Tips and Tricks of How to Ship Macarons with Easy Packaging
Macarons are delicate almond bakery cookies that require special handling when shipping. First, allow macarons to dry for 24-48 hours after baking before packaging to prevent moisture damage. Carefully place macarons in a sturdy macaron box or container with dividers to prevent breakage.
Fill empty spaces with tissue paper or bubble wrap as cushioning. Seal the box securely with strong tape and indicate “Fragile” on the package. Ship via expedited service to minimize transit time. Provide handling instructions to keep the box upright and avoid shaking.
Following tips on proper packaging and shipping methods will ensure your lovingly crafted macarons arrive in perfect condition, ready to be enjoyed by the recipient.
Key Notes
- Allow macarons to dry for 24-48 hours before packaging to maintain their crispness.
- Package macarons in a sturdy container with dividers and cushioning materials like tissue paper or bubble wrap.
- Seal the box securely and label it as “Fragile.”
- Ship via expedited service to minimize transit time and preserve freshness.
- Follow step-by-step guidelines for packaging and shipping macarons to ensure they arrive intact.
- Consider pricing options for shipping carriers, prioritizing expedited services for perishable items.
Why Shipping Macarons?
Macarons are delicate French almond meringue cookies that can easily crack or lose their signature smooth domed shape when shipped. Their crisp outer shells sandwich a soft, chewy filling that can be damaged by moisture or temperature changes during transit. Improper packaging allows macarons to shift and rub together, ruining their picture-perfect appearance since macarons are an artisanal product often shipped as gifts or for special occasions.
They must arrive looking pristine and not damaged. With some preparation and careful packaging using rigid containers, cushioning, and expedited shipping, you can ensure your lovingly baked macarons reach the recipient intact, ready to enjoy while fresh.
Materials Needed to Ship Macarons
To safely ship macarons, you will need-
- Sturdy cardboard boxes.
- Bubble wrap or foam inserts to cushion the delicate treats.
- Food-safe tissue paper to separate layers.
- Freezer packs or insulated liners to maintain freshness.
- Additionally, adhesive tape is used for sealing packages, shipping labels, and fragile stickers to alert handlers.
Lastly, consider decorative elements like ribbons or stickers to enhance presentation and instructions for handling perishable items.
Preparations Before Shipping Macarons
Proper preparation is key to preventing breakage or damage during transit.
Allow Proper Drying Time
After baking, macarons must dry for 24-48 hours before packaging and shipping. This resting period allows moisture to evaporate fully from the macaron shells, resulting in a crisp cookie with the signature “footing” or ruffled bottom edge. Filling the macarons too soon can cause sogginess. Letting them dry properly prevents breakage, damage, and sticking during transit.
Careful Packaging
Package macarons carefully in a rigid plastic or corrugated cardboard container with a lid. The box or tub should have dividers or partitions to separate each cookie so they don’t shift and rub during shipping. Line the container with parchment paper before snugly arranging a single layer of macarons inside.
Use Cushioning Materials
Surround the cookies with cushioning materials like tissue paper, crumpled parchment, or bubble wrap. This protects the delicate cookies from damage caused by shocks and vibrations during shipping. Avoid materials like newspapers or packing peanuts, which can transfer ink or odors.
Seal Securely and Label
Seal the container securely closed with moisture-resistant tape to prevent the lid from opening. Address the package fully and indicate with a “Handle with Care” sticker that the contents are fragile.
Ship Expedited
Ship the macarons within 2-3 days via expedited services for maximum freshness. Avoid shipping in very hot or cold weather that could damage the cookies.
Following these preparation steps will ensure your lovingly baked macarons arrive intact and ready to enjoy.
Step-By-Step Guide of How to Ship Macarons
Follow these tips to ensure your lovingly crafted macarons arrive intact:
Dry and Cure
After baking, allow the macaron shells to dry and cure at room temperature on a wire rack for 24-48 hours before attempting to fill or package them. This resting period enables sufficient moisture evaporation for optimum crispness and allows the signature “footing” or ruffled bottom of the macaron to form fully. Filling the macarons too soon can cause undesirable sogginess.
Package in Protective Container
Place a single layer of macarons in a clear plastic clamshell container or protective corrugated cardboard box. The rigidity of these containers prevents crushing or deformation during shipping. Use small parchment paper or silicone macaron muffin liners to separate each cookie so they do not stick together. Trim liners as needed to prevent pressure points on the macarons.
Cushion with Dunnage
Surround the macarons with dunnage or cushioning materials like crumpled parchment paper, tissue paper, or bubble wrap. This helps protect the cookies from damage due to shocks, vibrations, and motion during shipping. Avoid contaminants like newspaper ink or expanded polystyrene peanuts.
Seal Securely
Use strong packaging tape or adhesive with high shear strength to seal the box for shipping securely. For additional security, apply stay-tapes or tie them with butcher’s twine.
Label with Care Instructions
Address the package completely. Indicate that the contents are fragile using caution labels like “Handle with Care” or “Delicate Goods” to alert shipping handlers and recipients to use gentle care.
Ship Expedited
Select quick-transit couriers with the shortest shipping time. Ship early in the week to avoid packages sitting idle over weekends. For summer shipments, choose next-day refrigerated delivery to prevent heat exposure during transit.
Follow these tips when preparing and packaging your lovingly crafted macarons, and they’ll arrive in perfect condition, ready to impress and delight the lucky recipients.
Tricks That Might Help You
- A tip for shipping macarons is to consider using double-boxing for added protection. This involves placing the container of macarons inside a larger box with other cushioning material, providing an extra layer of insulation against potential impacts during transit.
- Another helpful trick is to include a small desiccant packet inside the packaging to absorb any excess moisture and help maintain the macarons’ crisp texture and freshness, especially in humid climates or during longer transit times.
What if I am Shipping Macarons in Hot Weather?
If shipping macarons in hot conditions, take extra steps to prevent heat damage during transit. Use an insulated shipping box including frozen gel packs or ice packs inside, to keep the cookies cool. Ship via overnight refrigerated delivery so the macarons spend minimal time in high temperatures. Advise the recipient to refrigerate the cookies immediately on arrival before consuming them for the best freshness and texture. With insulation and expedited chilling, macarons can still travel safely, even in hot weather.
Pricing of Shipping Macarons
- USPS Shipping:
| Service | Transit Time | Cost |
| First Class Mail | 2-5 business days | $3-$5 |
| Priority Mail | 1-3 business days | $7-$10 |
| Priority Mail Express | Overnight | $25-$35 |
- UPS Shipping:
| Service | Transit Time | Cost |
| Ground | 1-5 business days | $7-$15 |
| 2nd Day Air | 2 business days | $15-$30 |
| Next Day Air | Next business day | $30-$50 |
- FedEx Shipping:
| Service | Transit Time | Cost |
| Ground | 1-5 business days | $7-$15 |
| 2Day | 2 business days | $15-$30 |
| Overnight | Next business day | $25-$45 |
Notes:
- USPS Priority Mail is the most affordable expedited option for reliable 2-3 day delivery.
- FedEx and UPS Ground services are only recommended for short distances.
- Expect to pay $25-$50 for overnight delivery depending on distance and courier.
- Always use expedited services when shipping perishable macarons.
- Follow proper packaging methods for safe transit.
Final Words
For shipping delicate macarons, prioritize quality and reliability by choosing expedited services like USPS Priority Mail, UPS 2nd Day Air, or FedEx 2Day. These options ensure timely delivery, reducing the risk of damage or spoilage. Proper packaging techniques, such as cushioning and labelling, complement these services, guaranteeing your macarons arrive in perfect condition, ready to delight recipients.
