Can you Freeze Macarons? Tips on How to Store Macarons

Macarons are a beloved French pastry that have taken the world by storm. They are known for their delicate meringue shells and delicious fillings. These fillings can range from chocolate ganache to lemon curd to salted caramel buttercream. But what if you have some leftover macaron shells or fully assembled macarons that you can’t finish right away? Can you freeze macarons? The answer is yes, you can! Freezing macarons is a great way to store them for later without sacrificing their flavor or texture.

If you’re looking for the perfect French Macaron recipe, check out this recipe from Preppy Kitchen!

Can I Make Macarons Ahead of Time?

Absolutely! Making macarons ahead of time is a fantastic idea to save time and reduce stress when planning for special events or gatherings. You can prepare the macaron shells in advance and freeze them until needed. Freezing the macaron shells not only allows for better time management but also enhances their texture and flavor as it gives the flavors time to meld.

How To Store Macarons In The Fridge

To store macarons in the fridge and keep them fresh, follow these steps:

1. Ensure They Are Fully Cooled: Allow the macarons to cool completely at room temperature after filling them with your desired fillings. If the fillings need time to set, make sure to refrigerate the assembled macarons for a couple of hours before storing them.
2. Choose an Airtight Container: Place the filled macarons in an airtight container. You can use a plastic container or a glass container with a tight-fitting lid. Avoid using containers that are too large, as extra space can lead to air exposure and potential moisture transfer.
3. Layer with Parchment Paper: Separate the layers of macarons with sheets of parchment paper to prevent them from sticking together or absorbing any moisture.
4. Refrigerate: Once the macarons are properly packed in the airtight container, place them in the refrigerator. The cool temperature of the fridge helps to preserve their texture and keeps the fillings fresh.
5. Avoid Odor Transfer: To prevent any odor transfer, keep the container of macarons away from strong-smelling foods or items in the fridge.
6. Consume Within a Few Days: While macarons can be stored in the fridge for a few days, it’s best to consume them within 3-4 days for the best taste and texture.

By following these steps, you can store your macarons in the fridge and enjoy them at their freshest and most delicious state.

How Long Can You Keep Macarons In The Fridge

The shelf life of filled macarons shells largely depends on the type of filling used and how they are stored. Generally, filled macarons can last for about 3 to 5 days when properly stored in the refrigerator. The moisture in the filling and the delicate texture of the macaron shells make them more susceptible to spoilage and texture changes over time.

How To Freeze Macarons

How to Freeze Macaron Shells

Freezing macaron shells is a great way to store them for later without sacrificing their flavor or texture. To freeze macaron shells, simply place them in an air tight container or tightly wrapped in parchment paper or plastic wrap. Then, store them in the freezer.

How long can Macaron shells be frozen for?

You can freeze macaron shells for up to 2 months. It’s important to store them in an airtight container or tightly wrapped in parchment paper. This is to prevent freezer burn or absorption of any unwanted flavors.

How to defrost frozen Macaron shells

When you are ready to use them, let the macaron shells come to room temperature before filling them. Freezing macaron shells is a great way to store them for later without sacrificing their flavor or texture.

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How to Freeze Macarons with Filling

If you have already filled your macarons, you can still freeze them. But there are some additional steps you need to take.

First, make sure that the macaron filling is firm and not too runny. If the filling is too liquidy, it may leak out of the macarons during the freezing process. Once you have filled your macarons, place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Freeze them for at least 30 minutes.

After they are frozen, transfer the macarons to an airtight container and store them in the freezer. Filled macarons can be stored in the freezer for up to 1 month.

How Do You Defrost Macarons?

Filled macarons should be thawed in the fridge to prevent the filling from melting. Once they are thawed, let them come to room temperature before serving. It is important to note that macarons need to be eaten within a few days of thawing, as they do not have a long shelf life once defrosted.

The best containers for freezing the macarons

The best containers for freezing macarons are airtight containers that will protect the macarons from freezer burn and other odors in the freezer. You can use plastic or glass containers with tight-fitting lids. It’s important to choose a container that is just the right size for the macarons you are freezing. This is to prevent any extra air from getting in and causing freezer burn.

