So classically French, the madeleine is, (contrary to popular belief), quite easy to prepare and enjoy from the comfort of your home!

Created from a list of surprisingly traditional and generally on-hand ingredients, the only thing out of the ordinary required to make madeleines is the special, shell-shaped madeleine pan. (Make sure you choose a metal pan over its silicone counterparts, for a more even browning).

When choosing a madeleine recipe, thanks to the internet, you have a plethora of options. Many incorporate lemon zest for added flavor. There are chocolate variations, cinnamon versions, coconut madeleines, and more. You can dredge them in milk chocolate and enjoy them with your favorite warm beverage.

A traditional madeleine recipe may be a good starting point. (Unless, of course, you're feeling adventurous, in which case, you should go all out!) We've decided to share one of the best traditional recipes we've found. This madeleine recipe is by Susan Champlin Taylor and borrowed from Bon Appetit Magazine.

Madeleines

Makes about 20

Ingredients

• 2 large eggs
• 2/3 cup sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon grated lemon peel
• Pinch of salt
• 1 cup all purpose flour
• 10 tablespoons (1 1/4 sticks) unsalted butter, melted, cooled slightly
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• Powdered sugar
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Preparation

• Preheat oven to 375°F. Generously butter and flour pan for large madeleines (about 3 x 1 1/4 inches).* Using electric mixer, beat eggs and 2/3 cup sugar in large bowl just to blend. Beat in vanilla, lemon peel and salt. Add flour; beat just until blended. Gradually add cooled melted butter in steady stream, beating just until blended.
  
  
• Spoon 1 tablespoon batter into each indentation in pan. Bake until puffed and brown, about 16 minutes. Cool 5 minutes. Gently remove from pan. Repeat process, buttering and flouring pan before each batch. 
  
  
  DO AHEAD Can be made 1 day ahead.
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  Dust cookies with powdered sugar.

Happy baking (and eating)!