Chocolate Peppermint Madeleines Recipe
These Chocolate Peppermint Madeleines are delicate, shell-shaped French sponge cakes with a rich chocolate and refreshing peppermint flavor. Soft and airy with a crisp exterior, they are dipped in melted bittersweet chocolate and sprinkled with crushed candy canes for a festive treat perfect for the holidays or any special occasion.
- Author: Elena
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 12 madeleines 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Main Ingredients
- 1/2 cup (8 Tbsp; 113g) unsalted butter (plus another 2 Tbsp (28g) for the pan)
- 2 large eggs, at room temperature
- 2/3 cup (133g) granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
- 3/4 cup + 1 Tbsp (100g) all-purpose flour (spooned & leveled)
- 1/3 cup (28g) Dutch-processed cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- optional: 1/2 teaspoon espresso powder
- 4 ounces (113g) bittersweet or semi-sweet chocolate, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup (40g) crushed candy canes (about 2–3 large candy canes)
- Melt Butter. Melt 1/2 cup (8 Tbsp; 113g) unsalted butter in a large bowl and set aside to cool slightly while preparing the batter.
- Beat Eggs and Sugar. Using a handheld or stand mixer with a whisk attachment, beat the 2 large room-temperature eggs and 2/3 cup granulated sugar on high speed for 8–10 minutes until the mixture is thick, pale, and forms ribbons when lifting the beaters. Beat in 1 teaspoon vanilla extract and 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract just until combined.
- Sift Dry Ingredients. Sift together 3/4 cup + 1 Tbsp all-purpose flour, 1/3 cup Dutch-processed cocoa powder, 1/2 teaspoon baking powder, 1/8 teaspoon salt, and optional 1/2 teaspoon espresso powder into the egg mixture. Gently fold with a silicone spatula until just combined to avoid deflating the batter.
- Add Melted Butter. Pour the cooled melted butter into the batter and fold gently but thoroughly until fully incorporated. The batter should be glossy.
- Chill Batter. Cover the bowl and refrigerate the batter for at least 45 minutes and up to 2 hours to allow it to rest and thicken without becoming too dense.
- Preheat Oven. Preheat the oven to 425°F (218°C).
- Prepare Pan. Melt the remaining 2 Tbsp (28g) butter and lightly brush the wells of the madeleine pan to prevent sticking.
- Fill Madeleines. Without stirring the batter to keep its airy texture, spoon about 1 tablespoon of batter into the center of each scalloped well in the pan. Do not spread the batter—just place it in the center.
- Bake. Bake at 425°F for 3 minutes, then reduce oven temperature to 350°F (177°C) and bake for an additional 6–7 minutes. Check doneness by pressing lightly on the tops; they should spring back.
- Cool Madeleines. Let the madeleines cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then invert onto a cooling rack and allow them to cool completely.
- Melt Chocolate. Place 4 ounces finely chopped bittersweet or semi-sweet chocolate in a heatproof bowl and microwave in 20-second increments, stirring after each, until smooth and melted. Alternatively, use a double boiler.
- Dip and Decorate. Dip the tops of cooled madeleines into the melted chocolate and place on parchment-lined baking sheet. Immediately sprinkle with crushed candy canes. Let the chocolate set at room temperature or speed cooling in the refrigerator.
- Serve Fresh. Enjoy these madeleines the day they are made or the next day for optimal texture. Avoid freezing as it affects moisture and quality.
Notes
- Use room temperature eggs to achieve maximum volume when whipped.
- Gently folding the dry ingredients and melted butter preserves the airy batter texture essential for light madeleines.
- Resting the batter chills it and allows gluten to relax, but don’t exceed 2 hours to prevent a dense final texture.
- Use a madeleine pan with scalloped molds for the classic shell shape.
- Espresso powder is optional but enhances the chocolate flavor depth.
- Freshly crushed candy canes add a festive crunch and peppermint aroma.
- Madeleines are best enjoyed fresh; avoid freezing them to maintain their delicate crumb.
- Keep the oven door closed when reducing temperature to ensure proper baking.
Keywords: chocolate madeleines, peppermint madeleines, holiday desserts, French cookies, baked treats, chocolate peppermint dessert