Madeleines are soft, buttery, and irresistibly delicate French cookies that melt in your mouth. This madeline cookies recipe using heavy cream takes the classic treat to a new level of richness and tenderness. If you’ve ever wanted to make madeleines that are moist, flavorful, and bakery-quality, this guide will walk you through every step. Learn the secrets of achieving the perfect madeleine hump, ensuring the right batter consistency, and mastering the baking process. Get ready to create French butter delights that are perfect for any occasion!
What Are Madeleines and How Do You Make Them?
What is the history of madeleines?
Madeleines originated in France and have been enjoyed for centuries. These shell-shaped treats are beloved for their soft and buttery texture, achieved with a carefully prepared batter. Traditional madeleines are often served with tea or coffee, making them a staple in French patisseries. Their delicate flavor and airy texture come from the balance of eggs and sugar, vanilla extract, and melted butter.
What ingredients are needed for classic madeleine cookies?
To make bakery-quality madeleines, you’ll need a few simple but high-quality ingredients:
- Eggs and sugar – to create a light and fluffy texture
- Flour and baking powder – to give structure to the batter
- French butter – for a buttery and rich taste
- Vanilla extract – for added depth of flavor
- Heavy cream – the secret to extra moist madeleines
How do you prepare the madeleine batter?
The key to a perfect madeleine batter is gently combining the dry ingredients with the wet mixture. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the cookies dense instead of light and airy. The right amount of batter should be used in each madeleine pan mold to ensure even baking.
Why Use Heavy Cream in Your Madeleine Cookies Recipe?

What does heavy cream do to the texture of madeleines?
Adding heavy cream to the batter results in soft and buttery madeline cookies. The addition of cream helps create a moist texture that enhances every bite. Unlike traditional recipes that use just butter, cream brings extra richness and tenderness.
How does cream enhance the flavor of madeleine cookies?
Heavy cream intensifies the delicate flavor of classic French madeleines. It pairs perfectly with French butter, creating a melt-in-your-mouth experience.
Can I substitute heavy cream in the recipe?
If you don’t have heavy cream, you can try buttery alternatives like whole milk or half-and-half. However, for best results, stick to heavy cream to achieve the ideal texture and richness.
How to Prepare and Chill the Madeleine Batter?
What is the best way to chill the batter?
To get the signature madeleine hump, it’s essential to chill the batter. Cover the batter and chill in the fridge for at least 1 hour. This helps the batter firm up, leading to a better rise in the oven.
How long should you chill the madeleine batter?
For best results, chill the batter for at least an hour, though overnight chilling can enhance the texture even further.
What happens if you skip chilling the batter?
Skipping the chill step can lead to flat, dense madeleines that lack the signature rise. If you want soft and buttery cookies with cream, don’t rush this step!
What is the Perfect Technique for Baking Madeleines?
How to preheat the oven for madeleines?
Ensure your oven is properly preheated to 375°F (190°C) before baking. A well-heated oven helps the batter rise correctly.
What is the ideal baking time for madeleines?
Bake for 8-12 minutes, or until the edges turn golden brown and the center springs back when lightly touched.
How to check if madeleines are done baking?
Lightly press the top of a madeleine—if it springs back when lightly touched, it’s ready. Be careful not to overbake the madeleines, as this can dry them out.
How to Achieve the Signature Madeleines Hump?

What is the madeleine hump and why is it important?
The madeleine hump is the signature rise in the center of the cookie. It gives madeleines their classic look and airy texture.
How to create the perfect madeleine hump?
To ensure the perfect madeleine hump, follow these steps:
- Chill the batter for at least one hour.
- Ensure your oven is properly preheated before baking.
- Fill each mold with the right amount of batter—too much will overflow, too little won’t rise enough.
What mistakes to avoid for the best madeleine hump?
- Skipping the chill the batter step
- Overmixing the batter
- Using a cold mold instead of a room temperature one
How to Store and Enjoy Your Madeleines?

How should you store madeleines for freshness?
Store baked madeleines in an airtight container at room temperature to keep them fresh for up to three days.
What is the best way to serve madeleines?
Madeleines are best enjoyed fresh, slightly warm, and paired with afternoon tea or coffee. For extra indulgence, dip them in melted chocolate.
How long do madeleines last in an airtight container?
Madeleines look their best and stay fresh for up to three days when stored properly.
Key Takeaways: Tips for Perfect Madeleines
- Use heavy cream for soft and buttery madeleine cookies.
- Chill the batter for at least 1 hour to get the perfect madeleine hump.
- Preheat the oven properly before baking.
- Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture to avoid overmixing.
- Use a madeleine pan to achieve the classic shell shape.
- Madeleines are best enjoyed fresh, but they can be stored in an airtight container.
- For an extra treat, try dipping them in melted and slightly cooled chocolate.
Now that you know the secrets to making bakery-quality madeleines, it’s time to make madeleines yourself! Follow this madeline cookies recipe using cream for moist, buttery, and perfectly shaped French butter delights. Whether for afternoon tea or a special occasion, these classic cookies with cream will impress every time. Happy baking!
PrintMadeline Cookies Recipe Using Cream: 7 Secrets for Soft & Buttery Perfection
These soft, buttery, and delicate French madeleine cookies are made even richer with the addition of heavy cream. With a golden shell shape and a perfect hump, they are ideal for pairing with tea or coffee.
- Total Time: 20 minutes + chilling time
- Yield: 12 madeleines
Ingredients
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2 large eggs
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1/2 cup granulated sugar
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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1 cup all-purpose flour
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1 teaspoon baking powder
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1/4 teaspoon salt
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6 tablespoons unsalted French butter, melted
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1/4 cup heavy cream
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Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
Instructions
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Prepare the Batter: In a bowl, whisk eggs and sugar until pale and fluffy. Add vanilla extract and mix well.
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Combine Dry Ingredients: Sift together flour, baking powder, and salt, then gently fold them into the egg mixture.
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Incorporate Wet Ingredients: Slowly add melted butter and heavy cream, folding gently to avoid overmixing.
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Chill the Batter: Cover and refrigerate the batter for at least 1 hour (or overnight) for the signature madeleine hump.
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Preheat the Oven: Set to 375°F (190°C) and grease a madeleine pan with butter.
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Fill the Molds: Spoon batter into each mold, filling about 3/4 full. Do not spread it out.
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Bake: Place in the oven and bake for 8-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the centers spring back when touched.
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Cool & Serve: Remove from the pan and let cool slightly. Dust with powdered sugar if desired.
Notes
Chilling the batter is key to getting the classic madeleine hump.
Avoid overmixing the batter to keep the cookies light and airy.
Madeleines taste best fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 madeleine
- Calories: 120 kcal
- Sugar: 7 g
- Sodium: 50 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
- Trans Fat: 12 g
- Carbohydrates: 0 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 35 g
Keywords: madeleine cookies, French madeleines, soft madeleines, classic madeleines, buttery cookies