If you’ve ever had a macaron, you know how delicious they are. But what you might not know is that these little French cookies are delicate and need to be stored properly in order to stay fresh.
Here are a few tips on storing macarons to ensure you have a fresh macaron each and every time.
What Is A Macaron?
A macaron is a French cookie with a delicate texture made from almond flour, sugar, and egg whites. They are usually filled with a flavored buttercream, chocolate fondue, ganache, or fruit jams and come in various colors and flavors.
Can You Make Macarons Ahead Of Time?
Making macarons can be tricky. If you’re short on time or just want to be prepared for a special event, you can make a large batch of macarons and store them in the fridge or freezer.
Macarons will remain fresh for up to three days in a dark cupboard in macaron boxes with an airtight lid.
But the fridge is the go-to option for longer storage.
How To Store Your Macarons In The Fridge
Macarons are delicate cookies, and they need to be appropriately stored in order to stay fresh. If you plan to eat them within a few days, you can store them at room temperature in an airtight container.
But if you want them to last longer, you should store them in the fridge.
To refrigerate macaron shells, simply bake them and let them cool completely. Once you have cooled the shells, you can fill them using your favorite filling, or you can leave the shells unfilled.
Place them onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and put them in the fridge.
Once chilled, place them in an airtight glass or plastic container, and you can store them for up to a maximum of two weeks in the fridge.
You can eat them straight from the fridge.
Eating Macarons Out Of Fridge
When you’re ready to eat your macarons, take them out of the fridge and let them sit for about 30 minutes. This will help them to reach their full flavor potential.
Macarons are best eaten within a few days of being made, but they will stay fresh in the fridge for up to two weeks.
Tips On Storing Macarons In The Fridge
Here are some tips that will come in handy when storing macarons in the fridge:
- Macarons are delicate, so handle them with care.
- It’s important to know that when storing macarons, you need to ensure they are completely cooled. Once they are cool, you’ll want to place them in airtight plastic containers in a single layer.
- It’s important that the container is airtight because otherwise, the cookies will dry out.
- If you’re storing the macarons for more than a day or two, you’ll want to place them in the refrigerator away from the fridge door. This will help to keep them fresh for a longer period.
- Just be sure to take them out of the fridge about 30 minutes before you plan on eating them, so they have a chance to come to room temperature.
By following these tips, you’ll be able to enjoy fresh, delicious macarons for days to come.
Top Tip: If you find that your macarons are starting to get a little hard, put them in the microwave for a few seconds to soften them up.
A Few Things To Avoid While Storing Macarons
Now that you know how to store macarons, there are a few things you’ll want to avoid doing in order to keep them fresh.
- First, don’t store them in direct sunlight or in a warm area. Both of these can cause the cookies to dry out and become hard.
- Secondly, avoid freezing them if you can. While they will stay fresh if you freeze macarons correctly, they can dry out and become hard.
- Finally, don’t stack the macarons on top of each other when you’re storing them. This will make them break and become crumbly.
Can You Freeze Unfilled Macarons?
You can freeze unfilled macaron shells for up to two months, but they will not taste as fresh as macarons stored in the fridge. Macrons without filling can be stored in an airtight plastic container lined with parchment paper or a freezer bag. 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 enjoy your frozen macarons, thaw them overnight in the refrigerator.
Can You Freeze Filled Macaron Shells?
Yes, you can freeze-filled macaron shells. However, it’s important to note that certain fillings don’t respond well to freezing, such as those containing fresh fruit or cream. If you’re unsure whether your desired filling will freeze well, it’s always best to test it out first on a small batch of shells.
To freeze filled macaron shells, simply place them on the wax paper lining your baking tray. You can transfer them to an air-tight container or plastic bag once they’re frozen.
Can Freezing Filled Macarons Make Them Soggy?
This depends on the type of filling you use. Some macaron fillings freeze well and others do not. If your filling is made with fresh cream, jam, or any other liquid-based ingredient, then freezing them will most likely make them soggy when defrosted.
If your macarons have a ganache, cream cheese, or buttercream filling, then the texture of the filling will remain the same after freezing. The chocolate buttercream filling will actually become more dense and fudgy.
So, to freeze filled macarons, make sure to use a filling that won’t be affected by the freezing process.
How To Prevent 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 it does affect the 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 parchment paper 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
When it comes to taste, there is a big difference between homemade Macarons and store-bought.
Store-bought-filled macarons are often mass-produced, which means the quality isn’t always the best. Additionally, they often contain artificial flavors and colors.
Homemade macarons are made with fresher ingredients and don’t contain any artificial flavors or colors. This results in a tastier, more authentic macaron.
Another difference between homemade and store-bought decorated macarons is the price. A store-bought decorated macaron can be expensive, while homemade macarons are relatively inexpensive to make.
Regarding storage, store-bought macarons have a longer shelf life than homemade macarons. This is because store-bought macarons often contain preservatives, which extend their shelf life.
Interesting Fact: Many people believe that homemade macarons taste better than expensive store-bought ones because they are fresher.
Final Thoughts
Macarons are a great option when you’re looking for a quick snack or a special dessert for your next garden party. They come in various flavors and can be stored in the fridge or freezer for later use. What’s more, they’re relatively easy to make at home.
So, next time you’re in the mood for a French treat, be sure to give macarons a try.