“A sip of tea in every bite—a gentle nod to misty mornings and fragrant blooms.”
Introduction
There’s something undeniably romantic about baking with flowers and tea, especially when it’s a recipe like these Earl Grey and lavender madeleines. Inspired by the elegance of a London fog, each madeleine invites you into a cozy, floral embrace with notes of bergamot, delicate lavender, and a hint of vanilla. I created these madeleines to capture the soothing calm of misty mornings and the peaceful ritual of tea.
These madeleines aren’t just cookies—they’re a poetic experience for the senses. With perfectly crisped edges and soft centers, they’re lovely companions for afternoon tea or a quiet moment of indulgence. Let these sweet treats bring a bit of floral magic into your kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Light, buttery texture with a subtle crunch
- Delicate floral and tea notes for a unique twist on classic madeleines
- Perfect for afternoon tea or special gatherings
- Simple yet sophisticated recipe
- Lovely aroma of Earl Grey and lavender that fills the kitchen
Floral Spotlight: Lavender
Lavender brings a floral touch to these madeleines with its calming aroma and subtly sweet taste. Using lavender in baking can be transformative, adding a fragrant, slightly herbal undertone. Remember, always choose culinary-grade lavender that’s pesticide-free to ensure safety. For more information on sourcing and preparing edible blooms, visit my post, [How to Source and Prepare Edible Flowers: A Guide to Culinary Blooms].
- Flavor Profile: Mildly sweet with floral and herbal undertones
- Health Benefits of Lavender: Lavender is renowned for its soothing properties, offering potential benefits for both the mind and body. Its calming aroma may reduce stress, improve sleep quality, and alleviate anxiety. Rich in antioxidants, lavender supports immune health and combats oxidative stress. Additionally, it may aid digestion and ease headaches due to its anti-inflammatory properties. Explore more about the health benefits of edible flowers, including lavender, in our detailed guide here.
- Culinary Uses: Perfect for infusing in baked goods, syrups, and teas
- Varieties: English lavender is most commonly used for cooking
- Harvesting Tips: Pick lavender in the morning when it’s most fragrant
- Preparation: Grind finely for even distribution in baked goods
Looking to bring the soothing essence of lavender into your kitchen? Discover creative ways to cook with lavender in our detailed guide here.
What is a Madeleine?
Madeleines are small, shell-shaped cakes that fall somewhere between a cookie and a sponge cake. Originating in France, they’re loved for their delicate crumb and buttery flavor, with a signature “hump” that forms during baking. Traditionally served with tea, madeleines are easy to flavor with various ingredients, making them an ideal canvas for floral and tea-infused variations.
What is a London Fog?
A London Fog is a creamy, soothing tea latte made with Earl Grey tea, vanilla, and steamed milk, often garnished with a hint of lavender. This drink’s name evokes the misty allure of foggy mornings, a cozy warmth that wraps around you like a soft blanket. Its origins are in the Pacific Northwest, where the atmospheric weather inspired its poetic title. The Earl Grey tea brings citrusy bergamot notes, while the lavender adds a floral undertone, creating an elegant and calming blend. By infusing these flavors into the madeleines, Whispers of London Fog captures this comforting ambiance in each delicate bite, allowing you to enjoy the essence of this classic latte in dessert form.
Ingredients Breakdown
- All-Purpose Flour: Creates structure for the madeleines; sift before use for a light texture.
- Culinary Lavender: Adds floral depth; use 1/3 less if using dried lavender instead of fresh.
- Earl Grey Tea Leaves: Provides a subtle, citrusy aroma of bergamot; grind finely for smooth incorporation.
- Butter: Adds richness and a slight crispiness to the edges; ensure it’s fully melted and cooled.
- White Chocolate: Optional for a drizzle on top, adding sweetness and visual appeal.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Madeleine Pan: Essential for the classic shell shape; lightly greased before use.
- Mixer: Helpful for beating eggs and sugar to achieve a fluffy texture.
- Fine Mesh Sieve: For sifting flour and avoiding clumps.
- Microplane or Spice Grinder: Useful for finely grinding tea leaves and lavender.
Tips for Success
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: This helps create a smooth, cohesive batter.
- Chill the Batter: Refrigerating for 1 hour helps develop the signature “hump” on the madeleines.
- Don’t Overmix: Fold in the ingredients gently to keep the texture light.
- Preheat the Oven Properly: A hot oven encourages a nice rise.
- Use a Piping Bag: For easy and clean batter distribution into the pan.
- Grind the Lavender and Tea Leaves Finely: This prevents overly large pieces and ensures even flavor distribution.
Discover the Art of Cooking with Flowers
Unleash your culinary creativity with our introduction to floral-infused cuisine. Explore the beauty, flavor, and artistry of edible blooms in your kitchen.
👉 Read The Art of Cooking with Flowers and let your dishes blossom!
