Rose Madeleines Recipe
Introduction
These delicate Rose Madeleines are buttery French sponge cakes infused with fragrant rose water and topped with a sweet floral glaze. Perfect for a refined afternoon tea or a special treat, their tender crumb and subtle rose flavor will delight your senses.

Ingredients
- 7 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 eggs
- 7 tbsp castor sugar
- 1/2 tbsp honey
- 1/2 tsp rose water
- 13 tbsp cake flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 cup confectioners’ sugar
- 3-4 drops rose water (for glaze)
- 3-4 tsp water
- 1-2 drops pink food coloring
- Edible dried rose petals
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, castor sugar, honey, and 1/2 tsp rose water for 3-4 minutes until the sugar dissolves and the mixture is lightly frothy.
- Step 2: Sift in the cake flour and baking powder, then whisk until well combined and smooth.
- Step 3: Add melted unsalted butter to the batter and whisk until fully incorporated.
- Step 4: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and chill the batter in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour or overnight to develop flavor and texture.
- Step 5: Preheat the oven to 400℉ (200℃). Grease a non-stick madeleine pan with butter. If your pan isn’t non-stick, also dust the molds lightly with flour.
- Step 6: Remove the chilled batter and gently fold with a spatula to loosen it and remove any air bubbles.
- Step 7: Transfer the batter into a piping bag and pipe it into the madeleine molds, filling each about 80-90% full. Alternatively, spoon the batter into each mold.
- Step 8: Place the pan in the oven and immediately reduce the temperature to 350℉ (180℃). Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the madeleines have risen and turned golden brown.
- Step 9: Remove madeleines from the pan promptly and allow them to cool completely on a wire rack.
- Step 10: For the glaze, sift the confectioners’ sugar into a medium bowl. Add 3-4 drops rose water, pink food coloring, and 3-4 tsp water. Mix until a thick, spreadable paste forms, adjusting consistency with more water or sugar as needed.
- Step 11: Brush the hump side of the cooled madeleines with the rose glaze.
- Step 12: Sprinkle edible dried rose petals over the glaze and place the madeleines hump side up to let the glaze set before serving.
Tips & Variations
- Use good quality rose water for the best fragrance and avoid overpowering flavors by measuring carefully.
- For a more vibrant pink hue, add a few drops of pink food coloring to the batter as well as the glaze.
- If you don’t have a madeleine pan, use a mini muffin tin to create a different but equally charming shape.
Storage
Store the madeleines in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days to maintain their delicate texture. For longer storage, keep them in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, but allow them to come to room temperature before serving. Reheat briefly in a low oven if desired to refresh their softness. Avoid glazing before storage to prevent sogginess; glaze just before serving.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make the batter ahead of time?
Yes, chilling the batter for at least an hour or overnight improves the texture and flavor of the madeleines.
What can I use if I don’t have rose water?
You can substitute with orange blossom water or vanilla extract, but this will change the flavor profile of the madeleines.
PrintRose Madeleines Recipe
Delight in these elegant Rose Madeleines, a classic French buttery sponge cake enhanced with delicate rose water and adorned with a sweet, fragrant glaze and edible rose petals. Perfect for teatime or special occasions, these madeleines combine a soft, moist texture with a subtle floral aroma for a truly sophisticated treat.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 27 minutes
- Yield: 12 madeleines 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Batter
- 7 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 2 eggs
- 7 tbsp castor sugar
- 1/2 tbsp honey
- 1/2 tsp rose water
- 13 tbsp cake flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
Glaze
- 1/2 cup confectioners’ sugar
- 3–4 drops rose water
- 3–4 tsp water
- 1–2 drops pink food coloring
- Edible dried rose petals for garnish
Instructions
- Mix the wet ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, castor sugar, honey, and rose water lightly for 3-4 minutes until the sugar is fully dissolved and the mixture is slightly thickened.
- Add dry ingredients: Sift the cake flour and baking powder into the bowl, then whisk until the batter is smooth and well combined.
- Incorporate melted butter: Gradually add the melted unsalted butter into the batter, whisking thoroughly to ensure the butter is fully incorporated without deflating the mixture.
- Chill the batter: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or overnight to allow the batter to firm up and develop flavor.
- Prepare the pan and oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease a non-stick madeleine pan with butter; if not non-stick, also dust the wells lightly with flour to prevent sticking.
- Pipe the batter: Remove the batter from the fridge, gently fold with a spatula to loosen and remove air bubbles, then transfer to a piping bag. Pipe batter into each mold filling each about 80-90% full, or spoon batter carefully if preferred.
- Bake at reduced temperature: Place the pan immediately in the oven, reduce temperature to 350°F (180°C), and bake for 10-12 minutes until madeleines have risen and are golden brown.
- Cool madeleines: Remove the madeleines from the pan immediately and cool completely on a wire rack to maintain their crisp edges and tender interior.
- Prepare the glaze: In a medium bowl, sift the confectioners’ sugar. Add rose water, water, and pink food coloring, mixing until a thick white paste forms. Adjust consistency by adding more water for thinner glaze or more sugar for thicker glaze.
- Glaze and garnish: Brush the hump side of each madeleine with the rose glaze, then sprinkle edible dried rose petals on top for an elegant finishing touch.
- Set glaze: Place the madeleines with the glazed side facing up and allow the glaze to set before serving.
Notes
- Chilling the batter is key for a good rise and pronounced shell shape characteristic of madeleines.
- You can substitute the rose water for orange blossom water for a different floral note if desired.
- Ensure butter is fully melted but not hot to avoid cooking the eggs when mixing.
- Use a spatula or brush to cleanly transfer the glaze to prevent disturbing the delicate texture.
- Store madeleines in an airtight container for up to 3 days for best freshness.
Keywords: Rose Madeleines, French cookies, floral dessert, buttery sponge, tea time treats, rose water pastries

