Sweet Madeleines Made with Orange Blossom Water
Cakes & Cookies · Dessert · Guest Post · Provencal Recipes · TasteThe term “Madeleine” was used to describe a small cake in the 18th century and is now synonymous with France and its delicate desserts. There are many different ways to prepare madeleines, and they are a great treat to have on hand when inviting friends over for tea.
This recipe comes from Rose features the bright flavours of orange blossom which are reminiscent of Provence and the South of France. These sweet little cakes are so good, you might not want to share them! If are in Aix-en-Provence, here is a list of places to satisfy a craving for Madeleines.

Madeleines with Orange Blossom Water
If you're looking for a picnic-worthy treat to enjoy in the sunshine (or indoors for a bright flavour reminiscent of springtime), then look no further! These madeleines have gentle citrus notes from the orange blossom water.
Ingredients
For the madeleines:
- 3 eggs
- 3 1/2 oz Brown Sugar
- 1 tsp honey
- 5 1/2 oz flour
- 3 1/2 oz butter
- 1 pinch Salt
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tbsp Orange Blossom Water
For the icing:
- 3 1/2 oz Icing Sugar
- 1 tsp orange blossom water
- 1 tbsp Water
- 2 oranges zest only, for decoration
Instructions
- For the Madeleines, melt the butter in the microwave or a saucepan over low heat.
- Meanwhile, whip the eggs with the brown sugar, salt, and honey with an electric mixer until the mixture turns white.
- Add the flour and baking powder, mix. Pour in the melted butter and orange blossom water, then mix again.
- Leave the dough to rest in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours.
- Preheat your oven to 220°C. Pour the dough into the cells of the mould. Bake for 4-5 minutes, lowering to 200°C, then lower again to 180°C and cook for another 4-5 minutes. Unmould the Madeleines and let them cool.
- For the icing, mix the orange blossom water, water, and icing sugar. Brush the Madeleines with the icing using a brush or the back of a spoon. Finally, add the orange zest on top to decorate.
- Enjoy!
Notes
Sparkling, dreamy, sensitive, Rose has enjoyed travelling through Provence since she moved there (a few years ago), her eyes filled with wonder, with her little dog Roy-Marius. This young business manager passionate about charming real estate, history & the art of living in Provence divides time between her daily discoveries and the property entrusted to her.
Don't be surprised if… From Sainte-Victoire to Luberon, you cross her on her bike, crisscrossing the small roads in the middle of lavender fields… strolling, basket in hand, on the local markets… or sitting on a terrace, sipping a fresh rosé from Provence.
In the meantime, you can find her on her blog Les p’tits bonheurs de Rose.
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
More Madeleine Flavours
Lemon Madeleines
A light and airy spongecake often referred to as a "tea cake" highly recognized for it's delicate shell shape with a classic buttery lemon taste.
Check out this recipe
Clementine Madeleines
A génoise type cake batter flavoured with fresh clementine juice and zest make these light and fluffy sponge cakes even more irresistible.
Check out this recipe
Madeleines
These little sweet treats are not quite cookies and not quite cakes. Easy to make and hard to keep in stock.
Check out this recipe
Madeleines Salées
This madeleine cake batter combines ingredients that are more typical of Provence into a savoury bite. You can play with the combination to suit your tastes. Other variations might include olive, anchovy and goat cheese.
Check out this recipe
Legal
All rights reserved. Perfectly Provence articles and other content may not be published, broadcast, rewritten (including translations into other languages) or redistributed without written permission. For usage information, please contact us.
Syndication InformationAffiliate Information
As an Amazon Associate, this website earns from qualifying purchases. Some recipes, posts and pages may have affiliate links. If you purchase via these links, we receive a small commission that does not impact your price. Thank you in advance for supporting our work to maintain Perfectly Provence.
Related Provence Articles
Chocolate Sea Salt Shortbread Cookies
October 16, 2019
Chocolate Sablés with Fleur de Sel. Shortbread is called sablé because the texture is a little crumbly like sand. Warning! This delicious cookie a combination of dark chocolate and sea salt might be hard to keep around your kitchen for very long.…
Chocolate Hearts Coeur à la Crème au Chocolat
February 13, 2019
This dessert – a heart of cream – might just as easily be called “You had me at chocolate.” Coeur à la Crème au Chocolat lives up to its name: creamy, chocolaty and delicious. Make this dessert at least a day in advance to ensure the liquid has time to drain. This dessert is straightforward …
It’s Strawberry Season in Provence a Recipe to Celebrate
May 3, 2018
The new fraises garriguettes have arrived in Aix, and my goodness, are they good! Some years ago, La Provence published a recipe for a tiramisu with raspberries but I’ve found strawberries are just as delicious, and this is now a firm favourite. Tiramisu aux Fraises Ingredients: 250g strawberries, sliced 250g mascarpone 3 eggs – separated …
Summer Dessert Cherry Clafoutis aux Cerises
July 23, 2021
Clafoutis aux Cerises is a classic French recipe that is easy to make and a delicious choice for cherry season. Some versions call for whole cherries, which ensures a juicy Clafoutis. However, you want to warn your guests that they need to be careful of the pits! I used California cherries as I made this …
No Comment