Macarons are one of the most delicate and delicious meringue-based French confections. They are made with two almond meringue cookies sandwiching a flavored filling and come in an array of colors and flavors.
These pretty little cookies are notoriously challenging to make and quite fragile. You can find fresh macarons in most bakeries, but they can also be made at home.
You can also batch-cook them in advance and store them for later use. But before you do that, it’s important to know how to store macarons properly to keep them fresh and delicious.
Yes, You Can Make Macarons Ahead Of Time!
Making macarons can be tricky and take time. If you’re short on time or just want to be prepared for a special event, you can make a large batch of macarons ahead of time. But it is essential to store them properly to prevent them from drying out or getting soggy.
Once the macarons are baked and cooled, they can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature but not longer than 24 hours. That is why macarons should be stored in an airtight container and kept in the fridge, where they will last for up to 7 days before day start to lose their subtle crunch.
If you need to store them for longer, they can be frozen in an airtight container for up to 2 months.
But the fridge is the go-to option for storing macarons.
Storing Macarons In The Fridge?
To store macarons in the fridge, simply bake the shells and let them completely cool. Once cooled, you can add the filling of your choice and sandwich them together, or you can leave the macaron shell unfilled.
Once chilled, take an airtight glass or plastic container and line it with parchment paper. Then carefully place the macarons into the container. You can place them flat in the box or vertically on their side, next to each other.
If you want to store them in multiple layers, make sure to put a piece of parchment paper between each layer. However, I would not recommend stacking too many layers on top of each other as they are pretty delicate and can be easily squashed.
You can store filled macarons for up to seven days in the fridge, and the shells without any filling can still be pretty good for up to ten days.
When you’re ready to eat or serve your macarons, take them out of the fridge and let them sit for about 20-30 minutes. Although you can eat them straight out of the fridge, I have noticed that letting them come to room temperature will help them to reach their full flavor and texture potential.
Using Macaron Boxes With Inserts
These specially-made boxes with inserts or molded slots are a great way to store macarons, especially if you plan to give them away as a gift and ensure that these French delicacies won’t break or crumble during transport.
TAP ON IMAGE TO VIEW PRICE
They are also reusable; once you have cleaned them, you can use them again whenever you make a new batch.
But whether you use Tupperware or macaron storage boxes, always store them in the fridge to extend the shelf life of these delicate sandwich cookies.
Can You Freeze Unfilled Macarons?
You can freeze unfilled macaron shells for up to two months, but like with anything that has been frozen and thawed, they will not taste as fresh.
Macrons without filling can be stored in an airtight plastic container lined with parchment paper. Be sure to label the container with the date so you can track how long they’ve been in the freezer.
To prevent the shells from sticking together, place a piece of parchment paper between each shell. When you are ready to assemble the macarons, thaw them overnight in the refrigerator before filling them.
Can You Freeze Filled Macaron Shells?
Yes, you can also freeze-filled macaron, whether store-bought or homemade. However, it’s important to note that certain fillings don’t respond well to freezing, such as ones that contain fresh fruit. The safest fillings to freeze are buttercream, chocolate ganache, or cream cheese.
To freeze macarons, simply place them on the wax paper-lined baking tray and cover them loosely with Sharan wrap. Place the tray in the freezer for a few our, then transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag once they’re frozen. That way, they won’t freeze together into a big clump.
Preventing Freezer Burn On Your Macarons
Freezer burn is the enemy of all frozen food. It occurs when food is exposed to air, causing it to dry out and become freezer-burned.
Freezer burn doesn’t make food unsafe to eat but affects appearance, taste, and texture.
To prevent freezer burn on your macarons, be sure to wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or place them in an airtight container. This will help to keep the moisture in and the air out.
You can also place a piece of paper towel over the top of the macarons before you seal the container. This will help to absorb any moisture that might be released during the freezing macarons process.
Difference Between Homemade And Store-Bought Macarons
There are a few differences between storebought and homemade macarons when it comes to taste and shelf life.
Store-bought and filled macarons are often mass-produced, which means they probably won’t taste as good and fresh as homemade ones, but they often do contain artificial flavors, colors, and preservatives, really helping to extend their shelf life, even without refrigeration.
On the other hand, homemade macarons are made with fresh ingredients and usually don’t contain any artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives. This results in a tastier, more authentic macaron, but you really need to store them carefully if you are not going to eat them straight away.
Another difference between homemade and store-bought macarons is the price. A store-bought macaron can be expensive, while homemade macarons are relatively inexpensive to make.
Although even if you did not buy the macarons from the supermarket’s chilled food aisle, I would still recommend keeping them in the fridge once you get home.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you mail macarons in the post?
Yes, you can mail macarons in the post, but you must take precautions. Macarons are delicate and perishable cookies and can easily be damaged in transit. Ensure the macarons are well-packaged so they don’t break in transit. It is also recommended to include an ice pack and use a fast shipping method like next day or priority delivery to get the macarons to their destination quickly and safely.
Will macarons melt at room temreture?
Macarons won’t melt like ice cream, but they are still best stored in the fridge, as the buttery filling can become soft, causing them to lose their shape in a warm kitchen.
How to eat frozen macarons?
For the best texture and flavor, you should let macarons to become to room temperature before eating. You can thaw them overnight in the fridge or leave them on the kitchen counter for 30-40 minutes before eating.
How long do macarons stay fresh?
Macarons are best eaten within 2-3 days of being made. After that, they will gradually start to lose their flavor and texture. However, macarons will stay fresh for up to a week if stored in an airtight container in the fridge. If you want to keep them for longer, you can store them in the freezer for up to two months.
Which macaron fillings freeze the best?
Some fillings, such as buttercream or chocolate ganache, are better suited for freezing than others. Fillings with a high moisture content or jams, jelly, and curds will not freeze well and may become grainy or watery when thawed.
How to know when macarons are gone bad?
Macarons are gone bad when they are no longer moist or have become soggy. Also, if they have developed mold or an unpleasant odor or the filling has split, it’s best to throw them out if you see any of these signs.
Read Also: How To Color Cake Mix Using Natural Food Coloring.
In Summary
Macarons are delicate pastries that can be difficult to store and keep fresh. However, with a few simple tips, you can enjoy these delicious treats for days or even weeks. Here’s the summary of how to store and keep macarons fresh:
- Macarons are delicate, so handle them with care.
- When making the at home, ensure they are completely cooled before storing.
- Once they are cool, you’ll want to place them in airtight plastic containers in a single layer and store them in the fridge.
- You can also freeze macarons for up to 2 months.
- To thaw, take them out of the freezer and leave them in the fridge overnight.
- Although store-bought macarons contain preservatives, the fillings contain perishable ingredients, and you should still keep them in the fridge.
