Buttery French Madeleines with Lemon Zest

Ingredients

• 1 cup all-purpose flour sifted
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter melted and cooled
• 2/3 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs room temperature
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest freshly grated
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder

Instructions

1. 1 Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease and flour a Madeleine pan to prevent sticking.
2. 2 In a bowl, whisk together the sifted flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
3. 3 In another bowl, beat the eggs and sugar together until the mixture becomes thick and pale, about 5 minutes.
4. 4 Gently fold the flour mixture into the egg mixture until just combined.
5. 5 Add the melted butter, lemon zest, and vanilla extract to the batter. Mix until smooth and homogenous.
6. 6 Spoon the batter into the prepared Madeleine pan, filling each mold about two-thirds full.
7. 7 Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the centers spring back when touched.
8. 8 Remove the pan from the oven and let the Madeleines cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
9. 9 Optional: Dust with powdered sugar before serving for added sweetness.