Sparkling Spiced Orange Madeleines; cosy cinnamon-spiked French madeleines with orange zest, white chocolate and sweet gin liqueur.
We may not all have the usual big Christmas parties or festive events to attend this year. However, that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t treat ourselves to some fancy things over these cold months.
Some among us celebrate the traditional Christmas period. Some observe the Winter solstice. Some celebrate the days of Hannukah. Some don’t follow any religion or culture but do enjoy the glitz and festivity of it all. No matter what this season means to you, it seems especially important in this chaotic year to embrace it as much as we always do. Even without the large gatherings, the treats, tipples, and traditions should remain just as important.
After all, tradition is really what most of us love most about this time of year. It’s not necessarily the kinds of food we eat, the kinds of booze we sip, or the kind of games we play together, it’s the fact it’s what we always do. Roast turkey and boxes of cheap chocolates aren’t things I turn to all year round, but I couldn’t imagine Christmas without them.
Today’s recipe is a small nod towards this cosy adoration of traditions. It’s Christmas party food, even if the party isn’t happening.
The Sparkling Spiced Orange Madeleines you see in today’s post reflect so many of the joyous occurrences of winters past. The spices of a Christmas pudding. The zest of a chocolate orange. The bite-size nibble of an office party platter. The glitter of festive makeup. The gentle warmth of booze so welcomingly ever-present.
These bite-sized delights are brought to you with the help of Snowglobe Gin. I was kindly gifted a bottle by the UK-based company’s PR contact, and have truly fallen in love with both its presentation and flavour. Snowglobe Gin comes in an Italian-made Snow Globe Bottle, even displaying a snowy Christmas scene inside. The gin contains edible gold leaf and a bulb on the base for illumination. It has a sweet orange flavour with warmth from gingerbread, cinnamon, and cloves which really capture that Christmas nostalgia. Plus, it’s like 20% alcohol, so what’s not to adore?
Not only does this recipe for Sparkling Spice Orange Madeleines contain a generous splash of Snowglobe Gin, it would be a perfect nibble to pair with it. Whether you’re having a neat glass with ice, or a tall drink stirred into ginger ale, the warm flavour and soft texture of these Madeleines is an ideal match.
That being said, as much as I would urge you to try making this recipe with gin, I understand it’s not for everyone. If you don’t partake in alcohol, or if you want to make this recipe with young children, the gin can be omitted to still create delicious Madeleines.
The only particular equipment you’ll need to make this recipe, rather evidently, is a Madeleine tin. I use this kind and it always works well. Otherwise, everything else you’ll need is pretty much a staple kitchen utensil!
I hope this recipe can bring you some festive joy as we approach the coldest season. I equally hope that you’re all staying as happy and healthy as you can in current circumstances, always lovely to have you.
Want to save these Sparkling Spiced Orange Madeleines for later? Pin the image below!
To make these Sparkling Spiced Orange Madeleines, simply follow the recipe below!
Sparkling Spiced Orange Madeleines
Notes
BE A MAVERICK: Why not swap the white chocolate for dark chocolate for a richer flavour?
These Spiced Orange Madeleines will keep well in an airtight container for up to 3 days, but are best eaten on the day they are made.
Ingredients
For the Spiced Orange Madeleines:
- 100g (6 ½ tbsp) salted butter
- 2 large eggs
- 100g (½ cup) golden caster sugar
- 100g (¾ cup) plain flour
- ½ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp cinnamon
- ½ tsp ground ginger
- ¼ tsp nutmeg
- Zest of ½ an orange
- Splash of Snowglobe Gin, or another spiced gin liqueur
For the decoration:
- 100g (3 ½ oz) white chocolate
- Candied orange peel, edible glitter, or anything else you like!
Instructions
For the Spiced Orange Madeleines
- In a small saucepan, melt the butter and continue to cook it until it turns a biscuit-brown colour. This should take about 5 minutes. Set aside to cool slightly.
- Crack the eggs into a large bowl with the sugar and whisk until pale and airy, this should take about 5-6 minutes.
- Stir together the flour, baking powder, spices and orange zest in a small bowl.
- Add half of the flour mixture to the airy egg mixture and gently stir to combine.
- Add the remaining flour, along with the melted browned butter, and the gin liqueur, and stir again very gently to combine into a smooth batter.
- Cover the mixing bowl with clingfilm or a clean towel and refrigerate for at least 3 hours. (You can chill the batter for up to 3 days before baking!)
- When you are ready to bake, preheat your oven – 220 C / 200 C fan / 400 F / gas mark 6 – and grease your Madeleine tin thoroughly with melted butter or non-stick spray.
- Spoon your chilled batter evenly into the 12 Madeleine shell shapes in your tin. You don’t need to spread the batter out, the heat of the oven will do this for you!
- Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes until the edges are crisp and golden and the centre of each Madeleine has raised into a cute little nipple.
- Turn the baked Madeleines out onto a wire rack to cool.
For the decoration:
- Melt your white chocolate in a heatproof bowl, either in the microwave or over a pan of simmering water, until smooth.
- Dunk your cooled Madeleines into the chocolate. You can coat on one side, just dunk the tips, or completely submerge them, it’s up to you!
- Allow the chocolate to set, sprinkling over any candied peel, glitter or any other edible decorations you like.
- Enjoy!
[THIS RECIPE FEATURES A GIFTED PRODUCT, AND CONTAINS AFFILIATE CONTENT]
