Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
Grease and flour 24 Madeline molds using the teaspoon of the butter and the 2 teaspoons of the flour.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the eggs, sugar and vanilla.
With an electric mixer set on high speed, cream the mixture until pale and fluffy, about 10 minutes.

In a small mixing bowl, combine the flour and baking powder.

Add the lemon zest and half of the flour mixture and beat on medium speed until incorporated.

Add the remaining flour mixture and beat again until incorporated.

Add the butter in a steady stream and continue beating until well blended.

Let stand for 10 minutes. Spoon the batter into the molds so that they are two thirds full.

Bake until lightly golden, 18 to 20 minutes.

Remove from the oven and using a thin knife,
pop them out of the pans onto a wire rack.

Chef's Note & Story

You can use orange zest & orange extract or add lemon extract for a stronger lemon flavor.

These Madeline's cookies are also nice dip in chocolate and cover with crushed almond bits.