Name: Browned Butter Pumpkin Madeleines Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 9 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: French
Ingredients: ½ cup butter (113 grams); 2 tablespoons maple syrup; 1 cup all-purpose flour (135 grams); ½ cup granulated sugar (100 grams); ½ teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1 teaspoon cinnamon; ½ teaspoon nutmeg; 3 large eggs, at room temperature; ⅓ cup pumpkin puree (84 grams); 1 teaspoon orange zest; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Jump to Recipe·4 from 65 reviews

If you’re on the hunt for a cozy treat that bursts with autumnal warmth and a touch of elegant French charm, look no further than this Browned Butter Pumpkin Madeleines Recipe. These delicate shell-shaped cakes are infused with the rich nuttiness of browned butter and the subtle spice of pumpkin, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Each bite feels like a little celebration of fall, with a moist tender crumb and just the right hint of sweetness. Whether you’re planning a festive gathering or simply craving something special with your afternoon tea, this recipe is sure to become a beloved favorite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A dark wooden surface holds several small white bowls and plates arranged neatly. In the top left, a white bowl contains three white eggs. Next to it are two small bowls, one with white powder and the other with reddish-brown spice. Below these, a white bowl is filled with a bright orange puree. To the right, a larger white bowl holds white granulated sugar, and next to it, a whole orange rests on the surface. Near the bottom left, a white plate has six pale yellow butter square pieces with a small knife resting on top, the knife featuring a light wood handle. To the right, a white bowl is filled with light brown flour. At the bottom, there are three small bowls: one with white salt, one with dark brown powder, and one with dark amber liquid. The entire scene is on a dark wooden table replaced with a white marbled texture for prompt use. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering your ingredients is the first delightful step toward making these irresistible madeleines. Each element is simple yet essential, contributing to the unique flavor, texture, and inviting color that make this Browned Butter Pumpkin Madeleines Recipe shine.

Butter (½ cup / 113 grams): Browning this adds a toasty, nutty depth that elevates the entire cookie.
Maple syrup (2 tablespoons): Infuses a subtle sweetness that complements the pumpkin perfectly.
All-purpose flour (1 cup / 135 grams): The base that gives structure to your madeleines for that delicate crumb.
Granulated sugar (½ cup / 100 grams): Sweetens gently without overpowering the spices and pumpkin.
Salt (½ teaspoon): Balances and enhances all the flavors harmoniously.
Baking powder (1 teaspoon): Provides a light, airy lift to keep the madeleines from feeling dense.
Cinnamon (1 teaspoon): Classic warmth that brings comforting spice notes.
Nutmeg (½ teaspoon): Adds another layer of subtle spice that pairs beautifully with pumpkin.
Large eggs (3, room temperature): Vital for structure and a tender texture.
Pumpkin puree (⅓ cup / 84 grams): Brings moistness, vibrant color, and that unmistakable fall flavor.
Orange zest (1 teaspoon): Lifts the flavor with a refreshing citrus brightness.
Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Rounds out the flavor with a sweet, fragrant note.

How to Make Browned Butter Pumpkin Madeleines Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Brown the Butter

First things first, preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit so it’s ready to go when your batter is perfect. Melt the butter slowly in a nonstick pan over medium heat, letting it brown until it turns golden and toasty—this takes about 3 to 5 minutes. The aroma will be irresistible! Once browned, remove it from the heat and stir in the maple syrup, which adds a cozy sweetness to the butter.

Step 2: Combine the Dry Ingredients

While your butter cools slightly, sift together the flour, granulated sugar, salt, baking powder, cinnamon, and nutmeg into a medium bowl. Sifting ensures everything is well mixed and prevents lumps, which leads to a smooth batter and perfect madeleine texture.

Step 3: Whisk in the Eggs

Add the eggs one at a time to your dry mix, whisking after each addition until fully combined and fluffy. Using room temperature eggs helps create a lighter batter, which means those classic puffy madeleine bumps!

Step 4: Add the Flavorful Elements

Now stir in the orange zest, vanilla extract, pumpkin puree, and your beautifully browned butter mixture. Whisk everything together until you get a smooth, cohesive batter. This combination is where all the rich, warm flavors of this Browned Butter Pumpkin Madeleines Recipe come alive.

