Name: Orange Spice Tea Madeleines Recipe
Prep time: 40 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 1 h 20 min
Cuisine: French
Ingredients: 2 large eggs, at room temperature; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 10 tablespoons unsalted butter; 1 tablespoon honey; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 2 heaping tablespoons MarketSpice Tea loose leaf or another cinnamon-orange flavored tea; 2 tablespoons powdered sugar; 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Jump to Recipe· 4.1 from 88 reviews

There is something truly magical about the Orange Spice Tea Madeleines Recipe that makes it an absolute must-bake for anyone craving a perfect blend of citrusy warmth and delicate sweetness. These petite, shell-shaped wonders are infused with fragrant cinnamon-orange tea, giving them a unique, uplifting flavor that pairs beautifully with a hot cup of tea or coffee. Soft yet slightly crisp on the edges, these madeleines bring a touch of elegance to any snack time or breakfast table, making you feel like you’ve stepped into a cozy French bakery right at home.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a white marbled surface with many baking ingredients and tools arranged neatly. On the left, there is an open egg carton holding two brown eggs next to a white plate with flour. Nearby, a white bowl with sugar sits on the marble. A small white bowl with dark raisins and a silver spoon is near the middle. In front of that, a white round plate holds a thick slab of pale yellow butter. To the right, there is a small square white dish with honey and a honey dipper resting on it, a tiny white bowl with salt, and a small cup filled with a dark liquid. On the far right is a white measuring spoon with

The ingredients in this Orange Spice Tea Madeleines Recipe are wonderfully straightforward yet essential, working harmoniously to create the perfect texture, flavor, and golden color that define these delightful treats. Each ingredient plays a key role—from the fluffiness brought by whipped eggs to the aromatic depth from cinnamon-orange tea infused butter.

2 large eggs at room temperature: Provide structure and airy lightness when whipped properly.
1/2 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens without overpowering, helping with the golden crust.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds warmth and enhances all other flavors.
1 cup all-purpose flour: Forms the tender crumb of the madeleines.
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder: Gives just the right lift for a delicate rise.
1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and enhances flavor complexity.
10 tablespoons unsalted butter: Adds richness and moisture, plus infuses the tea flavor.
1 tablespoon honey: Contributes subtle sweetness and helps with a tender crumb.
2 heaping tablespoons MarketSpice Tea or other cinnamon orange flavored tea: The star ingredient for that signature bright and spicy aroma.
2 tablespoons powdered sugar: For a delicate dusting that finishes the madeleines beautifully.
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon powder: Enhances the spice notes and adds lovely warmth on top.

How to Make Orange Spice Tea Madeleines Recipe

Step 1: Whip the Eggs and Sugar

Start by placing your room-temperature eggs in a stand mixer bowl fitted with a whisk attachment. Whisk on medium-high speed while gradually adding sugar, then crank it up to high and continue whisking until the eggs double in volume. This step is crucial since it creates the airy lift that makes your madeleines lightweight and tender.

Step 2: Incorporate the Dry Ingredients

Turn off the mixer and gently fold in vanilla extract, then sift together and add the flour, baking powder, and salt. Stir carefully to avoid losing the airy texture from whisking but still combine everything evenly. This delicate rhythm shapes the perfect batter foundation.

Step 3: Rest the Batter

Cover the batter and let it rest for 30 minutes to an hour. This pause helps the gluten relax and flavors develop, giving those madeleines a tender crumb and improved taste.

Step 4: Infuse the Butter with Tea

While the batter rests, melt your butter over medium heat and steep the loose leaf MarketSpice Tea right into the butter for 10 minutes. Strain carefully to remove tea leaves, reserving two tablespoons of the fragrant butter for greasing your molds. Allow the infused butter to cool before mixing it back into the batter.

Step 5: Add Butter and Honey to the Batter

Stir the tea-infused butter and honey smoothly into your batter. Cover again and rest for another 30 minutes. This step deepens flavor and perfects the texture before baking.

