Skip to content 
So you are facing the challenge of folding a flat-packed macaron box? A sloppy box can ruin the premium look of your sweet creations.
Do not panic. Packaging your beautiful macarons does not require a degree in structural engineering. Let’s explore the steps to fold your macaron box perfectly.
The Preparation
Prepare a clean workspace to fold your box. Consider using a table with a flat surface. Wipe every corner of the table and make sure it is completely dry. Now lay out your macaron box. Check it to find the glossy-printed side (the exterior) and the matte-printed side (the interior).
How to Fold a Drawer Macaron Box?
The sliding drawer box is the most popular style for luxury bakeries. It consists of a hollow outer sleeve and an inner sliding tray.
Follow these steps to assemble the base tray.
Step 1: Pre-Crease Every Scored Line
Never try to build the box straight out of the flat pack. Lay the cardboard piece with the interior side facing up.
Find all the lines that are already scored or perforated. Now, take each of these lines and fold them toward the middle. The fold has to be really sharp. It has to be at a perfect 90-degree angle so the scored or perforated lines fold neatly. Now gently press along the seam, then slowly let it back down.
Step 2: Push the Corner Tabs
Look at the short ends of your tray piece. You will notice small, triangular, or square tabs extending from the long side walls.
Fold these small tabs inward. They will act as the hidden support anchors for your box corners.
Step 3: Raise the Side Walls of Your Box
Pull the two side walls straight up. They need to be at a right angle to the bottom panel of the tray. Now take the corner tabs you folded in and make sure they are even with the short-end openings. The corner tabs should be facing up, against the openings.
Step 4: Fold and Lock the End Panels Firmly
Pull the short end panel straight up and wrap it over the top of the small corner tabs. You need to push the end panel down hard towards the inside bottom of your macaron box.
So, this drawer-style box has tabs on the end panel that fit into special slots on the bottom panel. When the end panel is in place, you will hear a noise or feel it snap into place. Do the same thing on the other side of the box.
The Internal Divider Insert
Premium macaroon boxes mostly include an extra cardboard insert. This insert creates individual structural tracks. It keeps your macarons perfectly lined up.
- Clear the Punch-Outs: Gently press out any leftover tiny circular or rectangular scrap pieces from the manufacturing process.
- Identify the Tracks: Look for the parallel scored lines running down the length of the insert.
- Fold the Small Flaps Up: Locate the minor stabilizing tabs along the edges. Fold them straight up first.
- Create the Channels: Bend the main long panels down away from each other to form an elevated “U” shape or accordion pattern.
- Drop into the Base: Drop this folded insert directly into your assembled drawer tray. Make sure it fits snugly against all four walls– with no overlapping.
The Outer Protective Sleeve
The outer sleeve is what holds the drawer shut tightly.
- Pop It Open: The sleeve usually arrives as a flattened, glued loop. Insert your hand inside and push outwards to pop it into a 3D rectangular tube.
- Crisp the Edges: Pinch all four long edge seams between your thumb and forefinger. Run your fingers down the length to give the sleeve a distinct, sharp rectangular profile. This prevents the middle of the sleeve from sagging against your macarons.
- Test the Slide: Slide your empty assembled drawer into the sleeve to ensure a seamless fit.
How to Fold a Two-Piece Macaron Box?
If you are using a classic two-piece macaron box, the assembly technique will be a bit different.
Step 1: Build the Deep Base Tray
Place your macaron box on a flat surface and make sure it is facing up. Fold up all the sides so they are straight up at a 90-degree angle to the bottom of the box. Next, you have to push the flaps at the corners and bring the short end panels up, wrap them over the flaps, and push them down to lock them into the box’s floor tabs.
Step 2: Shape the Upper Lid
Find the lid section of the box, which is connected to the back wall of the box’s base. Simply fold the side rim flaps of the lid inward along the visible scores.
Why Is a Properly Assembled Macaron Packaging Important?
Macarons are really delicate. Their shells are super thin because they are made with egg whites. If you squeeze them a little bit, they can break easily.
A properly assembled macaron box can do more than just look nice. It keeps all your sweet macarons safe and delightful.
Here are the valid reasons to assemble your macaron box properly.
- Crush Protection: The box’s sturdy outer walls protect every sweet macaron from crushing during harsh shipping
- Moisture Control: The thick cardboard keeps air from the outside of the box from reaching your macaron filling.
- Proper Separation: The dividers inside the box keep each macaron separate, so they don’t hit and rub against each other.
Final Words
Folding a macaron box does not have to be frustrating at all. If you take the time to crease every line, snap the corner tabs tightly into the base slots, shape your outer sleeves carefully, you’ll get a perfect box for your macarons.
Properly assembled packaging makes your macarons look professional. It changes them from a home-baked treat to a great gift. Keep your workspace clean, take time with the creases, and enjoy the beautiful presentation you have made for your macarons!
