Chocolate-Dipped Madeleine Cookies – crisp, buttery, and decadently coated!

#### Instructions

**Step 1: Prepare the Madeleine Pan**
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease the madeleine pan generously with melted butter or non-stick spray. A madeleine pan typically has shell-shaped indentations, which are key to the cookie’s signature look, so make sure every indentation is well greased.

**Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients**
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.

**Step 3: Whisk the Wet Ingredients**
In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs and granulated sugar together until pale and slightly thickened, about 2-3 minutes. You can use a hand whisk or an electric mixer for this step. Add the vanilla extract and lemon zest (if using), then continue whisking until everything is combined.

**Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients**
Gently fold the flour mixture into the egg mixture using a spatula. Be careful not to overmix — you want to keep the batter light and airy. Then, gradually fold in the melted butter. The batter should be thick but still somewhat airy.

**Step 5: Fill the Madeleine Pan**
Spoon the batter into the prepared madeleine pan, filling each indentation about 2/3 full. Don’t overfill, as the cookies will spread and puff up during baking.

**Step 6: Bake the Madeleines**
Bake the madeleines in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The madeleines should rise beautifully and have that signature shell shape. If the madeleines don’t release easily from the pan, gently run a knife around the edges to loosen them.

**Step 7: Cool the Madeleines**
Let the madeleines cool in the pan for about 5 minutes before turning them out onto a wire rack to cool completely. Allow the madeleines to cool completely before dipping them in chocolate — this ensures that the chocolate will set properly.

**Step 8: Prepare the Chocolate Dip**
While the madeleines are cooling, melt the chocolate. You can do this by placing the chopped chocolate and butter (if using) in a heatproof bowl and microwaving it in 20-second intervals, stirring in between until smooth and fully melted. Alternatively, you can melt the chocolate over a double boiler on the stovetop.

**Step 9: Dip the Madeleines in Chocolate**
Once the madeleines are cool and the chocolate is melted, it’s time to dip them! Hold each madeleine by the edges and dip the rounded side into the melted chocolate. You can dip only the bottom half for a simple, elegant look or go for a full dip, covering most of the shell. Let any excess chocolate drip off before placing the cookies on a parchment-lined tray.

**Step 10: Let the Chocolate Set**
Allow the chocolate to set by letting the cookies rest at room temperature for about 30 minutes, or place them in the refrigerator for 10-15 minutes for a quicker set.

**Step 11: Serve and Enjoy!**
Once the chocolate has fully set, your **Chocolate-Dipped Madeleine Cookies** are ready to enjoy! Serve them on a beautiful platter with a cup of tea or coffee for a truly elegant treat. They also make great gifts — just package them in a nice tin or box to give a special homemade present.

#### Tips for the Perfect Chocolate-Dipped Madeleines

– **Don’t skip greasing the pan:** Madeleines have a delicate texture, so proper greasing ensures they’ll come out of the pan smoothly and retain their signature shape.
– **Let the cookies cool completely:** This is key! If you dip warm madeleines in the chocolate, the chocolate may melt or slide off. Make sure they’re fully cooled before dipping.
– **Add a flavor twist:** Experiment with different flavorings in the batter. You can add almond extract instead of vanilla for a nutty flavor or orange zest for a citrusy touch. The possibilities are endless!
– **Use high-quality chocolate:** Since the chocolate dip is a focal point of this recipe, using high-quality chocolate will enhance the flavor and texture of the final product.

#### Why You’ll Love These Chocolate-Dipped Madeleines

**Chocolate-Dipped Madeleine Cookies** are the perfect combination of elegance and indulgence. The light, airy texture of the traditional madeleine contrasts beautifully with the rich, silky chocolate coating, creating a perfect balance of flavors and textures. They’re versatile enough to be enjoyed at any time of day, whether you’re serving them at an afternoon tea, a special gathering, or simply enjoying them with a cup of coffee.

The best part? These cookies are as delicious as they are beautiful, and they’re sure to impress your guests with their sophisticated look and decadent flavor. Make a batch today, and discover how simple ingredients can turn into a luxurious treat!

#### Conclusion

**Chocolate-Dipped Madeleine Cookies** offer a simple yet refined treat that’s perfect for any occasion. With their buttery, delicate interior and rich chocolate exterior, these cookies are a true indulgence that will transport you to a French café with every bite. They’re easy to make, beautifully presented, and an absolute delight to eat. Whether you’re baking for yourself or gifting them to someone special, these cookies will undoubtedly become a favorite in your baking repertoire!