What Should Madeleines Taste Like?

A proper madeleine should be soft, light, and slightly springy when you bite into it. The outer edges may have a subtle crispness from the pan, while the center remains tender. When flavored with matcha, they take on an earthy, mellow bitterness that’s beautifully balanced with butter and just a hint of sugar. They’re not overly sweet—just refined enough for tea, but comforting enough to enjoy anytime.

How Long Can You Keep Madeleines?

If stored in an airtight container at room temperature, matcha madeleines will stay fresh for up to 3 days. You can stretch that to 5–7 days by refrigerating them, though it’s best to let them warm to room temperature before eating. For longer storage, freeze them (without sugar dusting) for up to 2 months. Just thaw and dust before serving.

What Makes Madeleines Different?

Unlike traditional cookies, madeleines are actually mini sponge cakes made with a génoise-style batter. The most iconic feature? Their shell-like shape and signature hump. They’re light, airy, and often flavored with lemon, vanilla, or in our case—vibrant green matcha powder. You’ll notice the difference instantly in both texture and appearance.

Can You Flavor Madeleines with Other Teas or Ingredients?

Absolutely. While matcha adds a unique color and earthy flavor, you can substitute or combine it with lemon zest, lavender, or even Earl Grey for a floral note. Just be sure any added flavor is dry and fine in texture so it blends well into the batter. For example, I used a similar technique in my lemon tiramisu —a great example of subtle, layered flavors done right.

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

Name: Matcha Madeleines
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 13 min
Total time: 43 min
Yield: 24 madeleines
Cuisine: Japanese-French
Ingredients: ½ cup unsalted butter (plus 1 Tbsp for pans); ⅔ cup sugar; 1 cup all-purpose flour (plus 1 Tbsp for pans); ¼ tsp kosher salt; 1 tsp baking powder; 1 Tbsp matcha (green tea powder); 2 large eggs (at room temperature); 1 Tbsp whole milk (at room temperature); 1 Tbsp confectioners’ sugar (optional)

Description

Soft, shell-shaped sponge cakes infused with earthy matcha flavor, these Matcha Madeleines are perfect for afternoon tea or gifting.

Ingredients

Scale

½ cup unsalted butter (plus 1 Tbsp for pans)

⅔ cup sugar

1 cup all-purpose flour (plus 1 Tbsp for pans)

¼ tsp kosher salt

1 tsp baking powder

1 Tbsp matcha (green tea powder)

2 large eggs (at room temperature)

1 Tbsp whole milk (at room temperature)

1 Tbsp confectioners’ sugar (optional)

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Instructions

1. Melt the butter in a saucepan and let it cool.

2. Sift dry ingredients: flour, sugar, salt, baking powder, and matcha.

3. Whisk eggs and milk until frothy.

4. Combine egg mixture with flour mix until just blended.

5. Slowly add in melted butter, mixing gently.

6. Cover and chill batter for 3 hours (or overnight).

7. Brush madeleine molds with butter and dust with flour.

8. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).

9. Scoop 1 Tbsp batter into each mold.

10. Bake for 11–13 minutes until springy and golden.

11. Cool slightly, then remove from pan and dust with sugar before serving.

Notes

To maintain texture, serve soon after baking.

For longer storage, freeze plain madeleines and defrost before dusting with sugar.

Matcha quality affects flavor and color—use culinary grade.

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 13 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Japanese-French

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 madeleine
Calories: 82
Sugar: 6g
Sodium: 36mg
Fat: 4g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Unsaturated Fat: 1g
Trans Fat: 1g
Carbohydrates: 9g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 1g
Cholesterol: 26mg