Elevate classic French madeleines with a rich, chocolate-forward twist—these Paleo Dark Chocolate Madeleines infuse tender sponge cake with deep cacao, sweetened naturally and finished with a hint of coffee. Crafted for the health-conscious baker, they’re made with either gluten-free all-purpose or standard flour, sweetened with raw sugar and honey, and luxuriously dense with dark chocolate and butter.
With just 15 minutes of prep and a quick bake, you’ll get irresistibly gooey centers—like mini brownie bites in shell form. Elegant enough for dinner party hors d’oeuvres, cozy enough for your afternoon coffee break, these madeleines strike the perfect balance between indulgence and homemade goodness.
Homemade Chocolate Madeleine Cookies
Recipe Details
Yield: 15 madeleines
Active Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Recipe Ingredients
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose or gluten-free all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons cocoa powder
- 400 grams dark chocolate (85% cacao)
- 1 cup butter
- 2 teaspoons brewed coffee
- 1 1/2 cups raw sugar
- 1/2 cup honey
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 5 eggs
Special equipment: Madeleine pan
Recipe Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F and spray a madeleine pan with nonstick spray.
- Whisk together flour, salt, and cocoa powder in a small bowl; set aside.
- Combine dark chocolate, butter, and coffee in a heatproof bowl over simmering water. Stir occasionally until fully melted and smooth. Remove from heat and whisk in raw sugar, honey, and vanilla. Let cool slightly.
- Quickly whisk in 3 eggs until combined, then add the remaining 2 eggs and whisk until smooth.
- Sprinkle the flour mixture over the batter and gently fold in with a rubber spatula until just combined.
- Fill the madeleine pan with batter (about 7–12 minutes of bake time), until the centers are slightly gooey. Let cool for a moment before gently releasing the madeleines—they firm up as they cool.
Madeleine Cookie Nutrition Facts
*Estimated per cookie (≈ 28 g) — as stated on the live recipe page.
| Serving Size | 1 madeleine cookie (≈ 28 g) |
|---|---|
| Calories | ≈ 130 kcal |
| Protein | ≈ 1 g |
| Carbs | ≈ 15 g |
| Sugar | ≈ 9 g |
| Fiber | ≈ 0 g |
| Fat | ≈ 7 g |
Variations & Tips for Making Madeleine Cookies
- Classic vs browned butter: Use browned butter instead of melted butter to deepen flavor and add nutty notes.
- Flavor twist: Add lemon zest, orange zest, vanilla bean, or a pinch of cardamom or orange blossom water to the batter.
- Chocolate dip: Dip the scallop edges in melted dark chocolate for a decadent finish.
- Pan prep: Generously butter the madeleine molds (or use nonstick spray + flour) to ensure easy release.
- Chill batter: Let the batter rest in the fridge 30–60 minutes before baking to help the signature “hump” form better.
- Serve fresh: Madeleines are best the same day — they lose texture over time, so avoid making too far in advance.
What Goes Great with These Cookies
- Hot tea (Earl Grey, chamomile) — classic pairing with delicate cookies.
- Espresso or strong coffee — bitterness pairs well with buttery sweetness.
- Fresh berries or berry compote — adds freshness and contrast.
- Whipped cream or crème fraîche — light cream complemented by the crisp edge.
- Light dessert wine or dessert liqueur — a sweet wine or digestif for after dinner.
When to Share or Enjoy These Cookies
- Afternoon tea or tea parties — elegant, traditional cookie choice.
- Bridal or baby showers — refined and beautiful on dessert tables.
- Book clubs or garden gatherings — light treat that pairs with conversation and drinks.
- Gift boxes or hostess gifts — visually lovely and thoughtful.
- French-themed dinners or brunches — perfect compliment to a Parisian-inspired menu.
Photo credit: Paul Delmont
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Merce Muse
Thrive Market Food Editor