What is "madeleine"?

Madeleine is a classic French pastry that is small, shell-shaped, and has a soft and spongy texture. It is made from a mixture of flour, sugar, eggs, and butter, which is then flavored with vanilla, lemon zest, or other ingredients. The batter is then spooned into a special madeleine pan that has shell-shaped molds, and baked until golden brown. Madeleines are often served with a cup of tea or coffee and are a popular snack or dessert in France and other parts of the world. They are delicate and have a light and airy texture, making them the perfect accompaniment to a hot beverage. Madeleines are often served as part of a dessert platter or given as a gift.