Imagine biting into a delicate, golden-brown shell-shaped cake that melts in your mouth, bursting with the bright essence of orange and crowned with a luxurious dark chocolate coating. These aren't just any ordinary pastries - these are Chocolate Dipped Orange Madeleines, a French classic that transforms simple ingredients into a gourmet experience that will transport your taste buds straight to the charming patisseries of Paris. Whether you're a baking novice or a seasoned pastry chef, this recipe promises to elevate your dessert game and impress even the most discerning sweet tooth.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: French
Serves: 18 madeleines
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup butter, melted
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1 teaspoon orange zest
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 4 ounces dark chocolate, melted
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a madeleine pan with butter or cooking spray to ensure the madeleines come out easily after baking.
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of all-purpose flour and 1/2 teaspoon of baking powder. Whisk them together to evenly distribute the baking powder.
- In a separate large mixing bowl, whisk together 3/4 cup of sugar and 2 eggs until the mixture is pale and slightly thickened, about 2-3 minutes. You can use an electric mixer for this step to achieve a lighter texture.
- Add 1 teaspoon of orange zest and 1/2 cup of melted butter to the egg and sugar mixture. Gently stir until well combined.
- Gradually fold the flour mixture into the wet ingredients using a spatula. Be careful not to overmix; you want to maintain the lightness of the batter.
- Once the flour is just incorporated, let the batter rest for about 10 minutes. This allows the gluten to relax, resulting in tender madeleines.
- Using a spoon or a piping bag, fill each madeleine mold about 2/3 full with the batter. Do not overfill, as the madeleines will puff up while baking.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 10 minutes, or until the madeleines are golden brown and spring back when lightly pressed. The edges should be slightly crisp, while the centers remain soft.
- Once baked, remove the madeleines from the oven and allow them to cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- While the madeleines are cooling, melt 4 ounces of dark chocolate in a heatproof bowl over a pot of simmering water (double boiler method) or in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring until smooth.
- Once the madeleines are completely cooled, dip one end of each madeleine into the melted chocolate, allowing any excess to drip off. Place the dipped madeleines on parchment paper to set.
- Let the chocolate set at room temperature or place them in the refrigerator for a quicker setting time.
- Once the chocolate is set, your Chocolate Dipped Orange Madeleines are ready to serve! Enjoy them fresh with a cup of tea or coffee.
Tips
- Use room temperature ingredients to ensure smooth batter and even mixing.
- Let the batter rest for 10 minutes before baking - this is crucial for achieving the signature "hump" and tender texture.
- Don't overmix the batter; fold gently to maintain the airiness.
- Invest in a proper madeleine pan with shell-shaped molds for authentic presentation.
- Grease the pan generously to ensure easy release and beautiful shell shapes.
- Watch the baking time carefully - madeleines can quickly go from golden to burnt.
- For the most intense orange flavor, use fresh orange zest rather than dried.
- Allow madeleines to cool completely before chocolate dipping to prevent melting.
- Use high-quality dark chocolate for the most luxurious coating.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 150kcal
Carbohydrates: 18g
Protein: 2g
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 35mg
