Pistachio Madeleines

Posted: March 17, 2026 Last modified: March 23, 2026
Pistachio Madeleines

If you love madeleines, these pretty pistachio madeleines are a must try. They are easy and delicious and also have lemon inside. The recipe comes from a book by Caroline van Dorenmalen.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This pistachio madeleine recipe uses nut flour (the pistachio) as well as a lot less sugar than I would normally use in madeleines. That makes them extra special and perfect for when you’re mindful of the amount of sugar in your baking.

Less sweet but still very indulgent!

Recipe Ingredients

The ingredients for these lemon pistachio madeleines are slightly different from my usual madeleine recipe like in this chocolate dipped madeleine recipe. Make sure to double check the quantities in the recipe card below:

  • pistachio – you will grind the pistachio into a flour. This will be the nut flour component of these madeleines
  • spelt flour – instead of all-purpose flour
  • eggs – you use a total of 4 eggs for this recipe
  • honey – can also be replaced with maple syrup or something similar, if you want
  • coconut oil – if you don’t want to use coconut flour you can replace it with melted butter. I haven’t tried this myself, but I imagine that it would be a possible substitution
Pistachio madeleines-3

How To Make Pistachio Madeleines

It’s worth noting that the biggest difference between these pistachio lemon madeleines versus a more regular madeleine like my chocolate chip madeleines is that they are a bit denser and less fluffy. I think this is due to the use of coconut oil and the specific flour mixture you’ll use for this recipe. I added a bit more baking powder just to get that lift, but they do not have that classic hump like regular madeleines.

You start by first grinding the pistachio with a bit of powdered sugar into a fine flour. Don’t grind it for too long as you do not want a pistachio paste.

In a separate bowl, add the eggs and beat until they are light and airy. Add honey, coconut oil and lemon juice and mix for another minute or so on high speed.

Combine the dry ingredients (flour, pistachio, salt, and baking powder) and add this to your egg mixture in batches. Fold in the vanilla and lemon zest and make sure not to overmix.

Let the batter rest in the fridge for about 15 minutes. Grease a madeleine pan and dust it lightly with flour. Divide the batter over the madeleine mold. You can do this with spoons or use a piping bag. Make sure to fill them but just not right to the top. Tap the pan twice on the counter to release any air bubbles. (If you take a look at the photos you will notice that mine have some air bubbles. I used a silicone baking mold which meant I could not tap it on the counter!)

Bake at 350˚F/175˚C (conventional oven) for 14-15 minutes or until cooked through and lightly golden. Remove from the pan straight from the oven and let them cool on a wire rack. If you want you can dust them with icing sugar.

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Storing Pistachio Madeleines

Stored in an airtight container, these madeleines will keep for about 4-5 days.

Can you freeze Pistachio Madeleines

Yes. Let them cool completely and make sure to freeze them in an airtight container.

More Pistachio Recipes

If you love pistachio, I have a few other fun recipes for you to try:

Pistachio madeleines-1

FAQ Pistachio Madeleines

Can I use all-purpose flour instead of spelt flour?

Yes, absolutely. All-purpose flour works perfectly in this recipe. Use the same amount as listed.

Can I replace the pistachios with another nut?

Yes. Almonds or hazelnuts are great alternatives. Keep in mind that pistachios have a milder, slightly sweet flavor, so other nuts may change the taste a bit.

Why don’t these madeleines have the classic hump?

The use of coconut oil and the shorter resting time can result in a denser batter, which means the traditional hump may be less pronounced. Adding extra baking powder (as done in this recipe) helps make them lighter.

Can I use butter instead of coconut oil?

Yes. Replace the coconut oil with the same amount of melted butter. This may give you a slightly lighter texture and a more classic madeleine flavor.

Do I really need to let the batter rest?

Yes. Resting the batter helps hydrate the flour and improves the texture of the madeleines. Even a short rest of 15 minutes makes a difference.

Can I make the batter ahead of time?

Because of the coconut oil, it’s best to bake the batter shortly after resting. If refrigerated too long, the batter can firm up too much and affect the texture.

 

Pistachio madeleines

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Pistachio Madeleines

Looking for a more wholesome and less sweet madeleine? Then these lemon pistachio madeleines are the perfect choice!
Preparation10 minutes
Cooking20 minutes
Total30 minutes
Servings: 24 madeleines

Ingredients 

  • 75 grams pistachios
  • 1 tbsp powdered sugar
  • 4 eggs
  • 50 grams honey
  • 100 ml coconut oil melted
  • 1 lemon juice and zest
  • 100 grams spelt flour
  • A pinch of salt
  • tsp baking powder
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

Equipment

  • Madeleine pan

Instructions

  • Finely grind the pistachios with 1 tablespoon of powdered sugar in a food processor.
  • In a bowl, beat the eggs until light and airy, about a few minutes. Add the honey, coconut oil, and lemon juice and mix for another minute on high speed.
  • Combine the (spelt) flour, ground pistachios, salt, and baking powder, then add this mixture to the batter in batches. Finally, gently fold in the vanilla extract and lemon zest until just combined. Do not overmix.
  • Let the batter rest in the refrigerator for 15 minutes. Grease a madeleine pan and dust it with flour.
  • Divide the batter among the madeleine molds, filling them not quite to the top. Tap the pan twice on the counter to release any air bubbles.
  • Bake the madeleines at 350°F/175°C, (conventional oven) for 14-15 minutes, until cooked through and lightly golden. Remove them from the pan immediately and let cool on a wire rack. Dust with powdered sugar if desired.
How to store

Stored in an airtight container, the madeleines will keep for 3-4 days.

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