Save Delicate, mermaid tail-inspired petits fours featuring colorful, airy madeleines with a hint of vanilla, dipped in white chocolate and adorned with shimmering sprinkles — perfect for refined afternoon teas or festive celebrations.
Preparing these mignardises has become my go-to for special occasions, impressing guests with their delicate taste and whimsical appearance.
Ingredients
- For the Madeleines: 100 g unsalted butter, plus extra for greasing, 2 large eggs, 90 g granulated sugar, 1 tsp pure vanilla extract, 110 g all-purpose flour, 1/2 tsp baking powder, Pinch of fine sea salt, Food coloring gels (pastel blue, purple, pink, green)
- For Decoration: 150 g white chocolate, chopped, Mermaid tail-shaped sprinkles or edible glitter, Assorted sugar pearls
Instructions
- Step 1 Preheat the oven:
- Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Generously butter a madeleine pan and dust with flour, tapping out the excess.
- Step 2 Melt the butter:
- Melt the butter in a small saucepan, then set aside to cool slightly.
- Step 3 Beat eggs and sugar:
- In a medium bowl, beat the eggs and sugar with an electric mixer until pale and thick (about 34 minutes). Mix in the vanilla extract.
- Step 4 Sift dry ingredients:
- Sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gently fold into the egg mixture until just combined.
- Step 5 Fold in butter:
- Gradually fold in the melted butter until the batter is smooth.
- Step 6 Divide and color batter:
- Divide the batter evenly into 34 small bowls. Tint each portion with a different food coloring gel, stirring until pastel shades are achieved.
- Step 7 Spoon batter:
- Using a teaspoon, spoon small amounts of each colored batter into the cavities of the prepared pan, swirling gently to create a marbled effect.
- Step 8 Bake:
- Bake for 1012 minutes, or until the madeleines are puffed and the edges are golden. Cool in the pan for 2 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
- Step 9 Melt chocolate:
- Once completely cool, melt the white chocolate in a heatproof bowl set over a pan of gently simmering water.
- Step 10 Decorate:
- Dip the tip of each madeleine into the melted white chocolate, then immediately sprinkle with mermaid tail sprinkles, edible glitter, and sugar pearls. Place on parchment paper to set.
Save These treats always bring smiles to family gatherings, especially when shared with children who love the colorful designs.
Notes
For extra flavor, add finely grated lemon or orange zest to the batter.
Required Tools
Electric mixer, Madeleine pan, Mixing bowls, Small saucepan, Sifter, Wire rack, Parchment paper
Allergen Information
Contains Eggs, wheat (gluten), milk (butter and white chocolate). May contain traces of nuts or soy (check chocolate and decorations).
Save This recipe offers both visual delight and delectable taste, perfect for impressing guests with minimal effort.
Recipe Guide
- → What type of pan is best for shaping these madeleines?
A madeleine pan with shell-shaped cavities is essential to achieve the traditional form and texture.
- → How can I achieve the pastel colors in the batter?
Divide the batter into small portions and add gel food coloring in soft pastel shades before baking.
- → What is the best method for melting white chocolate?
Melt white chocolate gently over simmering water to prevent burning and ensure smooth consistency.
- → Can the decoration be customized?
Yes, use mermaid tail sprinkles, edible glitter, sugar pearls, or other decorative toppings to suit the occasion.
- → How long does it take to bake these treats?
Bake for about 10 to 12 minutes until puffed and golden around the edges.