Best Madeleines (French Butter Cakes)

1 . Stage

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Butter and flour 12 (3-inch) madeleine molds; set aside. Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

2 . Stage

Melt butter and let cool to room temperature.

3 . Stage

Beat eggs, vanilla, and salt in a small mixing bowl at high speed until light. Gradually add sugar and continue beating at high speed until mixture is thick and pale and ribbons form in bowl when beaters are lifted, 5 to 10 minutes. Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

4 . Stage

Sift flour into the egg mixture, a third at a time, gently folding after each addition. Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

5 . Stage

Add lemon zest and pour melted butter around the edge of the batter. Quickly but gently fold butter into the batter. Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

6 . Stage

Spoon batter into molds; it will mound slightly above tops. Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

7 . Stage

Bake until cakes are golden and the tops spring back when gently pressed with your fingertip, 14 to 17 minutes.

8 . Stage

Use the tip of the knife to loosen madeleines from the pan; invert onto a rack. Immediately sprinkle warm cookies with granulated sugar. Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

9 . Stage

Enjoy! DOTDASH MEREDITH FOOD STUDIOS