Candied Orange Peels — A Sweet Twist on Citrus Snack Time

Forget tossing those orange peels — this simple recipe transforms them into sweet, chewy, and sparkling candied orange peels everyone will love!

What Are Candied Orange Peels?

Candied orange peels are strips of orange zest and pith simmered in sugar syrup until soft and translucent, then coated with sugar for a sweet, chewy treat.

They’re a classic homemade candy that can be enjoyed as a snack, a dessert garnish, or even dipped in chocolate for an elegant twist. Plus, candying is a fantastic way to use the parts of the orange most people throw away, reducing waste while creating something delicious.

Choosing the Best Oranges for Candying

For the brightest flavor and safest eating experience, opt for organic oranges since you’ll be using the peel.

Valencia oranges are a popular choice thanks to their natural sweetness, but blood oranges or Cara Cara oranges add lovely color and unique flavor notes.

Leaving a thin layer of white pith on the peel gives a pleasant chew, but trimming thick pith is key to avoid bitterness in your candied treats.

How to Candy Orange Peels Step-by-Step

Start by boiling the orange peels to soften them and remove excess bitterness.

Then simmer them in a sugar syrup until they turn translucent and infused with sweetness.

After drying them overnight, toss the peels in sugar to create that classic sparkling coating.

This process might sound involved but is simple to master with a bit of patience—and the result is well worth the effort!

Delicious Ways to Use Candied Orange Peels

Enjoy candied orange peels as a stand-alone snack, or elevate your desserts by chopping and adding them to cookies, muffins, or fruitcakes.

They also make a stunning garnish for cakes and ice cream or a tasty addition to cannoli filling. For a gourmet touch, dip half the peels in melted dark chocolate and let them set—perfect for gifting or impressing guests.

Storing Your Candied Orange Peels

Store your sugared peels in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.

For longer freshness, refrigeration is best, but always allow the peels to come back to room temperature before serving so they stay chewy and the sugar coating stays crisp. Layering them with parchment paper prevents sticking and keeps each piece perfectly coated.

📋 Candied Orange Peels Recipe

Prep time: 20 minutes

Cook time: 1 hour

Drying time: 12 to 24 hours (inactive)

Total time: About 13 to 25 hours

Ingredients

• 4 large organic oranges
• 6 cups water, divided
• 2½ cups white granulated sugar, divided

Instructions

Prepare the Orange Peels

• Wash and dry the oranges thoroughly.
• Slice off the tops and bottoms.
• Score the peel from top to bottom into 4–5 wide strips.
• Remove each section with some white pith attached.
• Cut the peel into ¼-inch-wide strips.

Boil to Remove Bitterness

• Bring 5 cups of water to a rolling boil in a large saucepan.
• Add the orange peels and boil for 15 minutes to soften and remove bitterness.
• Drain the peels in a colander.
• Rinse under cool water and shake off as much water as possible.

Make the Sugar Syrup

• Return the saucepan to medium heat.
• Add 1 cup water and 2 cups sugar.
• Stir until the sugar is fully dissolved and the syrup is clear.

Candy the Orange Peels

• Add the boiled peels back into the sugar syrup.
• Increase heat to medium-high until the mixture just begins to boil.
• Immediately reduce heat to medium-low.
• Simmer uncovered for 40–45 minutes, stirring occasionally.
• Continue until the peels look translucent and the syrup thickens.

Drain and Dry

• Using tongs, transfer the peels to a wire rack set over a parchment-lined baking sheet.
• Let dry at room temperature for 12 hours to overnight.
• (Reserve the orange syrup in a jar for beverages or other uses.)

Coat in Sugar

• While the peels are still slightly tacky, place the remaining ½ cup sugar in a large resealable bag.
• Add a few peels at a time to the bag.
• Seal and shake gently until evenly coated with sugar.
• Repeat until all peels are coated.

Serve and Store

• Enjoy the candied orange peels immediately as a snack or dessert garnish.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.
• For longer freshness, refrigerate and bring to room temperature before serving.

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