Orange Blossom Honey Madeleines

ByJulia Baking


There’s something magical about the scent of honey and citrus warming in the oven. It brings back memories of my grandmother’s tiny kitchen — sunlight pouring in through the lace curtains, her linen apron dusted in flour, and that familiar scent of oranges and sweetness dancing in the air.

These Orange Blossom Honey Madeleines are my personal love letter to those moments. Light, buttery, and kissed with floral honey and orange zest, they feel like something out of a storybook. Whether served at a family brunch, packed into lunchboxes, or paired with a calming evening tea, these madeleines are tiny treasures meant to be shared.

Ingredients (Makes 18 Madeleines)

  • ½ cup (113g) unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
  • 2 large eggs
  • ⅓ cup (70g) granulated sugar
  • 2 tablespoons (30g) orange blossom honey (or regular honey)
  • 1 teaspoon orange zest (from about 1 medium orange)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup (120g) all-purpose flour
  • ½ teaspoon baking powder
  • Pinch of salt
  • Optional: powdered sugar, for dusting

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prep the Batter

In a mixing bowl, beat the eggs and sugar together using a whisk or hand mixer for 2–3 minutes until pale and slightly thickened. Add the honey, orange zest, and vanilla extract. Mix until combined.

2. Add the Dry Ingredients

Sift in the flour, baking powder, and salt. Fold gently using a spatula until just incorporated.

3. Add the Butter

Slowly pour in the melted butter while folding gently to keep the batter airy. Mix until smooth and glossy.

4. Chill the Batter

Cover the bowl and refrigerate the batter for at least 1 hour (or up to overnight). This helps the madeleines form their signature hump.

5. Bake to Perfection

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a madeleine pan generously with butter or nonstick spray. Spoon about 1 tablespoon of batter into each mold (don’t flatten it — it will spread on its own).

Bake for 10–12 minutes, until the edges are golden and the centers spring back to the touch.

6. Cool and Serve

Let the madeleines cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. Dust with powdered sugar if desired and serve warm or at room temperature.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

  • Madeleine pan (classic shell shape)
  • Mixing bowls
  • Hand mixer or whisk
  • Spatula
  • Zester or fine grater
  • Measuring cups & spoons
  • Sifter (optional, for flour and sugar)
  • Cooling rack

Tips & Variations

  • Don’t Skip the Chill: Refrigerating the batter ensures the signature hump and helps the texture stay moist and tender.
  • Flavor Variations: Swap orange zest for lemon or add a pinch of cardamom for a Middle Eastern twist.
  • No Madeleines Pan? Try using a mini muffin tin — you’ll miss the shell shape, but not the flavor!
  • Serving Suggestion: Pair with a cup of Moroccan mint tea or Turkish apple tea for a soothing afternoon snack.

Nutrition Information (Per Madeleine)

  • Calories: 110 kcal
  • Fat: 7g
  • Carbs: 11g
  • Sugar: 6g
  • Protein: 1.5g
  • Sodium: 35mg

Note: Nutritional values are approximate and may vary slightly based on ingredients used.

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