Autumn Spiced Pumpkin Madeleines

Welcome to the delightful world of autumn baking, where classic French elegance meets the cozy comfort of seasonal flavors. These **Pumpkin Madeleines** are more than just a treat; they’re an experience. Imagine sinking your teeth into a petite, shell-shaped cake that is exquisitely soft, delicately light, and wonderfully airy. Each bite delivers a double dose of rich pumpkin flavor, perfectly spiced to evoke the essence of fall. Whether you’re enjoying a quiet morning with a steaming cup of tea or entertaining guests with a sophisticated afternoon spread, these Madeleines are an impeccable choice. Their subtle sweetness and aromatic profile also make them an unexpected yet perfect companion to a chilled glass of French rosé, creating a truly unique culinary pairing.

As the leaves begin to turn and a crispness fills the air, there’s an undeniable shift in our culinary desires. We find ourselves drawn to warming spices and comforting ingredients, and pumpkin invariably takes center stage. It feels like just yesterday we were enjoying summer, and now, almost in the blink of an eye, October has flown by. Halloween is knocking on the door, and before we know it, Thanksgiving feasts and the festive sparkle of Christmas will be upon us. This rapid procession of holidays often leaves us feeling rushed, with seasonal decorations appearing months in advance, sometimes even before the previous holiday has had its moment.

But let’s pause for a moment and savor the present. Before we dive headfirst into Christmas cookie baking marathons, let’s embrace the true spirit of the season with something truly special and perfectly timed: these absolutely irresistible **Pumpkin Madeleines**. They offer a sophisticated twist on traditional autumn desserts, marrying the beloved flavors of pumpkin spice with the iconic charm of a French Madeleine. They’re a delightful way to celebrate the magic of fall, one delicate bite at a time.

I genuinely hope you share my enthusiasm for Madeleines. These exquisite shell-shaped sponges have captivated my heart (and my kitchen!) ever since I first tried my hand at making them. It was back in 2017 when I experimented with the delightful Espresso Chip Madeleines from Barbara Morse’s wonderful cookbook. That experience sparked a passion, and I’ve been utterly hooked on the charm and elegance of Madeleines ever since. Their unique texture and refined appearance make them stand out from ordinary cookies, and this pumpkin variation is no exception to their captivating appeal.

Why You’ll Adore This Pumpkin Madeleines Recipe

These **Pumpkin Madeleines** aren’t just another cookie; they are a delightful culinary creation that brings a touch of sophistication to your seasonal baking. Here’s why this recipe will quickly become a cherished favorite:

• Exquisitely Soft and Cake-Like Texture: Unlike a crunchy cookie, these Madeleines offer a tender, moist interior that melts in your mouth. They possess the perfect balance between a cookie and a sponge cake, making them incredibly satisfying. Each one is a small, perfectly proportioned cake, ideal for a sweet indulgence.
• A Touch of Class and Elegance: Madeleines are renowned for their distinctive shell shape, a classic symbol of French baking. This unique form, combined with their delicate crumb, elevates them far beyond simple cookies. They transform any casual gathering into a more refined occasion, making them perfect for special events, brunches, or an elegant afternoon tea.
• Double the Pumpkin Flavor: This recipe is designed to infuse a deep, authentic pumpkin taste into every bite. The natural sweetness and earthy notes of pumpkin are beautifully enhanced by a harmonious blend of autumn spices, creating a truly comforting and seasonal experience.
• Versatile Pairing Options: These Madeleines are incredibly adaptable. They are delightful alongside your morning tea or coffee, providing a comforting start to your day. As a sophisticated snack, they’re perfect for satisfying a midday craving. And for dessert, they offer a light yet flavorful finish to any meal. For an unexpected and truly gourmet experience, try them with a chilled glass of French rosé wine – the fruity notes of the wine complement the spiced pumpkin beautifully.
• Relatively Simple to Make: Don’t let their elegant appearance fool you; Madeleines are surprisingly straightforward to bake. With clear, step-by-step instructions, even novice bakers can achieve impressive results. The recipe relies on common pantry staples, making it accessible for anyone looking to try something new and exciting.
• Seasonal Perfection: While pumpkin is often associated with the autumn holidays, these Madeleines celebrate the flavor in its purest form. They embody the warmth and coziness of the fall season, making them the ideal treat to bake as the weather cools and leaves begin to change.

With their delicate texture, beautiful presentation, and irresistible flavor, these **Pumpkin Madeleines** are sure to impress and satisfy, making them a standout addition to your baking repertoire.

Simple Step-By-Step Instructions for Perfect Pumpkin Madeleines

Making these delightful **Pumpkin Madeleines** is a straightforward process that yields incredibly rewarding results. Follow these steps carefully to ensure your Madeleines are perfectly formed, moist, and bursting with autumn flavor.

