recipe to achieve the distinctive shell shape of the treats. If you don’t have one, you can use a muffin pan, although the texture and look will differ.

Tips:

- Ensure your butter is at room temperature before you begin; this helps it incorporate more smoothly into the batter.

- For more pronounced citrus flavor, use fresh orange zest rather than dried.

- Chill the batter for at least an hour before baking; this helps the madeleines achieve their signature hump.

- Butter and flour your madeleine mold thoroughly to prevent sticking.

- Bake on the middle rack of your oven to ensure even heat distribution.

Nutrition per serving

4 Servings
Calories 280kcal
Protein 4.31g
Carbohydrates 30g
Fiber 1.86g
Sugar 16g
Fat 16g

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