Alternatively, you can also use resealable plastic bags that are specifically designed for freezer use. Make sure to press out as much air as possible before sealing the bag to prevent freezer burn. If you are freezing filled macarons, place a layer of parchment paper between each macaron to prevent them from sticking together.

No matter what type of container you choose, label it with the date you froze the macarons so that you can keep track of how long they have been in the freezer. Properly stored and labeled, your frozen macarons should maintain their quality and flavor for up to 2 months.

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Can You Refreeze Macarons?

It is not recommended to refreeze macarons because it can affect their texture and flavor. When you freeze and then thaw macarons, their delicate meringue shells can become soft and lose their crispness. The filling can also become runny or separate. Refreezing the macarons can worsen these issues and make them less enjoyable to eat.

It is best to plan ahead and only freeze the amount of macarons that you need, so that you can avoid the need to refreeze them. If you have leftover macarons that have already been thawed, it’s best to consume them within a few days or store them in the fridge for a short period of time, rather than refreezing them.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Is it better to freeze or refrigerate the macarons?

When it comes to storing macarons, it’s generally better to freeze them rather than refrigerate them. Macarons are delicate and can easily absorb moisture and odors from the surrounding environment. This can cause them to become soft, lose their texture, and become stale.

Benefits of Refrigerating macarons

Refrigerating macarons can help to extend their shelf life for a short period of time, but they can still absorb moisture and become stale quickly. Especially if they are not properly stored. If you must refrigerate your macarons, store them in an airtight container lined with parchment paper and consume them within 2-3 days for the best results.

Benefits of Freezing macarons

On the other hand, freezing macarons can help to preserve their texture, flavor, and freshness for a longer period of time (up to 2 months).

Can macarons stay fresh out of the fridge?

Yes, macarons can stay fresh out of the fridge for a short period of time. This is dependent on the temperature and humidity of the environment. Macarons are best consumed within a few days of being made, so if you plan to eat them within that time frame, it’s okay to keep them at room temperature.

However, it’s important to keep in mind that macarons are delicate and can easily absorb moisture from the surrounding environment. This can cause them to become soft, lose their texture, and become stale quickly. To prevent this from happening, store your macarons in an airtight container at room temperature, away from any sources of heat or humidity.

If you live in a humid or warm environment, it’s best to store your macarons in the fridge or freezer to maintain their texture and flavor for a longer period of time. Just make sure to let them come to room temperature before serving to fully enjoy their delicate texture and flavors.

Which Macaron Fillings Freeze Well in the Freezer?

Many macaron fillings can be frozen successfully, but some types of fillings freeze better than others. Here are a few types of macaron fillings that typically freeze well in the freezer:

1. Vanilla Buttercream: Buttercream is a popular macaron filling that can be frozen for up to two months. To freeze buttercream, place it in an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag and squeeze out as much air as possible before sealing. When ready to use, thaw the buttercream in the fridge overnight or at room temperature for a few hours.
2. Ganache: Chocolate ganache is another popular macaron filling that can be frozen successfully for up to two months. Place the ganache in an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag and remove as much air as possible before sealing. To thaw, place the ganache in the fridge overnight or at room temperature for a few hours.
3. Lemon curd: Lemon curd is a tangy and flavorful macaron filling that can be frozen for up to two months. To freeze lemon curd, place it in an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag and squeeze out as much air as possible before sealing. When ready to use, thaw the lemon curd in the fridge overnight or at room temperature for a few hours.
4. Salted caramel: Salted caramel is a rich and decadent macaron filling that can also be frozen successfully for up to two months. To freeze salted caramel, place it in an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag and remove as much air as possible before sealing. When ready to use, thaw the salted caramel in the fridge overnight or at room temperature for a few hours.

Important Note

It’s important to note that not all macaron fillings freeze well, and some may separate or become grainy after being frozen. It’s always best to test a small batch of your filling before freezing a larger amount to ensure that it freezes and thaws properly.

In conclusion

Freezing macarons is a great way to store them for later without sacrificing their flavor or texture. Whether you have macaron shells or filled macarons, you can freeze them with confidence using the proper techniques and containers. Just be sure to thaw them properly and store them at room temperature or in the fridge depending on their filling. With the right macaron recipe and storage methods, you can enjoy delicious macarons anytime you want!