Delicate Mermaid Tail Madeleines

Featured in: Baking

These delicate madeleines take inspiration from mermaid tails, featuring colorful pastel shades achieved with food coloring gels. The batter is light and airy, infused with vanilla, then baked to golden perfection. Once cooled, each small cake is dipped in melted white chocolate and adorned with shimmering sprinkles and sugar pearls for a festive touch. Perfect for elegant afternoon teas or celebrations, they bring a refined sweetness and visual charm to any gathering. Preparing them involves simple mixing, careful folding, and artistic decoration to create charming petits fours that delight the senses.

Updated on Thu, 04 Dec 2025 16:12:00 GMT
Mignardises Queue de Sirène, pastel-colored mermaid tail madeleines dipped in white chocolate and shimmering sprinkles. Save to Pinterest
Mignardises Queue de Sirène, pastel-colored mermaid tail madeleines dipped in white chocolate and shimmering sprinkles. | buddybiteskitchen.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 was a hit at my last celebration, adding a touch of whimsy and elegance to the dessert table.

Ingredients

  • For the Madeleines: 100 g unsalted butter plus extra for greasing, 2 large eggs, 90 g granulated sugar, 1 tsp pure vanilla extract, 110 g all-purpose flour, 1/2 tsp baking powder, Pinch of fine sea salt, Food coloring gels (pastel blue, purple, pink, green)
  • For Decoration: 150 g white chocolate chopped, Mermaid tail-shaped sprinkles or edible glitter, 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
Beautifully decorated Mignardises Queue de Sirène, showing a selection of fancy French petits fours, ready to serve. Save to Pinterest
Beautifully decorated Mignardises Queue de Sirène, showing a selection of fancy French petits fours, ready to serve. | buddybiteskitchen.com

This recipe always brings back memories of joyful family gatherings where these petite treats disappear in moments.

Notes

For extra flavor add finely grated lemon or orange zest to the batter.

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)

Airy, colorful Mignardises Queue de Sirène look delicious, featuring edible glitter and shimmering sugar pearls. Save to Pinterest
Airy, colorful Mignardises Queue de Sirène look delicious, featuring edible glitter and shimmering sugar pearls. | buddybiteskitchen.com

These delicate mignardises bring a refined touch to any occasion and are sure to impress your guests.

Common Recipe Questions

What gives these madeleines their pastel colors?

Pastel hues are achieved by dividing the batter and tinting each portion with different food coloring gels before baking.

How do you achieve a light and airy texture?

Beating the eggs and sugar until pale and thick is key, along with gently folding the dry ingredients and melted butter to maintain airiness.

What is the best way to decorate these madeleines?

Dip the cooled madeleines into melted white chocolate and immediately sprinkle with mermaid tail-shaped sprinkles, edible glitter, and sugar pearls.

Can I add extra flavor to the batter?

Yes, finely grated lemon or orange zest can be folded into the batter for a fresh citrus note.

What tools are essential for making these petits fours?

An electric mixer, madeleine pan, mixing bowls, saucepan for melting butter and chocolate, and a wire rack are necessary for optimal results.

Delicate Mermaid Tail Madeleines

Airy pastel madeleines with white chocolate glaze and shimmering sprinkles for elegant teatime treats.

Prep Time
20 minutes
Cook Time
12 minutes
Total Time
32 minutes
Created By Max Buddyfield

Recipe Category Baking

Skill Level Easy

Cuisine Type French

Recipe Yield 24 Number of Servings

Dietary Preferences Suitable for Vegetarians

What You'll Need

Madeleines

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

Decoration

01 5 oz white chocolate, chopped
02 Mermaid tail-shaped sprinkles or edible glitter
03 Assorted sugar pearls

Steps to Follow

Step 01

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

Step 02

Melt the 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. Stir in vanilla extract.

Step 04

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

Step 05

Incorporate butter: Gradually fold the melted butter into the batter until smooth.

Step 06

Divide and color batter: Divide the batter evenly among 3 to 4 small bowls and tint each with different food coloring gels until pastel tones are achieved.

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 pattern.

Step 08

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

Step 09

Melt chocolate: Once cooled, melt the white chocolate in a heatproof bowl over simmering water.

Step 10

Decorate: Dip each madeleine tip 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 Warnings

Review each ingredient carefully for allergens. If unsure, consult with a healthcare provider.
  • Contains eggs, wheat (gluten), and milk (butter and white chocolate). May contain traces of nuts or soy.

Nutritional Info (per serving)

These details are for general information only. Always consult a healthcare professional for dietary concerns.
  • Calorie Count: 87
  • Fat Content: 5 grams
  • Carbohydrates: 10 grams
  • Protein Content: 1.3 grams