Have you ever brought home a box of macarons and paused— do they go in the fridge? On the counter? Macarons are one of those desserts that feel a little delicate, a little precious, and very easy to accidentally store incorrectly. The good news is that once you understand how they behave, storing them properly becomes simple and almost second nature.
At Jenna Rae Cakes, we think of macarons as having three ideal stages of enjoyment: same-day freshness, refrigerated perfection, and frozen future treats. Each one has its place depending on when you plan to eat them. Let’s walk through how to store them so they stay at their absolute best.
The Golden Rule: Keep Macarons Cool and Protected
Macarons are sensitive to temperature, humidity, and air exposure. Their shells are delicate, and their fillings are soft and moisture-rich, which means improper storage can quickly affect texture.
The main goal when storing macarons is simple: keep them protected, cool, and airtight. That combination preserves both flavour and structure.
How to Store Macarons at Room Temperature
Macarons can be kept at room temperature for a short period, but only under the right conditions.
If you’re planning to enjoy them the same day, they can sit out in a cool, dry environment for a few hours. However, because our macarons are filled with buttercream-based fillings and carefully crafted for freshness, we generally recommend refrigeration for anything beyond same-day enjoyment.
Room temperature storage works best when:
- They are kept in their original box or an airtight container
- The environment is cool and not humid
- They are not exposed to direct sunlight or heat
Think of room temperature as a “short pause” in their journey, not long-term storage.
How to Store Macarons in the Fridge
The fridge is the best short-term storage option for macarons. When stored properly in an airtight container, macarons typically last 3 to 5 days in the refrigerator while maintaining good quality. Refrigeration helps preserve the structure and keeps fillings stable, but it also gradually changes texture in a very intentional way.
Fridge storage best practices:
- Store in an airtight container
- Keep away from strong-smelling foods (macarons can absorb odours)
- Avoid frequent temperature changes by opening the container repeatedly
This helps maintain both flavour and texture integrity.
The Maturing Effect (Why Refrigeration Actually Improves Them at First)
One of the most interesting parts of macarons is that they actually improve shortly after being made. Once filled, macarons enter a resting or “maturing” phase in the fridge or freezer. During this time:
- Moisture from the filling gently softens the shells
- The interior becomes perfectly chewy
- Flavours blend and deepen
- The texture becomes more cohesive
At Jenna Rae Cakes, this is intentional. Our macarons are carefully stored so they reach this ideal balance before they’re sold. So when you store them in the fridge at home, you’re continuing a process that’s already part of how they’re made to be enjoyed.
Can You Freeze Macarons?
Yes, and this is one of the best ways to extend their life without compromising quality. Macarons freeze beautifully when stored correctly, making them perfect for planning ahead, gifting, or saving a sweet moment for later.
Frozen shelf life:
Up to 6 months in the freezer when properly stored.
How to freeze macarons:
- Place in an airtight container
- Layer with parchment paper if stacking
- Keep away from strong odours in the freezer
How to thaw macarons:
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Move them to the fridge first and let them thaw slowly (ideally overnight!)
- Do not microwave, as it will damage texture
Slow thawing is what preserves that signature macaron structure.
What Happens If Macarons Are Stored Incorrectly?
If macarons are left uncovered or stored in a warm or humid environment, a few things can happen:
- The shells may become sticky or overly soft
- The texture can collapse or lose structure
- Flavours may fade more quickly
- They may absorb unwanted odours
Because macarons are naturally delicate, they respond quickly to their environment. Proper storage is what keeps them tasting the way they were intended.
Do All Macarons Store the Same Way?
At Jenna Rae Cakes, we offer six classic macaron flavours year-round, along with rotating seasonal and limited-edition flavours.
While all flavours follow the same storage guidelines, fillings can slightly influence texture over time:
- Buttercream-based fillings help maintain structure
- Add-ins like ganache, caramel, or fruit purées may gently soften the shell faster
That buttercream foundation is intentional because it creates consistency in both storage and eating experience.
The Best Way to Store Macarons (Simple Version)
If you want the easiest rule of thumb, here it is:
- Same day: cool, dry room temperature (short-term only).
- 1–5 days: airtight container in the fridge
- Up to 6 months: airtight container in the freezer
And always, always bring them back to room temperature or just below before enjoying. That final step is what unlocks the best texture and flavour.
Jenna Rae Cakes Macaron Philosophy
We design our macarons to be enjoyed at their peak, but also to travel through time gracefully. From the moment they are baked in the morning to the final maturing stage in refrigeration, every step is intentional. Storage isn’t an afterthought in this process, it’s part of what makes the final experience so consistent. That’s why, when you bring them home, a little care in storage means you get the same experience we intended in our bakery.
Visit Us In Winnipeg
You can find Jenna Rae Cakes macarons at all of our Winnipeg locations:
Each location carries our classic macarons, ready to take home or gift.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do macarons last in the fridge?
Macarons last about 3 to 5 days in the refrigerator when stored in an airtight container.
Can macarons be left out overnight?
It’s not recommended for best quality. Refrigeration is preferred for anything beyond a few hours.
Do macarons need to be refrigerated?
Yes, for best texture and freshness beyond same-day enjoyment.
Can you freeze macarons?
Yes. Macarons can be frozen for up to 6 months when properly stored.
Should macarons be eaten cold or at room temperature?
Macarons should always be brought to room temperature before eating for the best texture and flavour.
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