If you’ve ever dreamed of baking something delicate, elegant, and totally transportive, these Earl Grey Madeleines are for you. This classic French treat gets a cozy, aromatic update with the gentle floral-citrus flavor of Earl Grey tea — turning a simple sponge cake into something truly special.

Whether you’re looking to elevate your afternoon tea, impress guests with something beautiful but easy, or just want a new go-to for peaceful weekend baking, this recipe offers all the charm of Parisian patisserie right from your home kitchen. Soft on the inside, lightly crisp on the outside, and infused with just the right hint of bergamot — these madeleines are tiny cakes with big energy.

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What Are Madeleines?

Madeleines are small, shell-shaped sponge cakes that originated in the Lorraine region of France. Often described as a cross between a cake and a cookie, they’re known for their light texture, golden exterior, and iconic hump that rises in the oven. They’re traditionally flavored with vanilla or lemon zest — but their subtle base makes them the perfect canvas for other infusions, like lavender, orange blossom, matcha… or, in our case, Earl Grey tea.

The madeleine’s unique texture comes from a few key baking techniques: whipping eggs and sugar until airy, gently folding in flour, and finishing with melted butter for richness. A chill in the fridge before baking helps the batter firm up and allows that famous hump to rise tall and proud. They bake fast, smell incredible, and taste best fresh out of the oven with a cup of something warm.

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Why You’ll Love This Earl Grey Madeleines Recipe

• Delicate and buttery: Each bite melts in your mouth with a soft crumb and a lightly crisp shell.
• Subtly floral: Earl Grey adds an elegant twist without overpowering the classic French flavor.
• Simple ingredients: No hard-to-find components — just pantry staples, eggs, and tea.
• Perfect for tea lovers: A natural pairing with your favorite black tea, chai, or even coffee.
• Impressively easy: They look fancy but come together quickly with minimal equipment.
• Make-ahead friendly: Chill the batter overnight and bake fresh the next day.

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The Magic of Earl Grey

Earl Grey is a black tea flavored with oil from the rind of bergamot — a small citrus fruit that’s like a fragrant cross between an orange and a lemon. It has floral, zesty, slightly smoky notes that add depth to baked goods without the need for extra spices or zest. For this recipe, we steep strong Earl Grey (loose leaf or bagged) in a small amount of water or milk and let it cool completely before adding it to the batter. The result? A soft, aromatic undertone that elevates the madeleines without making them taste “like tea.”

Want even more tea flavor? Try adding a pinch of finely ground tea leaves right into the flour mix for extra dimension.

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Tips for Perfect Madeleines

Chill your batter:

This is key! A cold batter hitting a hot pan causes steam to release quickly, which gives madeleines their signature hump. Chill for at least 30 minutes, but ideally 1 hour.

Grease the pan well:

Use melted butter or non-stick spray and dust lightly with flour to prevent sticking. Even in a non-stick pan, madeleines are known for clinging.

Don’t overmix:

Once the flour goes in, stir gently. Overmixing will deflate the batter and make the cakes dense.

Use real butter:

The flavor and texture depend on it. Margarine won’t give you the same richness.

Serve fresh:

Madeleines are best the day they’re baked — that crisp edge softens over time. Still delicious after a day or two, but if you’re serving them for guests or an event, plan to bake same-day if possible.

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Variations and Add-Ons

These Earl Grey Madeleines are stunning on their own, but here are a few fun ways to customize them:

• White chocolate drizzle – A light zigzag of melted white chocolate over cooled madeleines adds sweetness and contrast.
• Powdered sugar dusting – Classic and elegant, this lets the flavor shine while giving a “bakery-fresh” finish.
• Lavender infusion – Steep a pinch of culinary lavender with the Earl Grey for a more floral experience.
• Orange zest – A little zest in the batter plays beautifully with the bergamot in the tea.
• Glaze dip – Mix powdered sugar with a bit of brewed tea for a thin icing glaze. Dip the madeleine tips for a subtle sheen and extra flavor.

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Do I Need a Madeleine Pan?

Yes — if you want the traditional shell shape and signature hump, a madeleine pan is essential. You can find them online or in most kitchen supply stores. Non-stick is helpful, but even then, be sure to grease and flour the molds thoroughly to prevent sticking.

If you don’t have a madeleine pan, you can bake the batter in mini muffin tins — but the texture and look will be slightly different. Still delicious, just not quite a madeleine.

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Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

• Chilling the batter: You can refrigerate the batter for up to 2 days. Bake straight from the fridge.
• Freezing: Baked madeleines freeze well! Wrap tightly in plastic and store in an airtight container or bag for up to 1 month. Reheat in a low oven (around 300°F / 150°C) for 5–7 minutes to refresh.
• Room temperature: Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temp for up to 2 days. They’ll soften a bit, but still taste great.

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When to Serve Earl Grey Madeleines

These lovely little cakes are ideal for so many moments — both everyday and special:

• Afternoon tea or coffee
• Brunch spreads
• Bridal or baby showers
• Elegant dessert boards
• Homemade gift boxes
• A rainy afternoon by the window with a blanket and a book (highly recommended)

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Final Thoughts

Baking madeleines might seem like something best left to the professionals, but once you try it, you’ll realize how easy and satisfying it is to make them at home. This Earl Grey version adds a whisper of something unexpected — fragrant, soothing, and just a little bit luxurious. They look gorgeous, taste even better, and make any moment feel more special.

So next time you’re in the mood to slow down, steep some tea, and bake something beautiful — these madeleines are calling your name.

Now scroll down for the full step-by-step Earl Grey Madeleines recipe card!