If you’ve been on Instagram in the last couple of years, you’ve probably seen your favorite influencer with a box of Ladurée macarons.
Those little sandwich cookies have taken the world by storm, making a huge comeback as a deluxe treat.
But here’s the truth: those influencers are right. Macarons are so good and deserving of all that praise! Honestly, it’s like biting into a chewy cloud. How am I supposed to resist that?
So, if you’ve recently gotten yourself a box of macarons (or baked some at home) and need to save them, I’ve got you covered.
We won’t let those macarons go bad – not on my watch!
Do Macarons Need to Be Refrigerated?
“Need” is a strong word. It all depends upon your situation. Did you buy them in advance, or are you planning on eating them right this very minute?
Macarons only need to be refrigerated if you aren’t going to eat them right away.
How Long Do Macarons Last?
When properly stored, macarons will last up to three days at room temperature, up to seven days in the fridge, and up to three months in the freezer.
However, the key phrase there is “when properly stored.” Macarons have a nasty habit of getting soggy, stale, cracked, or, even worse, absorbing the scents of any food around them. They will go bad (really bad) when not stored correctly, so make sure to read below for the details you need to make them last.
Room Temp
So long as they aren’t uncovered, macarons can last a few days out in the open. Generally, 2-3 days. Of course, if you order macarons from a specialty company, their packaging may preserve these French goods for longer.
Fridge
If packaged and prepared correctly, macarons can last up to a week in the fridge. This is perfect for when you’ve bought a box in advance or are planning on giving them as a gift. Or maybe you’re able to resist devouring the entire box in one go. Kudos to you.
Freezer
Last but not least, we have the mighty freezer.
When stored properly, macarons can last up to three months in the freezer. One wrong move – or leaky container – and those precious sandwich cookies will be goners. So, remember to take your time packaging them and make sure the container is airtight and lined with parchment paper.
How Long Do Macarons Stay Fresh Tasting?
This depends on how you store them and if you do so correctly!
Out on the counter, your macarons will stay fresh-tasting for 2-3 days. So, if you know you’ll be eating them soon, that’s a great option for you.
If not, they’ll stay fresh tasting for up to seven days in the fridge, so long as they’re stored properly.
If you freeze them, you risk the pernicious and cursed freezer taste. You know what I’m talking about: that slightly stale, cold, and weirdly gross flavor that comes along when things are stored in the freezer for too long.
What We Recommend
In an ideal world, you would have fresh macarons every day and wouldn’t have to worry about storing them. Sadly, this is not that world, but at least we still have macarons!
There are risks with refrigerating and freezing macarons: sogginess, cracks, freezer burn, flavor changes, etc.
However, if you need to store them for longer than 1-3 days, you must refrigerate or freeze them.
I recommend storing them in an airtight container at room temp if you’ll eat them quickly enough, and, if not, try the fridge. Unless you’re an experienced baker or have fiddled around with macarons before, the freezer should be a last resort. Risking freezer burn, soggy shells and cracks just ain’t worth it!
So, really, I’m giving you a reason to eat a large number of macarons in a short period of time to avoid having to refrigerate or freeze them. You’re welcome!
How to Store Macarons at Room Temp
Quick refresher: Macarons can last up to three days out on the counter when packaged correctly.
Now, let’s get into the specifics. To last 2-3 days, macarons need to be covered and out of direct sunlight. If that means storing them in your pantry, great! Or even out on the counter, so long as they’re not near a heat source (oven, stove, dishwasher) and are out of the sun.
Always store macarons in air-tight plastic containers to preserve their unique texture. And if you even think about storing those French beauties in a plastic bag, you will have your macaron card taken away.
I cannot stress this enough: plastic bags are not your friend when it comes to macarons! If the macarons touch each other (especially when stacked), they could break apart or crack.
Psst – You can place parchment paper in between layers to prevent such a disaster from occurring.
How to Store Macarons in the Fridge
Macarons last much longer in the fridge, so if you’ve got a party coming up, never fear! You don’t have to rush the day of – you just have to store them properly.
Macarons can last up to seven days in the fridge, you guessed it, when stored correctly.
You need to have an air-tight, sealed container. No excuses. If any air seeps in, they will become soggy and unappetizing.
Again, plastic bags are not your friends. The delicate skin of macarons will break or crack when touched.
Remember to place parchment paper between each layer. This will prevent them from breaking apart or sticking to each other.
In general, the center shelf is the best place to store your macarons. But you know your fridge better than I do. Where’s the spot where the temperature fluctuates the least? That’s where your macarons should go.
Top tip: remove your macarons from the fridge around 20 minutes before you want to eat them. Macarons are best enjoyed at room temperature – not too hot, not too cold. Goldilocks, much?
Can You Freeze Macarons?
Sure can!
You just can’t re-freeze them.
Macarons can last up to three months in the freezer, making this the most long-lasting option.
An airtight container is really important here. You don’t want to expose them to that dry, cold freezer air–they will crack and burn and never be the same. Once again, do not stack them directly on top of each other. Always use parchment paper, not wax paper!
Of course, you could always buy a macaron box to store them in too.