Serving Suggestions
Pair these madeleines with a steaming cup of Earl Grey or lavender-infused tea for a perfectly harmonized experience. A light dusting of powdered sugar adds a touch of elegance, while a cozy throw blanket and misty morning provide the ideal setting.
Looking for more inspiration? Explore a world of floral-infused creations in our Recipe Collection and let your culinary journey bloom!
Variations and Dietary Adjustments
- Sugar-Free Option: Use a sugar substitute for a lower-sugar version.
- Gluten-Free Alternative: Substitute with a gluten-free flour blend.
- Add Lemon Zest: For a citrusy brightness that complements the floral flavors.
- Dairy-Free: Swap butter with a plant-based butter alternative.
Storage Instructions
Store madeleines in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, freeze in a single layer, then transfer to an airtight container; they’ll keep well for up to 1 month. Allow them to reach room temperature before serving.
Pairing Suggestions
Enjoy these madeleines with a cup of Earl Grey or chamomile tea to echo the floral notes, or serve alongside fresh berries for a touch of tartness that complements the lavender. For a truly harmonious pairing, try them with my Lavender London Fog Latte: A Floral Embrace in Every Sip—a perfect match to elevate the calming floral and citrusy essence in every bite. Let the soft, soothing flavors wrap you in warmth and transport you to a moment of pure indulgence.
Closing
May these madeleines bring a bit of calm to your day, capturing the gentle beauty of lavender and tea in each bite. If you try this recipe, I’d love to hear about your experience! Please share your thoughts in the comments below, and don’t forget to tag your creations with #PetalPoetryCuisine. Subscribe for more floral-inspired recipes and culinary inspiration.
Whispers of London Fog: Earl Grey & Lavender Madeleines
Step into a world where poetry meets the delicate art of baking. Whispers of London Fog are soft, buttery madeleines infused with the warm embrace of Earl Grey, a hint of floral lavender, and a kiss of vanilla. Each bite is a gentle lullaby, a nod to misty mornings and fragrant tea rituals, blending the calm of lavender with the cozy notes of bergamot. Perfectly crisped edges give way to a soft center, echoing the refined elegance of a London fog in edible form. Let these madeleines fill your kitchen with an aroma that lingers, inviting you to savor the subtle romance of floral-infused cuisine.
Ingredients
For the Madeleines:
For the White Chocolate Drizzle:
Instructions
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Prepare the Batter
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
In a small bowl, combine lavender and Earl Grey tea leaves. If using dried lavender, reduce amount by 1/3.
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Blend Eggs and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, beat eggs and sugar on medium speed until pale and fluffy (about 3-4 minutes).
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Add Flavorings and Dry Ingredients
Gently fold in vanilla, tea-lavender mix, and milk (optional). Gradually fold in flour mixture, mixing until just combined. Avoid overmixing.
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Incorporate Butter
Gently fold in melted butter until batter is smooth. Cover and refrigerate for 1 hour.
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Bake Madeleines
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a madeleine pan.
Spoon batter into each mold, filling about 3/4 full.
Bake 10-12 minutes or until edges are golden and centers spring back when touched.
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Add White Chocolate Drizzle
Let madeleines cool slightly on a wire rack.
Drizzle melted white chocolate over each madeleine for a decorative and flavorful garnish.
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Serve and Store
Serve warm or at room temperature. Madeleines are best enjoyed within 2 days.
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 100kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 5g8%
- Saturated Fat 3g15%
- Cholesterol 25mg9%
- Sodium 40mg2%
- Total Carbohydrate 12g4%
- Dietary Fiber 0.3g2%
- Sugars 7g
- Protein 1.5g3%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
Choosing the Lavender: Culinary lavender is ideal, as it’s grown specifically for cooking and has a softer, more palatable flavor. If you’re using dried lavender, remember to reduce the amount by a third compared to fresh lavender.
Grinding the Tea Leaves and Lavender: Finely grinding the Earl Grey tea leaves and lavender will ensure their flavors are evenly distributed throughout the batter, adding a delightful essence without overwhelming the texture.
Resting the Batter: Letting the batter chill for an hour in the refrigerator is essential for achieving the characteristic madeleine "hump." This resting period allows the flavors to develop and gives the madeleines a tender texture.
Baking Time: Madeleines bake quickly, so keep a close eye on them. They’re done when the edges turn golden and the centers spring back when lightly touched. Avoid overbaking, as they can dry out.
White Chocolate Drizzle: For a smooth drizzle, melt the white chocolate gently in a double boiler or microwave, stirring frequently to avoid burning. This drizzle not only enhances flavor but also adds a touch of elegance.
Serving Suggestions: These madeleines are best served fresh, either slightly warm or at room temperature. Pair them with a warm cup of Earl Grey tea or a London Fog latte for a complete, comforting experience.
Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. Madeleines are delicate and best enjoyed fresh, so they may lose some moisture after the first day.
Variations: Try using orange blossom water instead of vanilla extract to add a hint of citrusy floral notes that complements the Earl Grey. This can provide a unique twist if you’d like to experiment with different flavor profiles.
