Spiced Madeleines

Welcome to Day #2 of Christmas Week, a multi-blogger event co-hosted by Kim of Cravings of a Lunatic and Jen from Juanita's Cocina! Each day we will be celebrating the holidays with a different set of Christmas-themed treats, as well as a fabulous Christmas giveaway. We hope you enjoy this fabulous event. Tune in each day starting today, Monday, December 9th and ending Saturday, December 14th.

Ah, the Madeleine. Is is it a cake? Is it a cookie? I guess you could say it's a cake-y cookie. And it's a classic--you can't argue with Proust. The thing is, they're not so hard to make and you will look so darned sophisticated if you give a few of these away.

Since I can't seem to get cardamom out of my system, I've decided to spice up my Madeleines just a bit. Although you will need a Madeleine pan (you can find one at most kitchen stores), I think you will find that they are pretty easy to make. This recipe makes just 12 little cakes...a perfect amount, since they should be eaten while they are fresh.

Spiced Madeleines (adapted from Epicurious)

6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted, plus 1 tablespoon (melted) for greasing pan

3/4 cup all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom

1/4 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg

1/4 cup granulated sugar

3 tablespoons packed light brown sugar

2 large eggs

Powdered sugar for dusting

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.; use a pastry brush to butter a 12 mold Madeleine pan.

Whisk together flour, baking powder, spices, and a pinch of salt.

Whisk together sugars and eggs until well-combined. Add flour mixture and whisk until just combined, then stir in remaining butter (6 tablespoons) until just incorporated. Spoon batter into molds, filling them about two thirds full. Bake 5 minutes, then reduce oven temperature to 350°F and bake until springy to the touch and edges are lightly browned, 4 to 6 minutes. Turn out onto a rack and cool 15 minutes. Just before serving, dust with powdered sugar.

I've discovered these are a great dunking cookie cake...plus my pinkie automatically sticks out when I clutch my teacup.

Visit all the other Christmas Week Peeps for more Holiday Baking Goodness:

• Peppermint Hot Chocolate with Peppermint Wands by Cravings of a Lunatic
• Chewy Brownies by Juanita's Cocina
• Chocolate-Peppermint Puff Pastry Bites by The Weekend Gourmet
• Pomegranate Margaritas by Dinners, Dishes, and Deserts
• Gingerbread Cheesecake Cupcakes by Chocolate Moosey
• Gingerbread Whoopie Pies with Maple Poached Pears and Maple Buttercream by Pineapple and Coconut
• Cranberry Bliss Bars by Hezzi-D's Books and Cooks
• Reindeer Cookies by Noshing With The Nolands
• Mo's Easy Homemade Eggnog by Food Lust People Love
• Spiced Madeleines by The Dutch Baker's Daughter
• Flourless Nutella Marshmallow Cloud Cookie Cups by Cupcakes & Kale Chips
• Pear and Dried Cranberry Baked Custard by See Aimee Cook
• Bacon Bark by Cooking In Stilettos
• Snowflake Cake by Dizzy Busy and Hungry
• Gingerbread Sugar Cookies by Rants From My Crazy Kitchen
• Peanut Butter Cup Cookies by Try Anything Once Culinary
• Hot Chocolate Biscotti by Home Cooking Memories

Today's #ChristmasWeek giveaway comes courtesy of Le Creuset. Respect for tradition and authenticity has been Le Creuset's guiding principle since 1925, and their kitchen and cook ware is known internationally.

Le Creuset's Revolution Utensil Set is available in six different colors, and it represents the next generation of functional innovations in the kitchen. Developed with chefs and culinary enthusiasts in mind, each utensil features a task-defined blade made from premium silicone, as well as a carefully crafted wood handle engineered to improve grip for a variety of kitchen tasks. The set includes one of each of the following: utensil crock, small spatula, medium spatula, spatula spoon, basting brush, jar scraper. To enter, read the details and use the Rafflecopter below!

***This giveaway is for one Le Creuset Revolution Utensil Set (winner's choice of color)! This giveaway is open to Continental US residents only . When the contest concludes, the winner will be chosen by random draw. The winner will be notified through e-mail and they will have 3 days to respond or another winner will be chosen.***

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***Disclaimer: This giveaway is being provided by Le Creuset. #ChristmasWeek bloggers have not received product or been compensated as a part of this giveaway.***