How To Store Macarons

TL;DR

Macarons can be stored at room temperature for up to 1 day in an airtight container.
For longer storage, refrigerate macarons for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
Unfilled macaron shells can be stored at room temperature for 3-5 days or frozen for up to 1 month.
Macarons with perishable fillings like fruit curd should be refrigerated and consumed within 3-7 days.
Use parchment paper in storage containers to absorb excess moisture and prevent sticking.
Let refrigerated or frozen macarons come to room temperature before serving for the best flavor and texture.

TL;DR
Introduction
Macaron 101
- What Exactly Is a Macaron?
- The Essential Components
The Golden Rules of Macaron Storage
Storing Naked Shells vs. Filled Macarons
Fillings, Flavors, and Fridge Life
Troubleshooting Macaron Storage Mishaps
Macaron Storage FAQs
Conclusion
References

Introduction

Ah, macarons. Those delightful, delicate French confections that melt in your mouth and bring a smile to your face. But have you ever bitten into a macaron only to find it’s gone stale or soggy? Proper storage is key to keeping your macarons at their best. Read on to learn the secrets of macaron storage success.

Macaron 101

What Exactly Is a Macaron?

A macaron is a sweet meringue-based confection made with egg whites, sugar, and almond flour. It has a smooth, domed top, ruffled edges (the “foot”), and a flat base. Two macaron shells are sandwiched together with a filling to create the finished cookie.

Macarons are sometimes confused with macaroons, but they are quite different. Macaroons are dense, coconut-based cookies. Macarons are also not to be confused with whoopie pies or moon pies, which are typically made with cake-like cookies.

The Essential Components

The key ingredients in macaron shells are almond flour, egg whites, and sugar. The shells have a delicate, crisp exterior and a slightly chewy interior. They are very sensitive to moisture, so proper storage is a must.

The filling is another crucial component. It can range from buttercream to ganache to jam. The type of filling used will impact the storage method and shelf life of the finished macarons.

The Golden Rules of Macaron Storage

Mastering Room Temp Storage

Macarons can be stored at room temperature for up to 1 day (2). Place them in an airtight container, preferably lined with parchment paper. Keep the container in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and heat.

Room temperature storage works best for macarons filled with buttercream, ganache, or other stable fillings. Avoid storing macarons with perishable fillings like fruit curd at room temperature.

When the Fridge Is Your Friend

For longer storage, macarons can be refrigerated for up to 5 days (2). Place them in an airtight container lined with parchment paper to absorb excess moisture. Allow refrigerated macarons to come to room temperature before serving for them for the best flavor and texture.

Macarons with perishable fillings like fruit curd must be refrigerated. Moisture-sensitive fillings like marshmallow or meringue also do best in the fridge.

Freeze Now, Enjoy Later

Macarons can be frozen for up to 3 months (3). Arrange them in a single layer in an airtight container, with parchment paper between layers. Thaw frozen macarons in the fridge overnight, then bring to room temperature before serving.

Freezing works well for most macaron flavors and fillings. It’s a great option if you want to make macarons ahead of time for a special occasion.

Macaron Shelf Life Cheat Sheet

Here’s a quick reference for macaron shelf life:

Room temperature: 1 day (2)
Refrigerator: 5 days (2)
Freezer: 3 months (3)

Note that these are general guidelines. Shelf life may vary based on specific filling and storage conditions.

Storing Naked Shells vs. Filled Macarons

Keeping Unfilled Shells Fresh

If you’re not ready to fill your macaron shells right away, you can store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-5 days (4). Arrange them in a single layer and place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.

Humidity is the enemy of crisp macaron shells. Avoid storing unfilled shells in the fridge, as the moisture can make them soggy. For longer storage, freeze unfilled shells for up to 1 month (5).

Protecting Filled Macarons

Once macaron shells have been filled, they need to be stored more carefully to preserve the filling. Most filled macarons should be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 5 days (2).

The specific storage method and shelf life will depend on the type of filling. Macarons with perishable fillings like fruit curd must be refrigerated and consumed within 3-7 days (6). Macarons with stable fillings like buttercream can be stored at room temperature for a day.

Choosing the Right Container

The right storage container is key for keeping macarons fresh. Choose an airtight container with a tight-fitting lid to protect against humidity and odors. A shallow, rectangular container works well, as it allows you to arrange the macarons in a single layer.

Avoid storing macarons in plastic bags, as they trap moisture. Glass or hard plastic containers are best. Make sure the container is large enough that the macarons aren’t crammed in, which can cause them to break or stick together.

The Parchment Paper Trick

Lining your storage container with parchment paper is a simple trick that makes a big difference. Place a sheet of parchment on the bottom of the container, then arrange the macarons in a single layer. If you’re storing multiple layers, place a sheet of parchment between each layer.

