Delicate Mermaid Tail Madeleines

Featured in: Desserts for a Crowd

These delicate madeleines draw inspiration from mermaid tails, featuring pastel colors created with food gels and infused with vanilla. The batter is light and airy, baked to golden perfection, then dipped in melted white chocolate. Each piece is decorated with shimmering sprinkles and sugar pearls for a festive, elegant finish. Ideal for afternoon teas or celebratory occasions, they combine subtle sweetness with a touch of whimsy, while offering simple preparation and quick baking times.

Updated on Thu, 04 Dec 2025 08:57:00 GMT
Delicate Mignardises Queue de Sirène, showing the dipped madeleines with colorful mermaid tail sprinkles. Save It
Delicate Mignardises Queue de Sirène, showing the dipped madeleines with colorful mermaid tail sprinkles. | zetluna.com

Delicate, mermaid tail-inspired petits fours featuring colorful, airy madeleines with a hint of vanilla, dipped in white chocolate and adorned with shimmering sprinkles — perfect for refined afternoon teas or festive celebrations.

This recipe brings a whimsical touch to traditional madeleines, making each bite a delightful experience reminiscent of the sea.

Ingredients

  • For the Madeleines: 100 g unsalted butter, plus extra for greasing
  • For the Madeleines: 2 large eggs
  • For the Madeleines: 90 g granulated sugar
  • For the Madeleines: 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
  • For the Madeleines: 110 g all-purpose flour
  • For the Madeleines: 1/2 tsp baking powder
  • For the Madeleines: Pinch of fine sea salt
  • For the Madeleines: Food coloring gels (pastel blue, purple, pink, green)
  • For Decoration: 150 g white chocolate, chopped
  • For Decoration: Mermaid tail-shaped sprinkles or edible glitter
  • For Decoration: Assorted sugar pearls

Instructions

Step 1:
Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Generously butter a madeleine pan and dust with flour, tapping out the excess.
Step 2:
Melt the butter in a small saucepan, then set aside to cool slightly.
Step 3:
In a medium bowl, beat the eggs and sugar with an electric mixer until pale and thick (about 3–4 minutes). Mix in the vanilla extract.
Step 4:
Sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gently fold into the egg mixture until just combined.
Step 5:
Gradually fold in the melted butter until the batter is smooth.
Step 6:
Divide the batter evenly into 3–4 small bowls. Tint each portion with a different food coloring gel, stirring until pastel shades are achieved.
Step 7:
Using a teaspoon, spoon small amounts of each colored batter into the cavities of the prepared pan, swirling gently to create a marbled effect.
Step 8:
Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the madeleines are puffed and the edges are golden. Cool in the pan for 2 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
Step 9:
Once completely cool, melt the white chocolate in a heatproof bowl set over a pan of gently simmering water.
Step 10:
Dip the tip of each madeleine into the melted white chocolate, then immediately sprinkle with mermaid tail sprinkles, edible glitter, and sugar pearls. Place on parchment paper to set.
Close-up of freshly decorated Mignardises Queue de Sirène, ready to serve for a delightful dessert. Save It
Close-up of freshly decorated Mignardises Queue de Sirène, ready to serve for a delightful dessert. | zetluna.com

This recipe always brings smiles to my family's tea gatherings, making every occasion feel special and magical.

Notes

For extra flavor, add finely grated lemon or orange zest to the batter. Pair with floral teas or sparkling moscato for a delightful treat.

Required Tools

Electric mixer, madeleine pan, mixing bowls, small saucepan, sifter, wire rack, parchment paper.

Allergen Information

Contains: Eggs, wheat (gluten), milk (butter and white chocolate). May contain traces of nuts or soy (check chocolate and decorations).

Irresistible Mignardises Queue de Sirène, perfectly showcasing colorful madeleine treats dipped in white chocolate. Save It
Irresistible Mignardises Queue de Sirène, perfectly showcasing colorful madeleine treats dipped in white chocolate. | zetluna.com

Enjoy these charming petits fours as a delicate finish to your tea party or festive celebration.

Common Questions About Recipes

What is the best way to achieve pastel colors in madeleine batter?

Use a few drops of food coloring gels and fold gently into the batter until light, even shades are obtained.

How do I prevent madeleines from sticking to the pan?

Generously grease the madeleine pan with butter and dust it with flour before adding batter for easy release.

Can I add extra flavor to the madeleines?

Yes, finely grated lemon or orange zest can be folded into the batter to enhance citrus notes.

What is the ideal baking time for these madeleines?

Bake at 180°C (350°F) for 10–12 minutes until puffed and golden around the edges.

How should I decorate the madeleines for best results?

After cooling, dip the madeleines in melted white chocolate, then quickly add mermaid-shaped sprinkles and sugar pearls before the coating sets.

Are these madeleines suitable for vegetarian diets?

Yes, the ingredients used comply with vegetarian guidelines.

Delicate Mermaid Tail Madeleines

Pastel-hued airy madeleines with vanilla, coated in white chocolate and festive sprinkles, perfect for refined treats.

Prep Time
20 mins
Time to Cook
12 mins
Overall Time
32 mins
Authored by Clara

Recipe Type Desserts for a Crowd

Skill Level Required Easy

Cuisine Type French

Recipe Output 24 Number of Portions

Dietary Needs Veggie-Friendly

The Ingredients You'll Need

Madeleines

01 7 tablespoons unsalted butter, plus extra for greasing
02 2 large eggs
03 7 tablespoons granulated sugar
04 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
05 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
06 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
07 Pinch of fine sea salt
08 Food coloring gels (pastel blue, purple, pink, green)

Decoration

01 5 1/4 ounces white chocolate, chopped
02 Mermaid tail-shaped sprinkles or edible glitter
03 Assorted sugar pearls

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 01

Prepare madeleine pan: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Generously butter a madeleine pan and dust with flour, tapping out the excess.

Step 02

Melt butter: Melt the butter in a small saucepan and set aside to cool slightly.

Step 03

Beat eggs and sugar: In a medium bowl, beat the eggs and sugar with an electric mixer until pale and thick, about 3 to 4 minutes. Mix in the vanilla extract.

Step 04

Combine dry ingredients: Sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gently fold into the egg mixture until just combined.

Step 05

Incorporate butter: Gradually fold in the melted butter until the batter is smooth.

Step 06

Color the batter: Divide the batter evenly into 3 to 4 small bowls. Tint each portion with a different food coloring gel, stirring until pastel shades form.

Step 07

Fill the pan: Using a teaspoon, spoon small amounts of each colored batter into the pan cavities, swirling gently to create a marbled effect.

Step 08

Bake: Bake for 10 to 12 minutes until madeleines are puffed and edges are golden. Cool in the pan for 2 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.

Step 09

Melt chocolate: Once madeleines are completely cool, melt the white chocolate in a heatproof bowl set over gently simmering water.

Step 10

Decorate: Dip the tip of each madeleine into melted white chocolate, then immediately sprinkle with mermaid tail sprinkles, edible glitter, and sugar pearls. Place on parchment paper to set.

Tools You'll Need

  • Electric mixer
  • Madeleine pan
  • Mixing bowls
  • Small saucepan
  • Sifter
  • Wire rack
  • Parchment paper

Allergy Information

Review each ingredient to identify allergens and consult an expert if needed.
  • Contains eggs, wheat (gluten), and milk (butter and white chocolate)
  • May contain traces of nuts or soy

Nutritional Facts (Per Serving)

Keep in mind these details are for general guidance and shouldn't replace professional advice.
  • Caloric Content: 87
  • Fats: 5 grams
  • Carbohydrates: 10 grams
  • Proteins: 1.3 grams