1. Prepare Your Madeleine Pans: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures the oven is at the correct temperature for immediate baking. Generously spray your madeleine pans with a nonstick baking spray. Don’t skip this step, as it’s crucial for easy release and achieving those perfect shell patterns. Set the prepared pans aside.
2. Melt and Cool the Butter: In a small saucepan, gently melt your unsalted butter over medium heat. Once fully melted, remove it from the heat immediately and set it aside to cool completely. The butter needs to be cooled to avoid scrambling the eggs later in the batter.
3. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium-sized mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, pumpkin spice, ground cinnamon, and salt. Whisk thoroughly until all the dry ingredients are uniformly combined. This prevents lumps and ensures the spices are evenly distributed. Set this mixture aside.
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5. Whip Eggs and Sugar: In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment, combine the room temperature large eggs and granulated sugar. Whisk on medium-high speed for 2-3 minutes until the mixture becomes pale yellow, thick, and significantly increased in volume. This step incorporates air, which is key to the Madeleines’ light texture and characteristic hump.
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7. Incorporate Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gently stir the pure pumpkin and vanilla extract into the egg and sugar mixture until just combined. Overmixing at this stage can lead to tough Madeleines. Next, gradually fold in the dry ingredients (flour mixture) using a spatula until no streaks of flour remain. Be careful not to overmix; mix just until incorporated. Finally, gently stir in your cooled melted butter until the batter is smooth and well combined.
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9. Fill the Madeleine Molds: Using a 1½-inch cookie scoop (or about 1½ tablespoons), fill each madeleine shell cavity with the batter. Do not overfill, as the Madeleines will expand during baking. The batter should reach just below the rim of each mold.
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11. Prepare for Baking: Before placing the trays into the preheated oven, gently tap each pan on your countertop a few times. This helps to level out the batter and release any air bubbles, promoting a more even bake and contributing to the desired hump.
12. Bake to Perfection: Bake the Madeleines for 12-14 minutes. They are done when they are beautifully puffy, golden brown around the edges, and the tops spring back gently when lightly pressed. It’s crucial not to overbake, as this can lead to dry Madeleines. Keep a close eye on them, as oven temperatures can vary.
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14. Cool and Serve: Once baked, remove the Madeleines from the oven and let them cool in their pans on a wire rack for 2-3 minutes. This brief cooling period helps them firm up slightly. Then, using an offset spatula or your fingers, gently remove the Madeleines from the pan and transfer them directly to the wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy them warm or at room temperature!

There’s a commonly held belief that pumpkin treats are strictly for a specific time of year, mainly fall. However, I wholeheartedly believe that the comforting, aromatic flavor of pumpkin should be enjoyed whenever the craving strikes! Pure pumpkin puree is readily available in most local markets all year round, so there’s truly no reason to limit your enjoyment. Why not whip up a batch of these exquisite **Pumpkin Madeleines** whenever you desire a taste of autumn’s warmth? They’re perfect for brightening any day, regardless of the season. I sincerely hope you take the opportunity to give this delightful recipe a try this season, and perhaps even beyond!

If you do decide to bake these Madeleines, please don’t hesitate to let me know how they turn out. I love hearing about your baking experiences! And, as always, if you have any questions at all about the recipe or the process, feel free to drop a comment below. Happy baking, and enjoy every flavorful bite!

Pumpkin Madeleines

Author: MaryAnn Dwyer

Servings: 24 madeleines

These Pumpkin Madeleines are soft, delicate, light and airy. They’ve got double the pumpkin flavor and they’re perfect alongside your morning cup of tea or the perfect complement for a chilled glass of French rosé.

Prep Time: 20 mins

Cook Time: 14 mins

Total Time: 34 mins

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup (one stick) unsalted butter
• 1 1/3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp. baking powder
• 3/4 tsp. pumpkin spice
• 1/4 tsp. ground cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp. salt
• 2 large eggs, room temperature
• 2/3 cup granulated sugar
• 7 Tbsp. pure pumpkin
• 2 tsp. vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 C). Spray madeleine pans with nonstick baking spray and set aside.
2. Melt your butter in a small saucepan over medium heat, then remove from the heat to let cool completely.
3. In a medium bowl, combine your flour, baking powder, pumpkin spice, cinnamon and salt and whisk together until well combined. Set aside.
4. In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment, whisk together your eggs and sugar on medium-high for 3 minutes until pale yellow and thick.
5. Gently stir in your pumpkin and vanilla extract. Once combined, fold in your dry ingredients with a spatula until just incorporated. The last step is gently stir in your cooled butter until the batter is smooth.
6. Fill madeleine shells with about 1 1/2 tablespoons of the batter. I use my 1 1/2-inch cookie scoop here. Tap the pans gently on the counter before placing in your oven to level the batter and release air. Bake for 12-14 minutes until the madeleines are puffy and the tops spring back when gently pressed. Do not overbake. You’ll remove them from oven to cool on rack for 2-3 minutes. Use an offset spatula to remove from pan.

Notes

This is the madeleine pan I use.

Make sure to use canned pure pumpkin for this recipe, not pumpkin pie filling.

Nutrition

Calories: 91kcal | Carbohydrates: 12g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 5g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Trans Fat: 0.2g | Cholesterol: 26mg | Sodium: 27mg | Potassium: 46mg | Fiber: 0.4g | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin A: 817IU | Vitamin C: 0.2mg | Calcium: 16mg | Iron: 1mg

Keyword: cookies, Fall, madeleines, Pumpkin

Cuisine: French

Course: Breakfast, Dessert

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