The parchment paper absorbs excess moisture and prevents the macarons from sticking to the container or each other. It’s especially important when storing macarons with moist fillings like jam or curd.

Fillings, Flavors, and Fridge Life

The type of filling used in a macaron has a big impact on how it should be stored and how long it will last. Here are some general guidelines for common filling types:

Filling Type	Storage Method	Shelf Life
Buttercream	Room temp or fridge	1-5 days
Ganache	Room temp or fridge	1-5 days
Jam	Fridge	3-7 days
Curd	Fridge	3-7 days
Marshmallow	Fridge	3-5 days
Meringue	Fridge	3-5 days

Jams, Curds, and Ganaches

Macarons filled with high-moisture fillings like jams, curds, and ganaches should be refrigerated in an airtight container. These fillings are perishable and can make the macaron shells soggy if stored at room temperature.

For the best flavor and texture, let refrigerated macarons come to room temperature for 15-30 minutes before serving. For the best quality, consume them within 3-7 days (6).

Marshmallow and Meringue

Marshmallow and meringue fillings are more delicate and sensitive to humidity. Macarons with these fillings should be stored in the fridge in an airtight container and consumed within 3-5 days.

Let refrigerated macarons come to room temperature before serving. The meringue or marshmallow filling may soften and weep slightly as the macarons thaw, but this won’t affect the flavor.

Adapting for Other Fillings

When storing macarons with other filling types, consider the perishability and moisture content of the filling. Most fruit-based fillings need to be refrigerated, while buttercream can be stored at room temperature for a day.

If you’re unsure how a particular filling will affect shelf life, err on the side of caution and refrigerate the macarons. It’s better to have a slightly softer macaron than a spoiled one!

Troubleshooting Macaron Storage Mishaps

Even with the best storage methods, sometimes macarons can go awry. Here are some common macaron storage issues and how to troubleshoot them:

Banishing the Dreaded Soggy Bottom

Soggy bottoms are a common problem with macarons, especially those with moist fillings. To prevent sogginess:

Refrigerate macarons with moist fillings
Store macarons in an airtight container lined with parchment paper
Let refrigerated macarons come to room temperature before serving

If your macarons have already gone soggy, you can try re-crisping them in a low oven (200°F) for 5-10 minutes. Let them cool completely before serving.

Staving Off Staleness

Macarons can go stale if stored improperly or for too long. To prevent staleness:

Store macarons in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 day (2)
Refrigerate macarons for up to 5 days, or freeze for up to 3 months (2, 3)
Let refrigerated or frozen macarons come to room temperature before serving

If your macarons have gone stale, you can try reviving them by placing them in a sealed container with a slice of bread overnight. The bread will absorb some of the staleness. Remove the bread before serving the macarons (7).

The Art of Thawing Frozen Macarons

Thawing frozen macarons properly is key to preserving their texture and preventing condensation. To thaw frozen macarons:

Transfer the container of macarons from the freezer to the fridge
Let the macarons thaw in the fridge overnight
Bring the thawed macarons to room temperature before serving

Avoid thawing macarons at room temperature, as this can cause condensation and sogginess. Thawed macarons should be consumed within 2-3 days for the best quality. Do not refreeze previously frozen macarons.

Macaron Storage FAQs

Store-Bought vs. Homemade

The storage guidelines for store-bought macarons are generally the same as for homemade ones. However, due to preservatives, store-bought macarons may have a slightly longer shelf life.

Check the packaging for specific storage instructions and use-by dates. Store-bought macarons past their prime may have an off texture or flavor or may develop mold.

Shipping and Transporting Tips

Proper packaging is key when shipping or transporting macarons. Arrange the macarons in a single layer in a sturdy, airtight container. Use parchment paper to separate layers. Fill any empty space with crumpled parchment or tissue paper to prevent shifting.

For longer journeys, consider using insulated packaging or gel packs to keep the macarons cool. Avoid exposing the macarons to extreme temperatures or humidity during transport.

Help! What Went Wrong?

Here are a few other common macaron storage issues and how to troubleshoot them:

Mold: Discard any moldy macarons. To prevent mold, store macarons in an airtight container in the fridge or freezer.
Hollow shells: This is usually a baking issue, not a storage one. Ensure proper macaronage and oven temperature when baking.
Filling leaks: Refrigerate macarons with runny fillings like jam or curd. Ensure the filling is the right consistency before piping.

Conclusion

With proper storage, you can keep your macarons tasting fresh and delicious for days or even weeks. Remember to store them in an airtight container, use parchment paper to prevent sticking, and refrigerate or freeze them as needed based on the filling.

By following these simple tips, you’ll be able to enjoy your macarons at their best. Whether you’re a macaron-making pro or just an enthusiastic eater, proper storage is the key to macaron bliss. So go forth and store those macarons with confidence – your taste buds will thank you!