Chocolate-Covered Strawberry Madeleines
Highlighted under: Tasty Treat Recipes
I absolutely adore Chocolate-Covered Strawberry Madeleines! These little treats combine the rich flavors of chocolate and fresh strawberries into a delightful cake-like cookie. Every bite melts in your mouth, evoking a sense of indulgence while remaining light and airy. Perfect for tea time or a special occasion, they never fail to impress. I love how simple yet elegant they are, making them an ideal choice for celebrating even the smallest moments in life.
When I first made these Chocolate-Covered Strawberry Madeleines, I was amazed at how well the flavors balanced. The strawberries add a natural sweetness that pairs beautifully with the rich chocolate coating. A tip I discovered is to use high-quality chocolate for dipping; it truly elevates the overall experience of these delightful bites.
Experimenting with the baking times was another fun part of this recipe. I found that keeping a close eye on them during the last few minutes helped achieve that perfect dome shape, which is the hallmark of a classic madeleine. Trust me, once you nail this technique, you’ll want to make them again and again!
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- The luxurious combination of chocolate and fresh strawberries
- Tender and fluffy texture that leaves you wanting more
- A unique twist on classic French pastries that impresses guests
Achieving the Perfect Madeleine Texture
The hallmark of a successfully baked madeleine is its tender, sponge-like texture. To achieve this, ensure that the eggs and sugar are whisked together until they are light and fluffy, which can take about 3-5 minutes. This aeration creates a base that allows the madeleines to rise beautifully, yielding a delicate crumb. Also, be cautious not to overmix the batter once you combine the wet and dry ingredients; a few lumps are better than a perfectly smooth batter, which can lead to denser cookies.
Another tip for achieving the classic madeleine shape is to fill each mold correctly. A 2/3 fill is crucial because these cookies puff up as they bake, and if overfilled, they may spill over and lose their distinct shell shape. Keep an eye on your madeleines in the oven; you want them to bake until they are lightly golden and springy to the touch, usually around 10-12 minutes.
Chocolate Coating Secrets
To achieve a glossy, smooth chocolate coating, melting techniques matter. I recommend using a microwave in short bursts, around 30 seconds each, stirring in between, to prevent scorching. Alternatively, a double boiler can be used for more controlled heating. Adding coconut oil to the chocolate not only adds a delightful sheen but also enhances the chocolate's fluidity, making it easier to dip the strawberries. If you prefer a dairy-free option, consider using dark chocolate without milk solids, which complements the strawberries beautifully.
When dipping the strawberries, ensure they are perfectly dry to allow the chocolate to adhere well. Leaving any moisture can cause the coating to seize. You can even customize the chocolate by adding a pinch of sea salt or a splash of vanilla extract for an enriched flavor that pairs wonderfully with the sweetness of the strawberries.
Ingredients
For Madeleines
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Zest of 1 lemon
For Chocolate Coating
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil (optional)
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, washed and dried
Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature for best results.
Steps
Preheat and Prepare Pan
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease the madeleine pan with butter and dust with flour, tapping out the excess.
Mix Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the melted butter, milk, vanilla extract, and lemon zest, mixing well.
Combine Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, mix the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined; avoid overmixing.
Bake
Spoon the batter into the prepared madeleine molds, filling each cavity about 2/3 full. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until lightly golden and springy to the touch.
Cool and Coat
Once baked, remove the madeleines from the oven and let them cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Prepare the chocolate coating by melting the chocolate chips and coconut oil in a microwave or double boiler.
Dip Strawberries
Dip each strawberry halfway in the melted chocolate, allowing the excess to drip off. Let them set on parchment paper.
Serve
Once the strawberries are set, serve them alongside the madeleines. You can also dip the madeleines in the melted chocolate for an extra indulgence!
Enjoy these madeleines fresh for the best flavor and texture.
Pro Tips
- For an extra touch, sprinkle some sea salt over the chocolate-covered strawberries before they set for a delightful contrast.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Madeleines are best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, you can freeze the uncoated madeleines. Simply place them on a baking sheet to flash freeze before transferring to a freezer-safe bag, where they can last up to a month. When ready to enjoy, bake them directly from frozen for about 2-3 extra minutes and proceed with the chocolate coating afterward.
As for the strawberries, they are best served the same day they are dipped in chocolate to prevent moisture from ruining the texture. If you need to prepare them ahead, keep the strawberries and chocolate separate until just before serving. This way, the chocolate maintains its firmness and the strawberries stay fresh.
Serving Suggestions and Variations
Serve your Chocolate-Covered Strawberry Madeleines with a side of whipped cream or a dollop of mascarpone for an extra luxurious touch. You might also consider garnishing with a sprinkle of toasted coconut or chopped nuts to add texture and enhance the overall presentation. The combination of flavors will delight your guests, especially during special occasions such as tea parties or bridal showers.
For those who love experimenting, you can infuse the madeleine batter with different flavors. Try incorporating a teaspoon of almond extract or a splash of orange zest alongside the lemon for a unique twist. You can also dip the madeleines in white or dark chocolate for a color contrast that makes these treats even more visually appealing.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use frozen strawberries?
While fresh strawberries are recommended for the best flavor, you can use thawed frozen strawberries if fresh ones are unavailable.
→ How do I store these madeleines?
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze them without chocolate coating, then dip in chocolate before serving.
→ Can I make the batter ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the batter up to a day in advance. Just cover and refrigerate until ready to bake.
→ What can I substitute for eggs?
You can use flax eggs or applesauce as a substitute, though it may slightly affect the texture.
Chocolate-Covered Strawberry Madeleines
I absolutely adore Chocolate-Covered Strawberry Madeleines! These little treats combine the rich flavors of chocolate and fresh strawberries into a delightful cake-like cookie. Every bite melts in your mouth, evoking a sense of indulgence while remaining light and airy. Perfect for tea time or a special occasion, they never fail to impress. I love how simple yet elegant they are, making them an ideal choice for celebrating even the smallest moments in life.
Created by: Emily
Recipe Type: Tasty Treat Recipes
Skill Level: Intermediate
Final Quantity: 12 Madeleines
What You'll Need
For Madeleines
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Zest of 1 lemon
For Chocolate Coating
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil (optional)
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, washed and dried
How-To Steps
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease the madeleine pan with butter and dust with flour, tapping out the excess.
In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the melted butter, milk, vanilla extract, and lemon zest, mixing well.
In another bowl, mix the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined; avoid overmixing.
Spoon the batter into the prepared madeleine molds, filling each cavity about 2/3 full. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until lightly golden and springy to the touch.
Once baked, remove the madeleines from the oven and let them cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Prepare the chocolate coating by melting the chocolate chips and coconut oil in a microwave or double boiler.
Dip each strawberry halfway in the melted chocolate, allowing the excess to drip off. Let them set on parchment paper.
Once the strawberries are set, serve them alongside the madeleines. You can also dip the madeleines in the melted chocolate for an extra indulgence!
Extra Tips
- For an extra touch, sprinkle some sea salt over the chocolate-covered strawberries before they set for a delightful contrast.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Total Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
- Sodium: 150mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 30g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 18g
- Protein: 3g