Step 5: Chill the Batter

Cover your batter with plastic wrap and chill it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes, or overnight if you have the patience. This resting time helps the flavors meld beautifully and firms up the batter, making it easier to scoop into your madeleine pan.

Step 6: Bake the Madeleines

Spray your madeleine pan with cooking spray to ensure easy release. Fill each mold about three-quarters full with batter. Pop the pan in the oven and bake for 7 to 9 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the centers are set. As soon as they’re done, take them out and gently unmold each madeleine. A light dusting of powdered sugar adds that final touch of sweetness and a lovely presentation.

How to Serve Browned Butter Pumpkin Madeleines Recipe

The image shows a dark gray metal baking tray with ten oval-shaped molds filled with raw batter. The batter is light brown with visible small specks, giving it a slightly textured look. Each mold is evenly filled, with the batter spread smoothly but showing some swirls and small peaks on the top surface. The tray sits on a dark wooden surface, but the background should be imagined as white marble instead. There are no other objects or hands in the frame. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

These madeleines love to be dressed up! Try a simple dusting of powdered sugar to highlight their golden edges. For a more decadent touch, drizzle a bit of melted dark chocolate or a spiced caramel sauce over them. Fresh orange zest sprinkles can also echo the citrus brightness in the batter beautifully.

Side Dishes

Pairing your madeleines with a warm cup of tea or coffee turns them into the perfect afternoon indulgence. They also hold their own alongside creamy pumpkin soup or a light harvest salad if you want to craft a dessert following a seasonal meal. A scoop of vanilla bean ice cream can elevate them to an irresistible dessert too.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve your Browned Butter Pumpkin Madeleines Recipe nestled in a pretty linen napkin-lined basket for a charming rustic vibe. You could arrange them on a tiered cake stand at a brunch or holiday party to impress your guests. For a personalized touch, label them with little name tags or pair them with mini jars of homemade maple syrup for dipping!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. This keeps them soft and flavorful without drying out, retaining that tender crumb you worked so hard for in this Browned Butter Pumpkin Madeleines Recipe.

Freezing

Madeleines freeze beautifully. Wrap each one individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. When you want a special treat, just thaw them at room temperature, and they’ll taste just as fresh and delightful as when you first baked them.

Reheating

To enjoy your madeleines warm and fresh, pop them in a preheated oven at 300 degrees Fahrenheit for about 5 minutes. This reawakens their buttery aroma and soft texture without drying them out. Avoid microwaving, as it can make them rubbery.

FAQs

Can I use canned pumpkin for this recipe?

Absolutely! Canned pumpkin puree works perfectly in this Browned Butter Pumpkin Madeleines Recipe and saves time without sacrificing flavor or texture. Just make sure it’s pure pumpkin and not pumpkin pie filling which has added sugars and spices.

What if I don’t have a madeleine pan?

If you don’t have the traditional shell-shaped pan, you can use mini muffin tins instead. The flavor remains delicious, though the texture will be slightly different, and they won’t have the iconic ridged look that makes madeleines so charming.

Why is chilling the batter important?

Chilling the batter firms it up, which helps create the signature hump and prevents spreading during baking. It also allows all those warm spices, pumpkin, and browned butter flavors to meld, making your madeleines even more delicious.

Can I substitute the maple syrup?

You can, but maple syrup adds a unique depth that complements the browned butter and pumpkin flavors in this recipe. If needed, honey or a mild agave syrup could work, but the taste will slightly change.

How do I know when the madeleines are perfectly baked?

Look for golden brown edges and a set center. The madeleines should spring back lightly when touched. Underbaking can lead to a gummy texture, so keep a close eye after minute 7 to avoid that.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly magical about this Browned Butter Pumpkin Madeleines Recipe that makes every bite feel like a warm hug from the inside out. The combination of browned butter’s rich nuttiness with pumpkin’s cozy spice creates a flavor experience you’ll want to return to again and again all through the season. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or trying these delicate cookies for the first time, I can’t wait for you to savor the joy and comfort that these madeleines bring to your table.