Rose Madeleines Recipe
Introduction
Rose Madeleines are delicate French tea cakes infused with fragrant rose water and topped with a subtle rose glaze. Their light, buttery texture pairs beautifully with the floral notes, making them a perfect treat for any occasion.

Ingredients
- 7 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 eggs
- 7 tbsp castor sugar
- 1/2 tbsp honey
- 1/2 tsp rose water
- 13 tbsp cake flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 cup confectioners’ sugar
- 3-4 drops rose water (for glaze)
- 3-4 tsp water (for glaze)
- 1-2 drops pink food coloring
- Edible dried rose petals
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, castor sugar, honey, and 1/2 tsp rose water for 3-4 minutes until the sugar dissolves and the mixture is light.
- Step 2: Sift in cake flour and baking powder, then whisk until just combined.
- Step 3: Add melted butter and whisk gently until incorporated.
- Step 4: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the batter for at least 1 hour or overnight for best results.
- Step 5: When ready to bake, preheat the oven to 400℉ (200℃). Grease a non-stick madeleine pan with butter; if using a regular pan, dust with flour after greasing.
- Step 6: Remove the batter from the fridge, gently fold with a spatula to loosen it and release air bubbles.
- Step 7: Transfer the batter into a piping bag and fill each mold about 80-90% full; alternatively, spoon the batter into the molds.
- Step 8: Place the pan in the oven and immediately reduce temperature to 350℉ (180℃). Bake for 10-12 minutes until madeleines have risen and turned golden brown.
- Step 9: Remove madeleines from the pan immediately and cool completely on a wire rack.
- Step 10: To make the glaze, sift confectioners’ sugar into a medium bowl. Add 3-4 drops rose water, pink food coloring, and 3-4 teaspoons water, mixing until a thick paste forms. Adjust consistency as needed.
- Step 11: Brush the rounded “hump” side of each madeleine with the rose glaze and sprinkle with edible dried rose petals.
- Step 12: Place madeleines with the glazed side up to allow the glaze to set before serving.
Tips & Variations
- For a more intense rose flavor, increase rose water slightly but be careful not to overpower the delicate taste.
- Use high-quality unsalted butter and cake flour for the best texture and flavor.
- Try adding a teaspoon of lemon zest to the batter for a fresh citrus twist.
- If you don’t have a madeleine pan, use small muffin tins and adjust baking time slightly.
Storage
Store madeleines in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days to keep them fresh and soft. They can also be frozen for up to 1 month; thaw at room temperature before glazing. Reheat gently in a low oven (about 300℉/150℃) for a few minutes if desired.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make the batter ahead of time?
Yes, chilling the batter for at least 1 hour or overnight improves the texture and flavor of the madeleines.
What if I don’t have rose water?
You can substitute with a few drops of rose syrup or omit it entirely, though it will change the flavor profile slightly.
PrintRose Madeleines Recipe
Delicate and fragrant Rose Madeleines, tender French butter cakes infused with rose water and topped with a light rose-flavored glaze and edible dried rose petals for an elegant finish.
- Prep Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 27 minutes
- Yield: 12 madeleines 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Ingredients
Madeleine Batter
- 7 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 2 eggs
- 7 tbsp castor sugar
- 1/2 tbsp honey
- 1/2 tsp rose water
- 13 tbsp cake flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
Rose Glaze
- 1/2 cup confectioners’ sugar
- 3–4 drops rose water
- 3–4 tsp water
- 1–2 drops pink food coloring
Garnish
- Edible dried rose petals
Instructions
- Prepare the batter: In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, castor sugar, honey, and rose water for 3-4 minutes until the sugar dissolves and the mixture is slightly thickened.
- Add dry ingredients: Sift cake flour and baking powder into the egg mixture. Whisk gently but thoroughly to combine, ensuring a smooth batter without lumps.
- Incorporate butter: Slowly pour in the melted unsalted butter and whisk until fully incorporated, resulting in a glossy batter.
- Chill the batter: Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or overnight to help the batter firm for better texture and rise.
- Preheat the oven: When ready, preheat your oven to 400℉ (200℃). Prepare a madeleine pan by greasing it with butter; lightly dust with flour if not using a non-stick pan to prevent sticking.
- Prepare batter for baking: Remove the batter from the fridge and gently stir with a spatula to loosen it and release any trapped air bubbles.
- Fill the molds: Transfer the batter into a piping bag and pipe it into the madeleine molds until each is about 80-90% full. Alternatively, use a spoon to fill them.
- Bake the madeleines: Place the tray in the oven immediately and reduce the temperature to 350℉ (180℃). Bake for 10-12 minutes until the madeleines have risen and turn golden brown.
- Cool: Remove the madeleines from the pan promptly and allow them to cool completely on a wire rack.
- Prepare the glaze: In a medium bowl, sift the confectioners’ sugar. Add rose water, water, and pink food coloring. Stir to form a thick white paste, adjusting with water or sugar for desired consistency.
- Glaze the madeleines: Brush the rounded ‘hump’ side of each madeleine generously with the rose glaze.
- Garnish: Sprinkle edible dried rose petals over the glazed side, and place the madeleines with the glazed side up to allow the glaze to set.
Notes
- Chilling the batter is essential to help the madeleines develop their signature hump.
- Use unsalted butter for better control over salt content.
- If you don’t have a piping bag, a spoon works fine to fill the molds.
- Fresh edible rose petals can be used instead of dried for a softer texture but dried petals give a nice crunch.
- Adjust rose water quantity according to your preference as it can be quite strong.
- Store madeleines in an airtight container for up to 2 days as they are best enjoyed fresh.
Keywords: Rose Madeleines, French madeleines, rose water dessert, French butter cakes, floral madeleines, elegant tea cakes, delicate French pastries

