These Maple Brown Sugar Madeleines are delicate, buttery, and full of warm autumn flavors. With the rich sweetness of brown sugar and the deep, cozy flavor of maple syrup, each bite is a nod to fall’s comforting essence. These elegant madeleines are light, fluffy, and finished with a maple glaze, making them the perfect treat for a cozy afternoon with tea or coffee. The added crunch of toasted pecans or walnuts on the glaze elevates them, turning these little jewels into a showstopper for any gathering.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These madeleines are the perfect blend of soft, buttery cake with the deep, rich flavors of brown sugar and maple syrup. The recipe is easy to follow, and the results are truly rewarding—light, tender madeleines that have a beautiful texture and taste. The maple glaze with a sprinkle of toasted nuts adds just the right amount of sweetness and crunch. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or simply treating yourself, these madeleines are sure to impress. They embody the essence of fall with every bite, making them ideal for seasonal gatherings or cozy moments at home.
Perfect Occasion
These madeleines are perfect for fall and winter celebrations, including Thanksgiving, autumn brunches, or afternoon tea with friends. They also make a great gift for the holiday season, especially when wrapped up beautifully in a decorative tin. Their delicate shape and rich flavor make them ideal for serving at elegant gatherings or enjoying as a personal treat with a warm drink. These madeleines are a perfect choice for anytime you want to capture the warmth and flavor of the autumn season.
Decoration Tips
To make these madeleines even more special, you can lightly dust them with powdered sugar before serving, adding a delicate, frosted appearance. For a touch of elegance, dip half of each madeleine into the maple icing and sprinkle with finely chopped pecans or walnuts, giving them a lovely contrast in both texture and appearance. If you’re feeling extra creative, drizzle some melted white chocolate over the top after glazing for a beautiful decorative finish. These small touches will elevate your madeleines to bakery-level perfection.
Ingredients:
For the Madeleines:
- 1 cup (113 g) cake flour
- ½ tsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp fine sea salt
- 3 large eggs
- ½ cup (100 g) packed brown sugar
- 1 ½ tsp pure maple extract (or natural maple flavoring)
- ½ cup (113 g) unsalted butter, melted and cooled
- 1 tbsp pure maple syrup
For the Maple Icing:
- 1 cup (120 g) powdered sugar, sifted
- 1 tbsp (14 g) unsalted butter, melted
- ¼ tsp pure maple extract (or natural maple flavoring)
- 1-2 tbsp (15-30 ml) whole milk
- 1 dash fine sea salt
- ¼ cup (28 g) finely chopped, toasted pecans or walnuts
Instructions:
- Prepare the Dry Ingredients: In a medium-sized bowl, sift the cake flour, baking powder, and salt together twice to ensure lightness. Set aside.
- Whisk the Eggs and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat the eggs, brown sugar, and maple extract on medium-high speed with an electric mixer. Continue mixing for about 8-10 minutes until the batter is voluminous, light in color, and holds its shape when lifted.
- Mix in the Butter: In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter and maple syrup until well combined.
- Combine the Mixtures: Gently fold the flour mixture into the egg mixture in 3 additions, alternating with the butter mixture. Be careful not to deflate the batter, and make sure to scrape the bottom of the bowl to ensure all the flour is incorporated. Cover and refrigerate for 30-45 minutes.
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease a Madeleine pan with nonstick spray or melted butter and dust with flour, tapping out the excess.
- Fill the Pan: Fill each well of the pan about ¾ full, using around 2 tablespoons of batter per well for spherical molds or 1 tablespoon for traditional oval molds.
- Bake the Madeleines: Bake the Madeleines for about 10-12 minutes (or 7-8 minutes for oval molds), until golden brown around the edges and puffed in the center. Be careful not to overbake.
- Cool the Madeleines: Let the Madeleines cool in the pan for 1 minute before turning them out onto a cooling rack to cool completely.
- Prepare the Maple Icing: In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, melted butter, maple extract, and 1 tablespoon of milk. Add more milk as needed to reach your desired consistency. Stir in a dash of sea salt to taste.
- Glaze the Madeleines: Once the Madeleines have cooled, brush them with the maple icing using a pastry brush. Sprinkle the edges with finely chopped, toasted pecans or walnuts for an added touch of flavor and texture.
Enjoy these beautiful Maple Brown Sugar Madeleines, the perfect autumn treat with a rich, sweet glaze and crunchy nut topping!