Macarons, the symbol of French pastry, are delicious biscuits; crunchy on the outside and with a soft filling. If you have to store them, it is important to keep the outside crunchy, as they tend to get mushy very easily. You have to put them in an airtight container to prevent this from happening. If they are stored in the refrigerator they will keep fresh for three days, otherwise they must be consumed within 24 hours. They can last up to six months in the freezer.
Steps
Method 1 of 2: Store Store-bought Macarons
Step 1. Store them in an airtight container
It is recommended to use a plastic or glass container. Make sure it's clean and dry. Check that it is hermetically sealed because even a small amount of air is enough to make the biscuits lose their fragrance.
Zip-lock plastic bags might be fine, but since macarons tend to crumble easily, it's much better to use a rigid container
Step 2. Place the cookies in the container
Arrange them one behind the other in a single layer, taking care that they do not overlap. If you have a lot to keep, tear off a piece of parchment paper and place it on the first layer, creating a second one on which to arrange the others in the same way.
- Keep putting the parchment paper between each layer until all the cookies are done.
- Make sure you use parchment paper and not greaseproof paper; the second would stick to the biscuits creating a slaughterhouse.
Step 3. Eat them within 24 hours if you leave them out of the fridge
If you plan to eat them during the day, place the container in the pantry or on the kitchen counter, out of direct sunlight.
Step 4. Eat them within three days if you keep them in the fridge
Place the container on the central shelves, where the temperature remains constant. Avoid placing cookies near the fridge door as the temperature is always fluctuating in those areas. Also make sure they are not near heavy objects that could hit the container.
Step 5. Place the cookies in the freezer to store them for three to six months
For up to three months, macarons retain their fragrance. After that time, the quality will begin to decline, but the flavor will still be good within six months at the latest. For best storage and to avoid temperature changes, place the container in the back of the freezer, away from heavy and bulky items.
Step 6. Let them thaw for about thirty minutes before serving
When you are ready to eat them, take out the container and leave it out for about half an hour. Wait for the cookies to reach room temperature before serving.
If you don't want to eat them all, just take one serving and put the container back in the fridge or freezer immediately
Method 2 of 2: Store Macarons After Baking
Step 1. Take the macaron shells out of the oven once cooked and let them cool
Before adding the filling it is necessary that the shells are cold, otherwise they could break or lose their fragrance. Handle them with care; as soon as they come out of the oven they are quite fragile.
The shells are the visible part of the macarons, so it is important that they are also perfect with regard to the external appearance
Step 2. Add the filling once the shells have cooled completely
You can fill them with a cream cheese, fruit jams, fondue, a ganache and much more. Try a new recipe or, once the shells have cooled, add your favorite filling.
Step 3. Alternatively, freeze the macaron shells for filling later
This way you can keep the empty shells for about three months. Before stuffing them, let them defrost for half an hour and, at that point, add the filling and the final decorations.
Step 4. Put them in an airtight container
Use a plastic or glass container and make sure the lid is closed tightly. Arrange the cookies one layer at a time and remember to put the parchment paper between each layer.
Step 5. Leave them on a shelf, store them in the fridge or freezer
If you plan to consume them in the day, leave them out. Store them in the fridge if you eat them within three days, or store them in the freezer for three to six months.
