Quick Answers
Macarons can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Keep the macarons in a single layer and separate the layers with parchment paper. Let the macarons come to room temperature before serving.
Macarons are a delicious French almond cookie that have become popular worldwide. Their crunchy outer shells and soft, chewy interior make them an irresistible treat. However, macarons are best when they are fresh and can lose their texture and flavor within a few days. Fortunately, you can extend the shelf life of macarons by storing them properly in the refrigerator.
When stored correctly, refrigeration can keep macarons tasting great for up to 5 days. The key is regulating temperature and humidity to prevent the macarons from becoming soggy. Storing macarons the right way will help maintain that signature macaron crunch.
This article will provide tips on the best methods for refrigerating macarons. You’ll learn how to prepare macarons for fridge storage, how to package them, refrigerator placement tips, and how long they will last.
Should You Refrigerate Macarons?
Macarons contain ingredients like eggs and butter that can cause them to spoil quickly at room temperature. Refrigeration helps retard the growth of bacteria and mold to extend the shelf life.
Refrigeration also slows down the staling process and prevents moisture loss. When stored properly in the fridge, macarons will maintain their texture better and taste fresher for longer.
The low humidity environment of the fridge helps keep macarons from becoming soggy. Just be sure to let refrigerated macarons come to room temperature before eating so the shells can crispen up again.
While refrigeration preserves macarons, it isn’t suitable for long term storage. The cookies will eventually harden and lose flavor. For storage beyond 5 days, freezing is best.
How Long Do Macarons Last in the Fridge?
Properly stored macarons can last for 5 days refrigerated.
Macaron shells are low in moisture and fat. This gives them a longer shelf life compared to other cookies. However, refrigeration is still needed to maintain peak flavor and texture.
At room temperature, macarons will begin to lose moisture after 2 days. Refrigeration helps slow the staling process. Stored in an airtight container, macarons can stay fresh in the fridge for up to 5 days.
After 5 days, you may notice the cookies start to lose their signature crunch. The meringue will begin to weep and the flavors can become dull. At this point, it’s best to throw the macarons away.
For storage beyond 5 days, wrap macarons tightly in plastic wrap and place in an airtight freezer bag. They will keep for up to 6 months frozen.
How to Store Macarons in the Fridge
Use an Airtight Container
Always store macarons in an airtight container, like a plastic storage container or glass jar. This prevents moisture from getting in and making the macarons soggy.
Make sure to use a container with a tight sealing lid. Stay away from containers that only have loose lids that just rest on top.
The container should be large enough to hold the macarons in a single layer without crowding. Don’t stack macarons directly on top of each other.
Line with Parchment Paper
Lining the storage container with parchment paper will help absorb condensation and keep macarons crisp. Place a sheet of parchment on the bottom of the container before adding macarons.
If storing multiple layers, place parchment rounds between each layer. This prevents macarons from sticking together and shields them from moisture.
Waxed paper can also be used for moisture protection. Avoid using paper towels which can stick to the macarons.
Keep in Single Layer
Arrange macarons in the storage container in a single, even layer. They should not be crowded or stacked directly on top of each other.
Laying macarons flat helps prevent breakage. Air circulation around each cookie also prevents sogginess.
Only stack macarons if layers are separated by parchment rounds. Even then, limit refrigerated stacks to 2-3 layers for the best texture.
Remove After 5 Days
Check on refrigerated macarons every few days. Discard any that show signs of mold or look dried out.
Macarons that remain in peak condition should be removed from the fridge after 5 days. At this point, enjoy within another 1-2 days or freeze for longer storage.
Keeping macarons refrigerated for longer than 5 days risks deterioration in flavor and texture.
Where to Store Macarons in the Fridge
Find a spot in the main refrigerator compartment to store macarons. The ideal refrigerator temperature for macarons is around 40°F.
Avoid keeping them in the refrigerator door, where the temperature can fluctuate. The back of the fridge is the coolest spot.
You can store macarons on a fridge shelf or in a designated crisper drawer. Just be sure the storage container is level so macarons don’t slide around.
Refrain from storing macarons in the freezer compartment. It is too cold and can cause faster moisture loss.
Crisper Drawer
The crisper drawer is a good option for storing macarons in the fridge. The temperature and humidity are slightly higher than the main compartment.
Keep macarons in an airtight container, then place the container in the crisper. Adjust the humidity settings to the low or medium position.
The crisper drawer will help buffer any temperature fluctuations from the refrigerator door opening and closing.
Refrigerator Shelf
You can also store macarons right on a fridge shelf. Place them toward the back of the fridge where the temperature is most stable.
Make sure the shelf is completely clean and dry first. Use the storage container to elevate macarons so air can circulate underneath.
