Candied Orange Peel Holiday Treats

Name: Candied Orange Peel Holiday Treats
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 30 min
Yield: Makes about 2 cups
Ingredients: 4 large oranges; 2 cups granulated sugar; 1 cup water; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Highlighted under: Seasonal Celebration Recipes

I absolutely love making candied orange peel during the holiday season. The vibrant citrus flavor paired with the sweetness creates a delightful treat that is perfect for gifting or enjoying with a cup of tea. This recipe not only brings a festive spirit to my kitchen but also utilizes the whole orange, minimizing waste. It’s surprisingly easy to make, and the result is both beautiful and delicious. The bright orange color and glossy finish make these treats an attractive addition to any holiday spread.

Created by

Anna

Last updated on 2026-02-14T16:54:18.704Z

In my quest to create the perfect holiday treats, I stumbled upon candied orange peel and immediately fell in love with its unique combination of flavors. After experimenting with different techniques, I discovered that simmering the peels longer allows them to soften beautifully while absorbing the sugar syrup. It’s all about patience, but the results are well worth it!

One helpful tip I learned is to let the candied peel dry completely before coating them in sugar. This ensures that they become nice and chewy without being overly sticky. I often use the leftover syrup in cocktails or drizzled over desserts for an extra touch of citrus flavor.

Why You Will Love These Treats
Bright citrus flavors that awaken your senses
Beautifully glossy finish that's perfect for gifting
A unique and creative way to use citrus peels

Understanding the Ingredients

The key to flavorful candied orange peel lies in choosing the right oranges. Opt for organic oranges if possible, as they are less likely to be coated in harmful waxes or pesticides. Navel oranges work wonderfully due to their sweet flavor and thick peel, which holds up well during the boiling and candying process. The combination of sugar not only sweetens the peels but also acts as a preservative, enhancing their shelf life.

When making the sugar syrup, ensure that you use granulated sugar, as it dissolves more easily and provides the right texture for candying the peels. Incorporating vanilla extract adds an aromatic depth to the syrup; however, feel free to experiment with other flavorings such as almond extract or a splash of citrus liqueur for a unique twist. Just keep in mind that these variations will slightly alter the flavor profile of your final treat.

Techniques for Best Results

The initial boiling phase is crucial for removing any bitterness from the peels. It's important to properly time this process; if the peels are undercooked, they may still retain a strong bitter flavor. I recommend tasting a small piece after each boiling session to assess the bitterness. After three rounds of boiling, they should taste noticeably sweeter without any lingering bitterness. This step is critical for balancing the overall sweetness of the finished candied peels.

Once you begin simmering the peels in the sugar syrup, keep an eye on the texture. You'll know they are ready when they turn translucent and glisten, typically around 45 minutes. Stir gently to prevent them from sticking together or burning on the bottom of the pan. If you notice any residual sugar crystallizing around the edges of the pan, simply add a tablespoon of water to the pot and stir to dissolve it back into the syrup.

Ingredients

Gather your ingredients to make the candied orange peel.

Ingredients

4 large oranges
2 cups granulated sugar
1 cup water
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Now that you have all the ingredients ready, let's move on to the preparation steps!

Instructions

Follow these steps to create your delicious candied orange peel.

Prepare the Oranges

Wash the oranges thoroughly to remove any wax or pesticides. Cut off the top and bottom of each orange, then slice them into quarters and remove the flesh, leaving just the peel.

Boil the Peels

In a pot, place the orange peels and cover them with water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for about 15 minutes. Drain the peels and repeat this process two more times to remove bitterness.

Make the Syrup

In a saucepan, combine sugar, water, and vanilla extract. Bring to a simmer over medium heat until the sugar dissolves.

Candy the Peels

Add the orange peels to the sugar syrup and simmer for about 45 minutes, stirring occasionally until they become translucent and glossy.

Dry and Coat

Carefully remove the peels from the syrup and place them on a wire rack to cool. Once dry, roll them in sugar until well coated.

Enjoy your tasty candied orange peels as a treat or use them to decorate sweets!

Pro Tips

For an extra burst of flavor, consider adding a splash of orange juice to the syrup or using different citrus fruits for a mix of flavors.

Storing and Serving Your Treats

To ensure the longevity of your candied orange peels, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They can last for several weeks, making them a fantastic option for holiday gifts. If you want to keep them for longer, consider refrigerating them, though this may affect their texture slightly. If they lose some of their glossiness, simply roll them in fresh sugar before serving or gifting.

These candied treats make excellent additions to a variety of desserts. You can chop them up and mix them into cookies or cakes for added flavor and texture. They also pair beautifully with chocolate; try dipping them halfway in melted chocolate for an elegant treat. Serving them alongside a warm cup of tea or coffee elevates the experience, adding a refreshing citrus note to your beverage.

Creative Variations and Pairings

For an exciting twist on the traditional recipe, consider using different citrus fruits like lemons, limes, or grapefruits. The process remains largely the same, though you may need to adjust the sugar levels to balance out the tartness of these fruits. Each type of peel brings its unique flavor characteristics, allowing for a delightful exploration of citrus candy variations during the holidays.

You can also experiment with different coatings for your candied peels. Instead of just rolling them in granulated sugar, try using superfine sugar for a finer finish or even shredded coconut for added texture and flavor. For a spicy kick, roll them in a mixture of sugar and cayenne pepper to create an interesting sweet and spicy combo that’s sure to surprise your taste buds.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use other citrus fruits?

Absolutely! This method works well with lemons, limes, and grapefruits for different flavor profiles.

→ How do I store candied orange peels?

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks or in the refrigerator for longer shelf life.

→ Can I make these without adding vanilla?

Yes, you can! The vanilla adds a nice depth, but the peels will still taste wonderful without it.

→ What can I do with leftover syrup?

Use it to sweeten beverages, drizzled over pancakes, or add it to baking recipes for added flavor.