Homemade Earl Grey tea madeleines: a soft, fragrant recipe
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Tea Time · Recipes for the Sea ⚓
Homemade Earl Grey Tea Madeleines
A light, fluffy recipe with a hint of bergamot
Some simple recipes have the power to turn a break into a truly indulgent moment. Madeleines are one of them. Their signature hump, light texture, and warm buttery aroma immediately evoke a sense of comfort.
In this version, we add a delicate and original touch: Earl Grey tea with bergamot notes. The idea is not to overpower the madeleine with too strong a flavor, but to give it a subtle, elegant, and delicious signature.
This recipe is designed to be easy to make at home while delivering truly refined results. Here you will find the ingredients, detailed steps, tips for achieving a beautiful hump, and an idea for enjoying them with a cup of tea.
1. Why flavor madeleines with Earl Grey tea?!--nl-->
Earl Grey is a black tea flavored with bergamot. Its aromatic character is particularly well suited to baking, as it adds a note that is fresh, delicate, and slightly zesty all at once.
In a madeleine, this nuance enriches the classic flavors of butter, sugar, and egg without overpowering them. The result is a familiar yet more distinctive recipe that catches the eye while remaining accessible.
It is also a wonderful way to introduce tea in a different way: no longer just in a cup, but as a full-fledged ingredient in an indulgent moment.
The tea used in this recipe
Our Earl Grey, perfect for baking
To make this recipe a success, choose a well-balanced Earl Grey that can provide a real bergamot note without becoming overpowering. That is exactly what we are looking for here: a delicate aroma that complements the madeleine rather than dominating it.
If you prefer, you can replace this link with the exact URL of your Earl Grey product page.
2. Ingredients
This recipe makes approximately 18 to 20 madeleines, depending on the size of your mold.
Batter ingredients
- 3 eggs
- 130 g sugar
- 150 g flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 150 g unsalted butter
- 2 level tablespoons of loose-leaf Earl Grey tea
- 1 pinch of salt
- 1 tablespoon of honey (optional, for extra fluffiness)
- The very fine zest of half an untreated lemon (optional)
Honey is not essential, but it adds extra tenderness. As for the lemon zest, it can beautifully enhance the pairing with bergamot if you want a slightly brighter version.
3. Useful equipment
- A madeleine mold
- A saucepan or small pot for the butter
- A mixing bowl
- A whisk
- A small fine sieve
- A rubber spatula or silicone spatula
If you are using a metal mold, lightly greasing and flouring it can help with unmolding, depending on the coating.
4. Step-by-step preparation
Step 1 — Infuse the butter
Gently melt the butter in a small saucepan without letting it brown. Once melted, remove it from the heat and add the Earl Grey tea.
Let it steep for about 10 to 15 minutes, then carefully strain using a fine sieve. Let it cool slightly.
Step 2 — Prepare the madeleine batter
In a mixing bowl, whisk the eggs with the sugar until the mixture is smooth and slightly lighter.
Then add the honey if you are using it. Mix in the flour, baking powder, and pinch of salt.
Mix without overworking the batter, then pour in the filtered infused butter. Finally, add the lemon zest if you have chosen this option.
Step 3 — Let the batter rest
Cover the mixing bowl or transfer the batter to a piping bag or airtight container.
Place it in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours. Leaving it overnight is even better if you can plan ahead.
Step 4 — Bake the madeleines
Preheat the oven to 220°C. Fill the mold cavities three-quarters full, without smoothing the surface excessively.
Bake at 220°C for 4 minutes, then lower the temperature to 180°C and continue baking for another 5 to 6 minutes, depending on your oven.
The madeleines should be risen, lightly golden on the edges, and soft to the touch. Unmold them a few minutes after taking them out of the oven.
5. Our tips for achieving a beautiful hump
The three secrets to remember
Letting the batter rest: it creates a better temperature contrast and helps form the hump.
A very hot oven at the start: the first few minutes are essential.
Not overworking the batter: it will retain more lightness.
It is best to avoid overfilling the mold cavities. Too much batter can spread instead of rising evenly.
Every oven has its own quirks, so don't hesitate to adjust the baking time slightly after your first attempt.
6. Recipe variations
Once you have mastered this base, you can easily adapt it.
- More citrusy version: add a little more lemon zest.
- Milder version: slightly reduce the amount of tea for a more subtle note.
- Plain version: use the same recipe without tea to return to a classic madeleine.
- Chocolate version: dip some of the cooled madeleines in melted dark chocolate.
You can also play with when to enjoy them: warm from the oven, they are irresistible; the next day, they perfectly accompany a cup of tea for an afternoon snack.
What to enjoy these madeleines with?!--nl-->
Of course, the first natural pairing is a cup of Earl Grey. This will allow you to enjoy the continuity between the aroma of the tea infused in the madeleine and that of the drink.
If you prefer a milder cup, a smooth, low-astringency black tea can also work very well.
Frequently asked questions
Can you use tea bags?!--nl-->
Yes, you can, but high-quality loose-leaf tea often provides a more nuanced aroma. If you use tea bags, open them to steep the leaves in the butter.
How long can madeleines be kept?!--nl-->
They are best on the day they are made, but you can keep them for 2 to 3 days in an airtight container at room temperature.
Can you prepare the batter the day before?!--nl-->
Yes, that is actually a very good idea. A longer rest in the refrigerator often helps the batter rise beautifully when baked.
Can you replace Earl Grey with another tea?!--nl-->
Yes, but choose a tea whose aroma can withstand baking. Earl Grey works particularly well thanks to its citrus notes.
The recipe's final word
A simple recipe that introduces tea in a different way
These homemade Earl Grey tea madeleines are a wonderful introduction to enjoying tea in a mild, accessible, and indulgent way. They appeal equally to pastry lovers and curious individuals looking to explore new flavors.
If you try them, take the time to savor them with a well-chosen cup of tea: that’s often when the real magic happens.