Step 6: Prepare the Madeleine Molds

Preheat your oven to 400°F. Grease the madeleine molds generously with the reserved butter to ensure the delicate cakes don’t stick and get that signature golden finish.

Step 7: Fill and Bake

Spoon about 1 1/2 tablespoons of batter into each shell-shaped indentation, filling them just three-quarters full. Use a damp fingertip to smooth the batter across the molds evenly and tap the pan to settle the batter. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes until the madeleines turn a deep golden brown.

Step 8: Cool and Dust

Remove from the oven and cool for a few minutes before gently knocking them out onto a wire rack. Once slightly cooled, dust the madeleines with powdered sugar and a light sprinkle of cinnamon. This adds a lovely hint of sweetness and an inviting spice aroma right at the end.

How to Serve Orange Spice Tea Madeleines Recipe

The image shows a metal baking tray filled with twelve golden brown madeleine cakes, each with a slightly domed top, arranged in four rows of three. The tray is resting on a cork mat placed on a white marbled surface, and the background is a simple soft gray color. The madeleines have a smooth texture on top with slightly darker edges that suggest they are baked lightly crispy. The photo has soft natural lighting, highlighting the warm tones of the cakes. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

These madeleines are gorgeous on their own but topping them with a light drizzle of honey or a dollop of whipped cream can elevate their charm even further. You can also sprinkle some finely grated orange zest for an extra pop of citrus brightness.

Side Dishes

Pair your Orange Spice Tea Madeleines Recipe with a steaming cup of black tea or freshly brewed coffee to perfectly complement their warm spice and citrus notes. For a fuller breakfast or brunch, serve alongside fresh fruit or a creamy yogurt parfait.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange these little cakes on a pretty platter layered with orange slices and cinnamon sticks for a festive look. Alternatively, try serving them with a warm pot of spiced tea for a delightful afternoon tea experience guaranteed to impress your guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover madeleines in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. They maintain their freshness really well if you avoid piling them up too tightly, preserving their signature delicate texture.

Freezing

If you want to keep these beauties longer, freeze baked madeleines in a single layer on a baking tray, then transfer to a freezer bag. They freeze beautifully for up to a month and thaw quickly at room temperature.

Reheating

Warm frozen or day-old madeleines gently in an oven at 300°F for about 5 minutes to refresh their crisp edges and release the wonderful aroma of cinnamon and orange tea. A quick toast adds just the right warmth without drying them out.

FAQs

Can I use regular tea instead of MarketSpice Tea in this recipe?

While MarketSpice Tea brings a unique cinnamon-orange flavor, you can substitute with any cinnamon orange flavored loose tea or a blend of black tea with added orange peel and cinnamon sticks. The infused butter step is key to capturing that lovely spice balance.

Why do the eggs need to be at room temperature?

Room-temperature eggs whip more easily and reach greater volume, which gives your madeleine batter the airy lightness essential for the perfect texture.

Can I make this recipe without a stand mixer?

Absolutely! You can whisk the eggs and sugar vigorously by hand using a balloon whisk until the mixture doubles in volume. It will take a bit more effort but the results are just as delightful.

How long can I let the batter rest?

The batter can rest twice—once for the initial 30-60 minutes and again after adding butter and honey for another 30-60 minutes. This resting process enhances the texture and flavor, so try not to skip it if you can.

What if I don’t have a madeleine pan?

While the classic shell shape is charming, you can bake this batter in mini muffin tins or small cupcake pans. The baking time might vary slightly, so keep an eye for a golden brown color and springy texture.

Final Thoughts

There’s something so heartwarming about baking the Orange Spice Tea Madeleines Recipe—it’s like wrapping yourself in a cozy blanket of cinnamon and bright orange notes while enjoying a fresh, buttery treat. Whether for a special occasion or a simple tea-time indulgence, this recipe guarantees smiles with every bite. Trust me, once you try these madeleines, they’ll become a beloved favorite you’ll reach for again and again.