1️⃣ In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.

2️⃣ In another bowl, use your fingers to rub the lemon zest into the sugar (this wakes up the oils — smells divine!). Add eggs and vanilla and beat on medium-high until thick and pale, about 3 minutes.

3️⃣ Gently fold in the dry ingredients until just combined. Stir in melted butter and lemon juice until smooth.

4️⃣ Cover the batter and chill for at least 30 minutes (or up to overnight).

5️⃣ Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Brush your madeleine pan with melted butter and dust with flour; tap out excess.

6️⃣ Spoon about a tablespoon of batter into each mold — don’t spread it, it’ll even out as it bakes.

7️⃣ Bake 9–11 minutes, until puffed and lightly golden at the edges.

8️⃣ Let cool a few minutes, then gently remove from the pan and cool completely on a rack. Dust with powdered sugar if you like!