Candied Orange Peel Sweet Holiday Treat

Name: Candied Orange Peel Sweet Holiday Treat
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Yield: Makes about 1 cup
Ingredients: 4 medium oranges; 2 cups granulated sugar; 1 cup water; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional); Additional sugar for coating

Highlighted under: Chocolate Treats Recipes

I love making candied orange peel during the holiday season! There's something about the fragrant aroma of citrus that fills the kitchen and fills my heart with joy. The sweet, chewy texture is perfect for snacking or gifting, and they are surprisingly simple to make. I often find myself experimenting with the sugar-to-water ratio to achieve that ideal balance of sweetness. Trust me, once you try this delightful treat, you'll want to keep a stash on hand all year round.

Created by

The Chefromankitchen Team

Last updated on 2026-02-14T15:50:19.267Z

When I first attempted making candied orange peel, I was surprised by how rewarding the process was. I started by removing the pith from the orange peels, which can be a bit tedious, but it really enhances the final flavor. After simmering them a few times, the peels soaked up the syrupy goodness perfectly, creating a delicious treat that's both sweet and slightly tangy.

Each bite of candied orange peel transports me back to my childhood, where my grandmother would make these special treats every holiday season. Her secret? A touch of vanilla extract in the syrup, which gave the peels an aromatic quality I fondly remember. This little tip makes all the difference!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Bright citrus flavor that complements the sweetness perfectly
Versatile treat for snacking, decorating, or gifting
A nostalgic recipe that brings back warm holiday memories

Understanding the Ingredients

The main star of this recipe is, of course, the oranges. Select organic oranges for the best flavor, as they tend to have a more vibrant zest and less bitterness in their peels. The quality of your oranges directly impacts the final product; fresh, plump oranges yield tender peels, while older, drier ones can result in tough strips that won't candy well.

Granulated sugar serves multiple roles in this recipe. Not only does it create the sweet coating after the candied peels cool, but it also plays a vital part in the syrup where it acts as a preservative. This dual function enhances the peels' natural flavors and allows them to last longer when stored properly.

The Importance of Blanching

Blanching the orange peels is a crucial step to reducing their bitterness and ensuring a pleasant flavor. It's essential to maintain a rapid boil throughout the blanching process, as this helps to extract undesirable compounds from the peel. If your peels are still bitter after three blanching sessions, consider adding a touch of salt to your boiling water for added extraction.

Each blanching session should last approximately 10 minutes, followed by draining the peels and returning them to fresh boiling water. This method enhances the texture and ensures that the final candy has a delightful chew. Pay attention to how the peels change color; they should become slightly softer and a vibrant orange.

Cooling and Storing Your Candies

After candying, allowing the peels to air dry is critical for achieving the right texture. Lay them on a cooling rack instead of paper towels to prevent them from sticking. This air circulation dries them evenly and helps maintain their glossy finish. Depending on humidity levels, drying might take several hours, so patience is key!

For storage, keep your candied orange peels in an airtight container at room temperature. They can last for several weeks, making them perfect for holiday gifting or personal snacking. If you want to save space or cache them for later use, try freezing them in a single layer and then transferring them to a freezer bag; they won't lose much of their sweet charm.

Ingredients

Gather these simple ingredients to make your delicious candied orange peel.

Ingredients

4 medium oranges
2 cups granulated sugar
1 cup water
1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
Additional sugar for coating

Once you have everything ready, let’s move on to the cooking steps!

Instructions

Follow these easy steps to make your own sweet holiday treat.

Prepare the Orange Peels

Wash the oranges thoroughly and cut them into quarters. Carefully remove the insides, leaving behind the orange peel. Cut the peels into thin strips.

Blanch the Peels

In a saucepan, bring water to a boil and add the orange peel strips. Boil for 10 minutes, then drain and repeat this process twice more to reduce bitterness.

Make the Syrup

In a clean saucepan, combine the sugar, 1 cup of water, and vanilla extract. Heat until the sugar dissolves to create a syrup.

Candy the Peels

Add the blanched orange peels to the syrup and simmer on low for 30 minutes until the peels become translucent.

Cool and Coat

Remove the peel strips from the syrup and allow them to cool. Once cool, roll them in granulated sugar to coat, then let them air dry for a few hours.

After a bit of patience, your candied orange peels will be ready to enjoy!

Pro Tips

Store the candied orange peels in an airtight container to maintain their freshness and flavor. They also work wonderfully as a garnish in cocktails or desserts.

Serving Suggestions

Candied orange peels are incredibly versatile and can be served in various ways. For a festive touch, chop them finely and mix them into holiday baked goods, such as fruitcakes or cookies. They also make an excellent garnish for cocktails, adding a hint of citrus flavor and an elegant touch to beverages.

If you're looking to indulge, try pairing the peels with dark chocolate. Simply dip them in melted dark chocolate and let them set for a decadent treat. The rich, bitter notes of the chocolate beautifully contrast the bright sweetness of the peels, creating a delightful flavor experience.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

One common issue when making candied orange peels is ending up with strips that are still bitter. If this happens, revisit the blanching step and ensure you are using fresh water each time. It's essential to maintain a rolling boil, as this aids in the extraction of the bitter compounds effectively.

Another pitfall is the syrup crystallizing. This can happen if the sugar is not fully dissolved before incorporating the peels. Make sure to stir continuously while heating the sugar and water. If you notice crystallization forming, you can salvage your syrup by gently reheating it and stirring in a splash of water until it smooths out again.

Customizing Your Candied Peels

Feel free to get creative with flavors in your syrup! Instead of vanilla extract, consider adding a pinch of cardamom or cinnamon for a warm, spicy note that pairs beautifully with the citrus. You can experiment with other citrus fruits as well; candied lemon or grapefruit peels offer a different but equally delightful treat.

Additionally, if you want a more significant twist, try using brown sugar instead of granulated sugar to candy your peels. This will impart a richer caramel flavor that can be particularly tasty when mixed with nutty toppings like crushed pistachios or almonds for an extra layer of texture.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use other citrus fruits?

Absolutely! You can use lemon, lime, or even grapefruit peels for a different flavor profile.

→ How long do candied orange peels last?

When stored properly in an airtight container, they can last for several weeks.

→ Can I use less sugar?

The sugar is essential for the candying process, but you can experiment with natural sweeteners if desired.

→ How can I use candied orange peels?

They make great snacks, additions to baked goods, or beautiful decorations for desserts!