Name: Pumpkin Spice Madeleines Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: French
Ingredients: 2 large eggs; 1 1/2 Tablespoon milk; 1/3 cup + 1 Tablespoon (100g) butter, melted and cooled slightly; 1/2 cup (100g) sugar; 3/4 cup + 1 Tablespoon (100g) all-purpose flour; ¾ teaspoon baking powder; 1 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger; 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg; 1/8 teaspoon ground clove; 1 pinch salt

Jump to Recipe· 4.1 from 89 reviews

If you love the cozy, warm flavors of fall wrapped up in a delicate, bite-sized treat, then you are absolutely going to adore this Pumpkin Spice Madeleines Recipe. These charming little cakes boast a fluffy, airy texture with just the right hint of pumpkin spice warming each tender crumb. They’re perfect for pairing with your afternoon tea or as a sweet surprise for guests, delivering the essence of pumpkin spice without overwhelming sweetness. Get ready to fall in love with how effortlessly these delightful treats come together and melt in your mouth!

Ingredients You’ll Need

A cooling rack with nine golden brown madeleines arranged in a scattered pattern, each madeleine showing a textured shell shape with ridges and a soft, slightly bumpy surface dusted with cinnamon. Two cinnamon sticks are placed near the center-left on the cooling rack. The rack sits on a white marbled surface that is softly lit, highlighting the warm tones of the madeleines. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The beauty of this Pumpkin Spice Madeleines Recipe lies in the simplicity and thoughtfulness of its ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role in creating that signature soft texture, warm aroma, and subtle spice that makes these madeleines so unforgettable.

2 large eggs: Provides structure and lightness through aeration when whipped.
1/2 cup (100g) sugar: Adds a gentle sweetness that balances out the spice blend.
3/4 cup + 1 Tablespoon (100g) all-purpose flour: The base that gives madeleines their tender crumb.
¾ teaspoon baking powder: Helps the batter rise slightly, lending that perfect fluffy texture.
1 1/2 Tablespoon milk: Keeps the batter moist and acts as a smooth binder.
1/3 cup + 1 Tablespoon (100g) butter, melted and cooled slightly: Adds richness and a delicate crumb that melts in your mouth.
1 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Provides the warm, iconic pumpkin spice flavor.
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger: Brings a gentle peppery kick to elevate the spice profile.
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg: Adds depth and a hint of nuttiness.
1/8 teaspoon ground clove: Gives a subtle, aromatic warmth that rounds out the spice blend.
1 pinch salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances out sweetness.

How to Make Pumpkin Spice Madeleines Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Madeleine Tray

To ensure your madeleines come out perfectly shaped and non-stick, start by brushing your madeleine tray generously with melted butter or spraying it with cooking spray. Then, sprinkle in a little flour, shaking the tray to evenly coat each cavity and tapping out any excess. This simple step is essential for that flawless golden crust and easy release after baking.

Step 2: Whisk Eggs and Sugar

In a mixing bowl, vigorously whisk together the eggs and sugar until the mixture becomes frothy and slightly lightened in color. This process introduces air that will give your madeleines their signature lightness and spongy texture, so don’t rush it!

Step 3: Incorporate Dry Ingredients and Milk

Gently whisk in the flour, baking powder, salt, and your aromatic pumpkin spice blend—cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and clove—ensuring everything is well combined but not overmixed. Then, add the milk to the batter for moisture, stirring just until smooth and uniform. Letting the batter stand for about 20 minutes at this stage allows the flour to fully hydrate, resulting in tender, moist madeleines.

Step 4: Add Melted Butter

Carefully fold in the cooled melted butter to enrich the batter, folding gently to maintain all those lovely air bubbles you created. This step guarantees a luscious, buttery crumb that will practically melt on your tongue.

Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and fill each mold of your prepared madeleine tray with batter. Bake for about 8 to 10 minutes or until the madeleines have puffed up slightly in the center and turned a beautiful golden color. The aroma of pumpkin spice wafting through your kitchen at this point is pure magic. Once baked, remove them carefully and transfer to a wire rack to cool just enough so you can handle them without losing softness.

How to Serve Pumpkin Spice Madeleines Recipe

The image shows six shell-shaped small cakes with a golden brown color and slightly textured surface, resting on a black wire cooling rack that is set on a metal tray. The cakes have a dusting of cinnamon or spice on top, adding a warm and spiced look. To the left side of the rack, there are three cinnamon sticks placed together, their rich brown color contrasting with the golden cakes. The scene is set on a white marbled surface, creating a clean and bright background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

These madeleines are delightfully versatile when it comes to garnishing. A light dusting of powdered sugar instantly adds a snowy finish and a touch of sweetness. For extra indulgence, drizzle a thin glaze made from powdered sugar and maple syrup or a little melted chocolate. You can also press a small piece of candied ginger or a sprinkle of crushed toasted nuts onto the warm madeleines if you want a crunchy contrast.

Side Dishes

The true beauty of the Pumpkin Spice Madeleines Recipe is how well it pairs with a hot beverage. Serve with a bold cup of chai tea, coffee with steamed milk, or an autumn-inspired latte to complement the warm spices. If you want to make it into a more substantial treat, a scoop of vanilla or cinnamon ice cream on the side pairs wonderfully as an unexpected twist.

Creative Ways to Present

Hosting a fall gathering? Arrange these delicately shaped madeleines on a rustic wooden platter alongside small bowls of seasonal jams and honey for guests to customize. You can also thread them onto decorative skewers alternated with fresh cranberries for a festive, playful presentation. Another fun idea is to sandwich a bit of cream cheese frosting or pumpkin butter between two madeleines for a charming layered dessert.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with extra madeleines (which is very possible), store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. This keeps them fresh and maintains their tender texture. Avoid refrigeration as it can dry them out quickly.

Freezing

For longer storage, freeze your madeleines in a single layer on a baking sheet until firm and then transfer them to a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. They keep beautifully for up to one month. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw them at room temperature or reheat gently.

Reheating

To bring back that just-baked feeling, warm your madeleines in a 300°F (150°C) oven for about 5 minutes. This refreshes their delicate crust and revives their soft interior, so you can enjoy them as if freshly made.

FAQs

Can I make these madeleines without pumpkin puree?

This Pumpkin Spice Madeleines Recipe actually uses the iconic spices that evoke pumpkin flavor without any pumpkin puree, giving you that seasonal vibe with a lighter, cakier bite.

What if I don’t have all the spices listed?

Don’t worry! Cinnamon is the star here, so if you’re missing nutmeg or clove, you can still get a lovely flavor. Just reduce the spice blend proportionally and consider adding a tiny pinch of allspice if you have it on hand.

Can I use a regular muffin pan instead of madeleine molds?

While you can bake the batter in a muffin tin, the signature shell shape and delicate texture of traditional madeleines may be hard to replicate. If you’re eager to try, consider reducing the baking time slightly since muffin tins hold more batter.

Is this recipe suitable for beginners?

Absolutely! The Pumpkin Spice Madeleines Recipe is straightforward and forgiving. The steps are simple, and the batter needs minimal mixing, making it a rewarding project even if you’re new to baking.

Can I substitute butter with oil?

Butter gives madeleines their characteristic richness and flavor, so it’s best not to substitute it with oil. However, if necessary, use a mild-flavored oil sparingly, but expect a slightly different texture and taste.

Final Thoughts

There is something truly special about the way these pumpkin-spice-infused madeleines bring warmth and happiness to any day. Once you try this Pumpkin Spice Madeleines Recipe, it will secure its place as your go-to treat when you want to evoke cozy, autumn-inspired comfort in just a few bites. Don’t hesitate to dive in, bake a batch, and share the joy with friends and family!