1️⃣ Prepare Ingredients – Sift flour, baking powder, and salt into a bowl. Melt butter and let it cool slightly.
2️⃣ Whisk Eggs & Sugar – In a mixing bowl, whisk eggs and sugar until pale and fluffy (about 3 minutes). Add vanilla extract and lemon zest.
3️⃣ Fold in Dry Ingredients – Gently fold the sifted flour mixture into the egg mixture until just combined. Avoid overmixing.
4️⃣ Incorporate Butter & Cream – Slowly add melted butter and heavy cream, folding gently to maintain airiness.
5️⃣ Chill Batter – Cover and refrigerate the batter for at least 1 hour (or overnight) to develop flavor and texture.
6️⃣ Prepare Madeleine Pan – Grease the pan with butter and dust lightly with flour. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
7️⃣ Fill & Bake – Spoon or pipe batter into each mold, filling ¾ full. Bake for 10-12 minutes until golden brown with a raised hump.
8️⃣ Cool & Serve – Let madeleines cool for 2 minutes in the pan, then transfer to a wire rack. Dust with powdered sugar before serving.