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How long do macarons last? How to store macarons?

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by Anthony · Updated Jul 30, 2024 · 3 min read

How to Store Macarons?

Store macarons in an airtight container, like a Tupperware. The idea here is to keep the moist as long as possible.

Then, you have 3 options to store macarons: Room temperature, refrigerator or freezer.

Each option has its pros and cons. Room temperature is best if you plan to serve the macarons within few days.

Keep in mind macarons are best at room temperature, because the texture (crunchy outside / chewy inside) is really important for best experience.

If you refrigerate them for 2-3 weeks, you'll be fine too. Just make sure to let the macarons sit long enough at ambiant temperature before serving.

Lastly, you can store your macarons in the freezer as well. That is if you plan to serve them in few months.

If you decide to freeze, beware to thaw them slowly. Because this process might "wet" the outer shells. You would then lose the signature texture of a macaron.

how long are macarons good for in the fridge?

Macarons are good in the fridge for about 14 days. That is what we advise at Pastreez, knowing they ship fresh to your door.

When we say 14 days, it does not mean they turn "bad" after. It simply means that after these two weeks, you might lose the signature taste of a macaron, which is crunchy outside and chewy inside.

If you store them too long in the fridge, they might dry out.

What are macarons and what are they made of?

To understand how to store your macarons, it is important to know what they are and the ingredients used in making them.

That will inform the best way for their storage. For a start, macarons are French desserts and are made of almond flour or grounded almonds, egg white, and sugar, all whipped into a meringue-like consistency.

Each piece has a filling in-between two shells and the common ingredients used for the filling include chocolate fondue, cream cheese, and fruit purées.

A lot of our first time customers ask what macarons taste like. It is moist and quickly melts when you pop it into your mouth. Fresh macarons are crispy on the outside and the inside tastes soft and delicious.

How long do macarons last?

How to store macarons

Macarons last for 14 days at room temperature, 4 weeks when refrigerated, and up to 6 months when frozen.

Remember, macarons are best at room temperature, to get the perfect texture. Too cold, they might be harder to bite in.

You can bring them out whenever you need them. But let the macarons thaw delicately. That process will avoid them "wet" their outer shells.

How do I store store-bought macarons?

Refrigerate macarons

Not everybody has the time for kitchen-time and thankfully, you can buy your macarons off the shelf without dabbling with ingredients and the oven.

So, how do you store your store-bought desserts and maintain their freshness? Here are some tips to help:

  • Store them in an airtight container. A glass or plastic container should work but make sure it is clean and dry. Also, check to see that the lid is airtight because when air gets into the macarons, they might dry faster than usual. You can also use plastic zip-lock bags. You have to be cautious though, because these pastries easily crumble. Therefore, choose a container with a hardcover.
  • Do not let them overlap. When storing the macarons in the container, ensure that you layer or line them up carefully without them overlapping. When they overlap, they will press on each other and crumble.
  • If you do not refrigerate your macarons, make sure you eat them up within 24 hours. Keep them in an airtight container and put the container in the pantry and not under direct sunlight. If you want the macarons to last longer, put them in the refrigerator and you can make them last up to three days. When placing the container in the fridge, make sure you push it to the middle and not close to the door of the fridge. That will ensure that the temperature fluctuation around the fridge door does not affect it.
  • If you want your macarons to last longer, freeze them up and you can have them last as long as three to six months. Within the first three months, they maintain their freshness and texture but after that, the quality begins to reduce but they will still taste good for up to six months.

How do I store home-baked macarons?

If baking is your thing or you prefer making everything that goes into your mouth, then you have probably tried your hands on home-baked macarons.

Baking is exciting as it allows you to be creative. So, if you have made batches of delicious home-baked macarons and you are wondering how to store them, do not fret.

Here are some tips to help you store and preserve your delicious macarons:

  • Leave out the Macaron shells and let them cool off. After pulling out the shells from the oven, allow the shells to cool down for some minutes before adding the filling. Filling them before they cool can cause the shell to crack, or they may lose their crunchiness. Remember that they are fragile; therefore, handle them carefully when you bring them out of the oven.
  • Once cooled, fill up the shells completely with any filling of your choice, including fruit jams, ganache, cream cheese, or fondue, among others. You can also freeze the macarons' shells and fill them later.
  • When you are done with filling the macarons, put them carefully in an airtight container and close them tightly. You can leave them on the counter or in the pantry if you plan to eat them within the next 24 hours or refrigerate them for up to three days. If you have made a large batch that you would want to keep for longer, store them in a container and put the container in the freezer. This will last up to six months.

How do I use frozen unfilled macarons shells?

As stated above, you can freeze unfilled macarons for three to six months.

The unfilled shells are also called meringues. When left in the freezer, they remain fresh for longer.

When you are ready to use them, pull them out of the freezer and leave them to defrost for about 45 minutes.

After that, assemble them on a tray and fill them up with fillings of your choice. That is all! You can now serve your exquisite macarons. Home-made macarons are best stored unfilled to retain their freshness and crispiness.

What are the wrong methods to store macarons?

It is possible that you have been storing macarons the wrong way and that is why they do not last long.

Since we have looked at the right and best ways to store your macarons, it is expedient to look at how not to store them. Here are the wrong methods you may have been using to store your macarons:

  • Storing them in plastic bags. Plastic bags are known to retain moisture and this causes macarons to get all mushy and soft. If you store macarons this way, the crispy, delicate shells become prone to breaking.
  • Using wax paper when storing macarons in layers. If you have abundant quantity to store, use parchment paper instead of wax paper for layering. When you use wax paper, the cookies will stick to the paper and when you try to remove them, they pull apart, messing up your precious cookies.
  • Storing macarons in the refrigerator without placing them in an airtight container. Do not get tempted to put a plate of macarons in the fridge. If you do, the delicate and crispy texture of the shells will absorb the smell of other items in the fridge and ruin its flavor. Instead, put them in an airtight container before you refrigerate them.

4 comments


  • Anthony - French chef

    @DWilliams sure thing! It was a typo. If you refrigerate, they last for a couple of weeks. I updated the article to reflect that. Macarons don’t turn “bad” in the fridge, especially in an airtight container. They simply slowly dry out. Thanks for your comment!


  • Anthony - French chef

    @Laurie thanks for sharing! I see your comment was made during Summer times. If you’re in a car with air condition on, you’re good! At least for our macarons, because they are made with a homemade ganache (white chocolate with no butter). But if your baker used a buttercream, they would be WAY more sensitive to hot temperature. Hope that helps!


  • Laurie Edwardson

    I had a baker make 200 macarons yesterday for a wedding.
    They are being refrigerated today. Until I pick them up late Friday.
    The wedding is on Monday.
    I’m travelling with them in a car for a day and a half.
    Will they be okay at room temperature until I get to the wedding venue?


  • D Williams

    Please clarify how long macarons can be kept if refrigerated. At the beginning, you state that macarons can be stored in the refrigerator for 2 to 3 weeks. Then toward the end of this article, you say they can be refrigerated 3 days. That’s a big difference.


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