Let’s say you’re making a big batch of macarons in advance and want to freeze them. It’s way easier to freeze the shells and filling separately rather than together. No risk of sogginess if they’re separated!
Remember, just because you can freeze them doesn’t mean you always should.
For example, if you’ve already frozen them once, do not refreeze them. Along the same line, most store-bought macarons have usually been frozen in their lifetime. I would not recommend refreezing those either unless you’re in a truly desperate situation.
Refreezing macarons can ruin both the texture and flavor. Not worth it.
What Happens if Macarons Get Soggy?
You can crisp up your macarons, but only at certain stages.
If your macarons are already in their final form (shell and filling), you’re stuck with a soggy mess. But, if they’re still separate, you can mend the shells before adding the filling.
Place the soggy shells in your oven at a very low temperature for around 10 minutes, checking periodically to make sure they’re not burning. Then, let them cool completely–do not rush this process!--before filling the shells.
If you’re thinking you can just stick the whole macaron in the oven with no consequences, you’re wrong. And I say that in the most polite way possible.
Macarons are often made with egg whites, milk, and buttermilk – all ingredients that will curdle or liquefy when reheated. If re-heated, they could seep into the shells, making them even soggier, or curdle and leave you with a lumpy mess.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do French Macarons Need to Be Refrigerated?
Not necessarily!
However, if you’re planning on eating them later in the week, then yes, you should consider refrigerating them.
On the other hand, your stomach might be demanding some macarons right this very moment. If that’s the case, then there’s no need to refrigerate them so long as you eat them within 2-3 days.
Do Ladurée Macarons Need to Be Refrigerated?
These famous macarons are world-renowned for a reason. So, if you’ve been lucky enough to score a box of these precious cookies, you better store them right!
According to the Ladurée website, their macarons should be kept in the bottom of the fridge if not eaten right away. They will last up to four days when stored properly down there.
And, given the price and high demand, I recommend following their instructions to a T!
Are Macarons Gluten Free?
Yes! Macarons are made with almond flour instead of wheat flour.
Are Macarons Vegan?
No, they most certainly are not. The fluffy, meringue-like texture of a macaron comes from beaten egg whites.
Plus, the fillings often contain some form of dairy, whether that be milk or butter.
However, there are some bakers out there who play around with vegan macarons. If you’re interested in baking some yourself, you can check out Okonomi Kitchen’s recipe. Or you can always purchase from LA’s vegan patisserie, Verón.
Do Macarons Have Dairy?
Yes, unless specifically vegan. While the shells generally do not contain any dairy, most fillings will, unless you purchase those stuffed with jam or fruit preserves.
How to Pronounce Macarons
Mac-ah-ron. Ron, the final syllable, rhymes with gone. Add in a light French accent, maybe a rough growl when you pronounce the “ron,” and you’re good to go!
How to Make Macarons
There are so many recipes out there, but I’ve compiled just a few for a wide variety of flavor palates.
I mean, come on! There’s something for everyone–whether you prefer a tart bite, fruity flavors, or rich notes of coffee.
Now, I never said making macarons was easy. So, if you’re a beginner baker, try making these cream puff doughnuts or tahini chocolate chip cookies instead. Build up some skills first, you know what I’m saying?
How to Make French Macarons
For a more traditional take on the macaron, here are some noteworthy French-style recipes.
Sally’s Baking Addiction offers an in-depth guide, while Mon Petit Four covers a delicious mascarpone filling. The final recipe comes from a certified French chef who studied at le Cordon Bleu, so you know it’s gonna be good!
What Do Macarons Taste Like?
Since the shells are made with almond flour, there will be a sweet yet subtle almond taste in the cookies themselves. But one of the greatest things about macarons is how malleable they are!
The filling can range from chocolate ganache to jams to vanilla buttercream to just about anything under the sun. Some popular options include salted caramel, chocolate, blueberry, rose, pistachio, and licorice.
So, really, macarons can taste like whatever you want!
Why Are Macarons So Expensive?
First off, the ingredients are pricey. Fresh almonds or almond flour are expensive, as are fresh fruits, natural flavors, and high-grade chocolates. Plus, the superfine sugar tends to cost a pretty penny too.
Macarons are also tricky to make, requiring precision and quite a bit of time.
Plus, they’ve become more and more popular over the years, largely due to Sofia Coppola’s Marie Antoinette. As a symbol of luxury, class, and decadence, patisseries and stores are able to up their prices without too much protest.
What’s the Difference Between a Macaron and a Macaroon?
Although there’s only one extra ‘o’ separating the two, they really couldn’t be any more different.
Macaroons are coconut cookies, whereas macarons are French sandwich cookies, presumably brought to France in the 1500s by the Italian Medici family.
Macaroons also come from Italy, but their coconut base makes them more similar to a meringue than a macaron.
Though they’re both made with egg whites, their look and taste are worlds apart.
Conclusion
It’s always a good day when you have some extra macarons on hand, so make sure to store those beauties properly!
You’ll need:
An airtight container
Parchment paper
Fridge/freezer for long-term storage
We want to make sure you enjoy those delicious French sandwich cookies for as long as physically possible.
Happy eating!
Dolly
