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Introduction
The classic French Madeleine, with its distinctive shell shape and tender, buttery crumb, is elevated to a festive centerpiece with this charming ‘Madeleine Christmas Tree’ recipe. Originating in the Lorraine region of France, Madeleines symbolize elegance and warmth. By stacking these delightful little cakes and coating them in a vibrant green glaze, we transform a simple tea cookie into a show-stopping holiday dessert that is perfect for buffets, gifts, or a cozy Christmas morning treat. This recipe is straightforward but requires patience, especially the crucial chilling step, to achieve that perfect signature hump.
Ingredients
- Unsalted Butter: 125 grams (9 tablespoons), plus extra for greasing
- All-Purpose Flour: 125 grams (1 cup)
- Granulated Sugar: 100 grams (1/2 cup)
- Large Eggs: 2
- Baking Powder: 5 grams (1 teaspoon)
- Lemon Zest: 1 teaspoon (optional, for flavor)
- Pinch of Salt
For the Glaze and Decoration:
- Powdered Sugar (Icing Sugar): 200 grams (1 3/4 cups)
- Milk (or water): 30 ml (2 tablespoons)
- Green Food Coloring: A few drops (gel coloring recommended)
- Festive Sprinkles and Edible Star Topper
Step-by-step Preparation
- Prepare the Batter and Chill: Melt the butter gently and set aside to cool slightly. In a bowl, whisk the eggs, sugar, and lemon zest until pale and fluffy. In a separate bowl, sift the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined. Finally, fold in the cooled melted butter.
Tip: The Secret Hump! Cover the batter and chill in the refrigerator for a minimum of 1 hour, or preferably overnight. This temperature shock is essential for achieving the iconic Madeleine hump during baking.
- Preheat and Prepare Molds: Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F). Generously grease and flour your Madeleine molds (or use non-stick spray). A standard tree requires about 20-24 Madeleines of varying sizes if you have multiple molds, or multiple batches if you only have one.
- Bake the Madeleines: Spoon the chilled batter into the molds, filling them about three-quarters full. Bake for 8 to 12 minutes, depending on size, until the edges are golden brown and the center hump is fully formed.
Tip: Do not overbake! They should be soft and springy to the touch. Immediately turn the hot Madeleines out onto a wire rack to cool completely.
- Prepare the Glaze: Whisk the powdered sugar and milk together until smooth. Add the green food coloring until you reach your desired shade. The consistency should be thick enough to coat the cakes without running off completely.
- Glaze and Stack: Dip the flat (humped) side of each cooled Madeleine into the green glaze. Allow the glaze to set slightly. To build the tree, start with the largest Madeleines at the base. Use a generous dollop of icing as “glue” between each layer, stacking them in decreasing size to form a conical tree shape. Decorate immediately with sprinkles before the glaze hardens, and place the edible star on top.
Nutritional Information
Madeleines are rich in carbohydrates and fats due to the generous use of butter and sugar. A single unglazed Madeleine (approximately 25g) contains about 100-120 calories, 1.5g protein, and 6g fat. While they are a decadent treat, they provide a source of quick energy. As a holiday indulgence, they are best enjoyed in moderation. Using high-quality ingredients like fresh eggs and real butter enhances the flavor profile significantly.
Storage
Madeleines are best enjoyed the day they are baked, as they tend to dry out quickly. If you have leftovers, store the finished Christmas Tree tightly covered at room temperature for up to 3 days. Avoid refrigerating the tree, as the humidity can make the glaze tacky and the cakes stale faster. If you bake the Madeleines ahead of time, store them in an airtight container and glaze them just before serving.
Conclusion
The Madeleine Christmas Tree is a delightful fusion of French sophistication and holiday fun. Serve this centerpiece alongside hot cocoa, spiced cider, or a rich espresso for the perfect festive treat. For variations, try substituting the lemon zest with orange zest and a dash of ground cinnamon for a warmer holiday flavor. Whether served whole as a centerpiece or disassembled for individual treats, this edible tree is guaranteed to bring holiday cheer to your table!
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