Matcha Madeleines: Soft, Buttery Treats with a Green Tea Twist

If you’re someone who loves baking simple but impressive treats, these matcha madeleines are calling your name. In this article, we’ll walk through how to make perfectly soft and flavorful matcha madeleines at home. You’ll learn what makes them unique, how long they last, and the exact method that gets you that iconic shell shape with a beautiful hump.

We’ll also share helpful tips, storage options, and the best ways to serve them. Whether you’re baking for guests or just treating yourself, these madeleines bring a delightful French-Japanese fusion right to your kitchen.

The Story & What Makes Matcha Madeleines Special

Memories of First Bakes and Green Tea Moments

There’s something about the smell of butter, sugar, and matcha mingling in the kitchen that instantly transports me back to my early baking days. I remember testing madeleine recipes late into the evening, the soft clink of my madeleine pans echoing in a quiet kitchen. I’d just come back from a trip to Kyoto where I fell in love with matcha everything—from soft serve to sponge cakes. Inspired, I started blending that earthy tea flavor with my favorite buttery French treats, and that’s how these Matcha Madeleines came to be.

Madeleines have always felt a bit like magic to me. That shell shape, the little hump in the center—there’s a simple beauty to it. But when you add matcha to the mix, they become something even more special. These matcha madeleines are soft, not overly sweet, with a subtle bitterness from the green tea that balances the buttery richness beautifully. They’re perfect with a pot of sencha or hojicha, and even better when shared.

What Makes Madeleines Different from Other Cakes?

Madeleines aren’t cookies, even though they look like one. They’re technically small sponge cakes, made with a génoise-style batter. What sets them apart is their texture—light, tender, and just a touch springy—and their distinctive seashell shape, which comes from baking in a madeleine pan. The batter is simple, but what really elevates them is the technique. Resting the batter is essential to getting that characteristic hump in the center.

Adding matcha turns this French classic into something uniquely comforting and sophisticated. The slightly bitter notes of the green tea cut through the sweetness and butter, making it feel less like dessert and more like a treat you can enjoy with your afternoon tea.

You’ll also love the gentle green hue that matcha brings. It’s subtle, elegant, and makes these little cakes just as stunning to look at as they are to eat. And if you’ve tried my matcha chocolate bar or the matcha donuts, you’ll recognize the way this flavor transforms simple ingredients into something almost meditative.

Ingredients & Step-by-Step Method for Perfect Matcha Madeleines

Essential Ingredients to Nail the Flavor

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Getting the ingredients right is half the battle when baking matcha madeleines. You don’t need anything fancy—just fresh, good-quality basics and a vibrant culinary-grade matcha. That deep green hue and gentle bitterness in the tea really elevate the delicate sponge.

Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need:

Ingredient	Notes
Unsalted Butter	Melted, then cooled—adds rich flavor
All-Purpose Flour	Fluffed and spooned for accurate measurement
Sugar	Regular granulated works best
Matcha Powder	Use good-quality culinary grade for flavor and color
Baking Powder	Helps give that iconic madeleine hump
Eggs + Milk	Room temperature is key for smooth batter

It’s the kind of pantry-friendly list that makes these madeleines just as easy to bake on a whim as they are to prepare for a special gathering. For another example of pantry magic, check out my gluten-free wacky cake—it’s all about simple ingredients done right.

Step-by-Step Method to Get That Signature Hump

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Let’s walk through the process. Madeleines require precision, but once you’ve got the rhythm, they’re one of the most satisfying bakes out there.

1. Melt the butter and let it cool. This keeps the batter from becoming greasy.
2. Whisk your dry ingredients together: flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and sifted matcha. Use a large bowl for easy mixing.
3. In another bowl, beat the eggs and milk until light and frothy. This gives the cakes their airy lift.
4. Combine wet and dry ingredients, mixing just until smooth. Don’t overwork the batter.
5. Slowly add in the cooled butter, mixing it in batches. Make sure it’s fully incorporated before adding more.
6. Cover and chill the batter for 3 hours or overnight. This is crucial—it firms up the batter and gives the madeleines their classic puff.
7. Prepare your pans by brushing with melted butter and dusting with flour. This helps them release easily and keeps the edges crisp.
8. Spoon the chilled batter into the molds, about 1 tablespoon per shell. There’s no need to smooth the tops.
9. Bake at 375°F for 11–13 minutes until the edges are golden and the tops spring back to touch.

You’ll know they’re done when your kitchen smells like a dream, and each madeleine has a perfect hump in the middle. If you like creative twists on baking basics, you’ll also enjoy my caramel cheesecake cookies—another soft and surprising treat.

Let the madeleines cool slightly before removing them from the pan. That gentle steam helps release them cleanly. You can serve them warm or let them come to room temp.

Storage, Shelf Life & Elegant Serving Ideas

How Long Do Matcha Madeleines Last?

Matcha madeleines are best enjoyed fresh out of the oven. That’s when the edges are lightly crisp, and the center is warm and soft with that just-baked aroma. But if you’re not serving them immediately, don’t worry—they’re still lovely for days after with a few simple tricks.

When stored in an airtight container at room temperature, madeleines will stay soft for about 2 to 3 days. Their texture does change slightly over time, becoming more cake-like and less crisp around the edges. If you need them to last longer, refrigerate them for up to a week, though be sure to bring them back to room temperature before serving.

If you’re like me and bake in batches, freezing is a fantastic option. Just let the madeleines cool completely, skip the powdered sugar topping, and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to serve, let them defrost at room temp, and dust with confectioners’ sugar right before plating.

For other small bakes that store beautifully, check out my almond croissant cookie bars—they’re just as freezer-friendly and perfect for gifting.

How to Serve Matcha Madeleines (Like a Pro)

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Matcha madeleines are stunning in their simplicity, but you can take them to another level with thoughtful pairings and presentation. Try serving them alongside a pot of Japanese tea—sencha or hojicha pair particularly well with the earthy undertones of matcha.

If you’re hosting, plate the madeleines on a simple ceramic platter, lightly dusted with powdered sugar. Add a few edible flowers or citrus zest for a colorful finish. These little touches turn a humble treat into a moment worth remembering.

Want something more indulgent? Try dipping one end of each madeleine in white chocolate, then letting it set. The creamy sweetness complements the matcha beautifully and gives a modern twist to this classic bake. This same idea works wonders with my strawberry ganache—swap in matcha for a springy, elegant dessert tray.

Matcha madeleines also make lovely gifts. Pack them in small parchment-lined boxes or tins, tie with twine, and you’ve got an elevated homemade gift ready in under an hour (plus chill time).

FAQs About Madeleines + Final Thoughts

Conclusion: Soft, Sophisticated, and So Worth It

These matcha madeleines are more than just a pretty tea treat—they’re a celebration of texture, tradition, and a bit of adventure. The subtle bitterness of matcha balances the richness of butter in the most elegant way. Whether you’re hosting a tea party or simply need a quiet moment of sweetness in your day, these little shell-shaped cakes never disappoint.

So go ahead, grab your madeleine pan, brew a fresh pot of sencha, and whisk up a batch. Don’t forget to share your bakes with us—I love seeing what you create! You can follow and tag me over on Facebook or pin your creations and check out more dessert ideas on Pinterest.

If you’re hungry for more matcha magic, you’ll also enjoy my matcha chocolate tea or this cozy cherry coffee cake next.

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