Macarons, the colorful and elegant French confections made with almond flour, egg whites, and sugar, are not only delicious but also incredibly delicate. Whether store-bought or homemade, these sweet meringue-based cookies are susceptible to moisture, temperature, and air exposure. If you’re wondering, “Do macarons need to be refrigerated?”, the answer isn’t always a simple yes or no—it depends on several factors including ingredients, filling types, storage duration, and even the climate you live in.

This comprehensive guide explains when and why macarons need to be refrigerated, how long they last at room temperature, what to do with coconut macaroons, and whether the refrigerator is a safe place for drying out macarons before baking. Let’s explore the best storage methods to preserve the texture, flavor, and appearance of these beautiful treats.

Do Macarons Need to Be Refrigerated?

In general, yes—macarons should be refrigerated, especially after filling. Unfilled macaron shells can survive at room temperature for a few days in an airtight container, but once you add the creamy ganache, jam, or buttercream, refrigeration becomes essential to preserve their quality and food safety.

Refrigeration helps prevent spoilage of perishable fillings and helps maintain the chewy interior and crisp shell texture that macarons are prized for.

Why Do Macarons Need to Be Refrigerated?

Macarons typically include perishable fillings made from dairy products like heavy cream, butter, or cream cheese. These ingredients are prone to bacterial growth if left at room temperature for extended periods.

Here’s why refrigeration matters:

1. Preservation of Fillings: Buttercream, ganache, and jam can spoil if left unrefrigerated, especially in warm climates.
2. Texture Maintenance: Refrigeration helps macarons mature, improving their flavor and creating that perfect chewy-soft texture.
3. Extended Shelf Life: Proper refrigeration extends the lifespan of macarons from 1–2 days at room temperature to 5–7 days in the fridge.

Do Macarons Need to Be Chilled Before Serving?

Interestingly, while macarons need to be chilled for storage, they’re best enjoyed at room temperature. Before serving, take them out of the refrigerator and let them rest for about 20–30 minutes. This allows the flavors and textures to come alive, mimicking the freshly baked experience.

Do Homemade Macarons Need to Be Refrigerated?

Homemade macarons, unless stored unfilled, definitely need refrigeration after being assembled. Because home bakers might not use stabilizers or preservatives, the risk of spoilage increases without refrigeration.

Here’s a breakdown:

• Unfilled shells: Can stay at room temperature for up to 4 days in an airtight container.
• Filled macarons: Should be refrigerated immediately and stored in an airtight container to maintain freshness and texture for up to a week.

To maximize their longevity, you can also freeze them (more on that later).

What Happens If You Don’t Refrigerate Macarons?

Leaving filled macarons out overnight or for several days may result in:

• Filling Spoilage: Cream-based fillings can go rancid or sour.
• Texture Loss: The shell may become too soft, chewy, or soggy as it absorbs moisture from the air or filling.
• Bacterial Growth: Especially in warm and humid environments, unrefrigerated macarons are at higher risk of bacterial contamination.

So, if you’re asking, “Do macarons go bad if not refrigerated overnight?”, the answer is yes—especially if they contain dairy-based fillings. A few hours might be fine, but overnight can lead to significant degradation in quality and safety.

Do Coconut Macaroons Need to Be Refrigerated?

It’s important not to confuse macarons with macaroons, as they are entirely different treats. Coconut macaroons are dense, chewy cookies typically made with shredded coconut, sweetened condensed milk, and egg whites.

Whether or not coconut macaroons need refrigeration depends on their ingredients:

• No dairy or chocolate coating: Store at room temperature for up to a week.
• With chocolate or condensed milk: Best kept refrigerated to avoid melting or spoilage.

Refrigerated coconut macaroons can last up to 2 weeks in an airtight container, while freezing them can extend their shelf life to 3 months.

Can I Put My Macarons in the Fridge to Dry Before Baking?

A common misconception in the baking community is that placing piped macaron shells in the fridge can help them dry faster. This is not recommended.

Why?

• Refrigerators have high humidity levels, which can prevent the shells from forming the necessary skin before baking.
• The best drying method is to air dry macarons at room temperature for 30–60 minutes until they form a smooth, dry skin.

Using a refrigerator to dry them can result in cracked shells and poor structure.

How to Properly Store Macarons in the Fridge.

Storing macarons the right way ensures they retain their intended texture and taste.

Step-by-Step Refrigeration Tips:

1. Use an Airtight Container: Store filled macarons in a clean, dry container to prevent moisture absorption.
2. Layer with Parchment Paper: Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
3. Avoid Odor Transfer: Macarons can absorb fridge odors. Keep them away from strong-smelling foods or place them in a secondary sealed container.

Storage Duration:

• In the refrigerator: Up to 7 days
• In the freezer: Up to 2 months

When freezing, make sure to thaw macarons in the refrigerator overnight before bringing them to room temperature for serving.

Can You Leave Macarons Out Overnight?

Leaving macarons out overnight depends on a few variables:

• Unfilled shells: Yes, store in an airtight container.
• Filled macarons (especially with cream): No, they should be refrigerated.
• Dry climate: May extend room-temperature life by a few hours.
• Humid climate: Can cause shells to absorb moisture and spoil faster.

If your macarons were left out for only a few hours in a cool environment, they are likely safe. However, for anything longer than 8–10 hours, especially with perishable fillings, refrigeration is recommended.

How to Tell If Macarons Have Gone Bad

Macarons may look fine even when they’ve started to spoil, so it’s important to use your senses:

• Smell: Sour or rancid odor is a red flag.
• Texture: Overly soft, sticky shells may mean excessive moisture or spoilage.
• Taste: Stale or off flavor is a clear sign to discard them.
• Appearance: Mold or unusual discoloration is an immediate no-go.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Store Macarons at Room Temperature?

Yes, but only for short periods (1–2 days) and only if they’re unfilled or filled with non-dairy, shelf-stable ingredients.

What’s the Best Way to Freeze Macarons?

Freeze in an airtight container lined with parchment paper. Thaw in the fridge before bringing to room temperature.

How Long Do Macarons Last in the Fridge?

Typically 5–7 days, depending on the filling and how well they’re stored.

Conclusion: Refrigeration Keeps Macarons Perfect

To preserve their delicate texture, beautiful appearance, and safety, macarons should be refrigerated once filled—especially if made with dairy or fruit-based fillings. While you can leave them out briefly, long-term storage without chilling can lead to spoilage, sogginess, or bacterial growth. Homemade macarons, in particular, benefit from refrigeration as they lack commercial preservatives. And while coconut macaroons may differ in their refrigeration needs, the key takeaway is to always consider the filling, storage conditions, and duration.

By understanding the nuances of macaron storage, you’ll ensure your delightful desserts remain just as enjoyable as the moment they were made.