5 irresistible sweet French pastries

Madeleines

Also known as shell-shaped cookies, Madeleines are small, charming butter cookies originating from northeastern France. Many people mistakenly think Madeleines are hard butter cookies due to their size; however, they are actually sponge cakes, similar to sponge cake but lighter and denser. When you take a bite, the rich buttery aroma spreads throughout your mouth, accompanied by a sweet flavor that melts on your tongue. This French treat is often given as a gift on special occasions.

Macarons

If there were a poll for the most beautiful pastries, macarons would undoubtedly be at the top. Some even argue that macarons are only "worth something" if they are beautiful, and that's true because for bakers, only the most perfect macarons are displayed for sale; those that are broken, cracked, or misshapen are set aside. Macarons are a sweet treat, and instead of regular wheat flour, they use almond flour, giving them a wonderful almond aroma.

Canelé

Canelé is a specialty of the renowned Bordeaux region of France. This pastry features a crispy caramel exterior and a smooth, creamy custard filling, subtly flavored with vanilla and a hint of rum. It pairs perfectly with Western teas such as Ceylon or Earl Grey, and is also the ideal dessert after a romantic dinner of European cuisine.

Choux

Choux pastry is one of the most famous and classic French pastries. Authentic French choux pastries are hollow, crispy when freshly baked, and have a slightly uneven, bumpy surface. Traditional choux pastries are small enough to hold between two fingers and are a staple dessert in upscale restaurants. The pinnacle of choux pastry is the choux tower, meticulously crafted by experienced bakers using delicate, spiderweb-like sugar candies.

Éclair

Made from the same dough as choux pastry, éclairs are elongated pastries with a light, hollow shell. Inside is a creamy filling, often topped with chocolate, various cream toppings, or fruit sauces. The word éclair means "light" in French, referring to the fact that this pastry is so popular that people eat it at lightning speed – it's gone before you know it.

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