Madeleines with chocolate shells: a delicious French treat

These chocolate shell madeleines are a delicious twist on the classic French sponge cake, perfect for an elegant afternoon snack or a sweet treat at a get-together. This recipe makes around fifteen madeleines, each with a creamy chocolate shell which perfectly complements the light and airy texture of the madeleines. The process involves chilling the dough to ensure perfect rise and texture, then coating the cooled cakes in melted chocolate for an indulgent finish.

Why you'll love it: The combination of the soft, buttery madeleine and the crispy chocolate shell provides a satisfying contrast of textures that chocolate and cake lovers will love. The simplicity of the recipe, as well as the possibility of customizing the type of chocolate used (dark, milk or white), make it a versatile recipe that can be adapted to suit all tastes. The elegant appearance of these madeleines makes them ideal for serving at parties or special occasions.

Perfect occasion: These madeleines are perfect for tea parties, hen parties or as a refined dessert at a dinner party. They also make a great homemade gift or special treat to enjoy with your coffee or tea during some quiet time.

Decorating Tips: For an extra decorative touch, you can drizzle the chocolate-covered madeleines with a contrasting chocolate (like white chocolate on dark chocolate) or sprinkle them with finely chopped nuts or edible sprinkles before the chocolate sets. This adds both visual appeal and a bit of texture.

Ingredients:

• 120g of sugar
• 3 eggs
• 200g flour
• 8g of baking powder
• 1 sachet of vanilla sugar
• 100g melted butter
• 50g of milk
• Chocolate squares (quantity as needed for the shells)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the dough:
   • In a bowl, mix the eggs, sugar, baking powder, vanilla sugar, melted butter and milk. Whisk together until well combined.
   • Gradually add the flour, mixing until the dough is smooth.
   • Refrigerate the dough overnight or for at least 2-3 hours. If you're short on time, you can put it in the freezer for 1 hour.
2. Cook the madeleines:
   • Preheat your oven to 200°C (392°F). Make sure the oven is fully heated before baking.
   • Fill the madeleine mold about 3/4 full with the cooled dough.
   • Bake for 12 minutes or until the edges are golden brown and the madeleines spring back when touched.
   • Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before unmolding.
3. Add the chocolate shell:
   • Place a square of chocolate in each madeleine cavity in the mold.
   • Return the mold to the oven, which should be off but still hot, for about 1 to 2 minutes, or just long enough to melt the chocolate.
   • Use a brush or the back of a spoon to spread the melted chocolate to cover the surface of each imprint.
   • Return the cooled madeleines to the chocolate-coated molds and refrigerate until the chocolate sets, about 30 minutes.

4. Portion:
   • Gently unmold the madeleines.
   • Serve as a delicious treat that highlights the classic flavor and texture of madeleines with a delicious touch of chocolate.

Enjoy these luxurious chocolate shell madeleines, a simple yet sophisticated treat that combines classic French sponge cake with a rich chocolate coating for an unforgettable dessert experience.