Avoid overfilling the fridge or blocking vents. Airflow is important for preventing condensation and moisture around macarons.
How to Serve Refrigerated Macarons
Never serve macarons straight from the refrigerator. The cold, stiff cookies will crack or break when bitten into. Their flavors also dull when chilled.
Instead, remove macarons from the fridge and let them come to room temperature before eating. This allows the meringue and ganache to soften and makes macarons taste fresher.
Place the storage container on the counter for 1-2 hours before serving. The shells will recrisp as they warm up.
Briefly warming refrigerated macarons in a low oven can help revive their signature crunch. Place macarons on a cookie sheet and bake at 200°F for 5 minutes.
Avoid leaving macarons out at room temperature for more than a few hours. This speeds up staling and moisture loss.
Signs Your Refrigerated Macarons Have Gone Bad
Properly stored macarons can last 5 days in the fridge before quality deteriorates. Watch for these signs that refrigerated macarons have gone bad:
- Hard, cracked shells: Macarons lose their signature chew and become dry and hard.
- Weeping filling: The meringue starts separating from the filling and weeping liquid.
- Off odors or flavors: Stale, old macarons smell and taste unpleasant.
- Mold growth: Tiny fuzzy spots appear on the macaron shells or filling.
- Dry, shrunken cookies: Dehydrated macarons become small and shriveled.
Macarons displaying any of these signs should be discarded. When in doubt, remember the 5 day time limit. After 5 days, it’s safest to throw refrigerated macarons away.
Tips for Refrigerating Macarons
Follow these recommendations for keeping homemade or store-bought macarons fresh in the refrigerator:
- Fill macarons just before refrigerating to maximize freshness.
- Ensure shells have dried and hardened completely before refrigerating.
- Use an airtight container like a plasticware container or glass jar.
- Place parchment paper between layers to absorb moisture.
- Store macarons in a single layer without crowding.
- Keep macarons toward the back of the fridge, not the door.
- Let refrigerated macarons come to room temperature before serving.
- Refrigerate for no more than 5 days before enjoying or freezing.
Common Questions
Can macarons be refrigerated without a container?
It’s best to always store macarons in an airtight container in the fridge. Leaving them uncovered will lead to faster staling as they lose moisture to the fridge environment.
How long do refrigerated macarons last after opening?
Keep refrigerated macarons tightly sealed in their original packaging, and use within 5 days for best quality. Transferring opened macarons to an airtight container can help maintain freshness a day or two longer.
Can refrigerated macarons be frozen again?
Previously refrigerated macarons should not go straight into the freezer. Enjoy refrigerated macarons within 5 days. For extended storage, only freeze never refrigerated macarons.
Do macarons need to be refrigerated?
Refrigeration extends the shelf life of macarons but isn’t mandatory. Store macarons at room temperature in an airtight container for 1-2 days. For longer storage, refrigeration or freezing is recommended.
How do you soften refrigerated macarons?
Let refrigerated macarons come to room temperature for 1-2 hours before serving. Brief oven warming at 200°F for 5 minutes can also help soften the shells.
Storing Macaron Shells vs. Filled Macarons
Macaron shells and filled macarons have slightly different storage needs in the fridge:
Macaron Shells
- Can be refrigerated 1-2 weeks before filling
- Store dry shells in airtight container
- Keep shells in single layer separated by parchment
- Allow to come to room temperature before filling
Filled Macarons
- Refrigerate immediately after filling
- Consume within 5 days
- Keep filled macarons between sheets of parchment
- Store container on fridge shelf or in crisper drawer
Filled macarons are more perishable and have a shorter fridge life than unfilled shells. Keeping the components separate until ready to serve provides the longest lasting macarons.
Troubleshooting Refrigerated Macarons
| Issue | Solution |
|---|---|
| Hard, cracked shells | Store in airtight container, use parchment between layers, consume within 5 days |
| Weeping filling | Fill macarons just before refrigerating, store flat in single layer |
| Dry, shriveled macarons | Keep macarons in back of fridge, use airtight storage container |
| Moldy macarons | Refrigerate only completely dried shells, discard moldy macarons immediately |
| Macarons stuck together | Keep macarons in a single layer, separate layers with parchment |
| Loss of flavor | Consume within 5 days, store in back of fridge to prevent temperature fluctuations |
Conclusion
With proper storage techniques, macarons can keep their signature crisp shells and decadent fillings for up to 5 days refrigerated. Place macarons in an airtight container lined with parchment paper and store toward the back of the fridge.
Keep macarons in a single layer and avoid stacking or overcrowding. Let refrigerated macarons come to room temperature before serving to restore their texture and flavors.
Following these guidelines will help your homemade or gourmet macarons stay tasting great long after baking. Just be sure to consume refrigerated macarons within 5 days for the best quality results.