Chocolate Orange Madeleines Recipe

Introduction

Chocolate Orange Madeleines are delicate, shell-shaped French cakes with a rich blend of zesty orange and deep chocolate flavors. These bite-sized treats offer a perfect balance of citrus brightness and cocoa indulgence, ideal for afternoon tea or a special dessert.

Ingredients

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp sea salt
• 3 large eggs
• 2/3 cup white sugar
• 1 tbsp honey
• 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 tbsp orange zest
• 2 tsp orange juice
• 2 tbsp cocoa powder
• 7 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
• 1/2 cup dark chocolate, melted

Instructions

1. Step 1: Whisk the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and sea salt together in a small bowl.
2. Step 2: In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs, sugar, honey, orange zest, orange juice, and vanilla extract until smooth. Gradually add the dry ingredients, whisking until just combined.
3. Step 3: Stir in the melted butter, whisking until the mixture is smooth and sticky.
4. Step 4: Gently fold the melted dark chocolate into the batter until fully incorporated.
5. Step 5: Transfer the batter to a pastry bag or cover the bowl with cling film and let it rest at room temperature for one hour.
6. Step 6: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Butter and flour a madeleine pan, tapping out any excess flour. Pipe or spoon the batter into each well, filling about two-thirds full.
7. Step 7: Bake for 8-10 minutes, until the edges are lightly browned and the centers spring back when pressed gently.
8. Step 8: Tap the pan to release the madeleines and transfer them to a wire rack to cool for a few minutes. Dust with icing sugar before serving.

Tips & Variations

• Use a zest from a fresh orange for the best aroma and flavor.
• For extra softness, gently fold in a tablespoon of Greek yogurt or sour cream to the wet ingredients.
• Swap dark chocolate for milk chocolate if you prefer a sweeter, creamier taste.
• If you don’t have a madeleine pan, mini muffin tins can work as an alternative.

Storage

Store madeleines in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. To keep them longer, freeze for up to 1 month and thaw at room temperature. Reheat gently in a warm oven for a few minutes to revive their soft texture.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make the batter ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the batter and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Let it come to room temperature before piping or spooning into the pan.

What if I don’t have a pastry bag to pipe the batter?

No worries! You can spoon the batter into the madeleine pan wells. It might affect the shape slightly, but the flavor will remain just as delicious.

Chocolate Orange Madeleines Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 79 reviews

Delight in these decadent Chocolate Orange Madeleines, a perfect blend of rich cocoa and zesty orange flavors. These classic French butter cakes are enhanced with dark chocolate and a fresh burst of orange zest and juice, resulting in a soft, moist, and irresistible treat. Perfect for tea time or a sophisticated dessert, these madeleines are quick to make, with a straightforward batter and a golden-baked finish dusted with icing sugar.

• Author: Logan
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
• Yield: Makes about 20 madeleines 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: French
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Dry Ingredients

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 tbsp cocoa powder
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp sea salt

Wet Ingredients

• 3 large eggs
• 2/3 cup white sugar
• 1 tbsp honey
• 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 tbsp orange zest
• 2 tsp orange juice
• 7 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
• 1/2 cup dark chocolate, melted

Instructions

1. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and sea salt until evenly combined.
2. Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate larger bowl, whisk the eggs, white sugar, honey, orange zest, orange juice, and vanilla extract until the mixture becomes smooth and uniform.
3. Integrate Dry with Wet: Gradually whisk the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just incorporated to avoid overmixing. Then add the melted butter, whisking until the batter is smooth and has a sticky consistency.
4. Add Melted Chocolate: Gently fold in the melted dark chocolate until fully incorporated into the batter for rich chocolate flavor throughout.
5. Rest the Batter: Transfer the batter to a pastry bag if you plan to pipe it; if not, cover the bowl tightly with cling film and let it rest at room temperature for one hour to develop flavor and texture.
6. Prepare Madeleines Pan and Bake: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly butter the madeleine pan and dust it with flour, then tap out any excess flour. Pipe or spoon the batter into the molds, filling each about two-thirds full. Bake for 8-10 minutes until the edges are slightly brown and the centers spring back when lightly pressed.
7. Cool and Serve: Carefully tap the madeleines out of the pan and let them cool on a wire rack for a few minutes. Dust with icing sugar before serving and enjoy these tender, flavorful treats.

Notes

• Ensure the butter is melted but not hot to avoid cooking the eggs when mixed.
• Resting the batter helps enhance the texture and flavor of the madeleines.
• You can substitute dark chocolate with semi-sweet chocolate depending on your sweetness preference.
• Use fresh orange zest and juice for the best citrus flavor.
• Madeleines are best enjoyed the same day but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days.

Keywords: Chocolate orange madeleines, French madeleine recipe, chocolate madeleines, orange zest dessert, baked cocoa madeleines, tea time treats