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I just love homemade candied orange peel. They are slightly chewy covered in a thin candy coating and rolled in sugar, so yummy!
A great way to prevent waste in the kitchen is to make candied orange peel instead of throwing out those orange peels. Candied orange peels always make me think of Christmas, of course they can be made and eaten year-round.
Roll them in sugar, dip them in chocolate, or eat them plain, such possibilities. If you are looking for a holiday classic treat, try this out. Candied orange peel is so easy to make, if I can do it, you can do it. Let’s get started!
Step 1: Gather the ingredients
In order to make candied orange peel you need just three simple ingredients:
- Oranges – You can also use pretty much any citrus peel, my favorite are orange peels.
- Water – I like to use filtered water, because my tap water tastes gross, but you can certainly use tap water.
- Sugar – Use white granulated sugar.
Tools
- Pot
- Spoon
- Collander
- Knife or peeler
- Wire rack
- Parchment paper
- Sheet pan
Step 2: How to make candied orange peel
Begin by washing the oranges really well with water. Then peel them using a knife to cut slits, or use a specific citrus peeler with works really well.
Cut the peels into long strips roughly 1/8th of an inch wide to 1/4th inch. It doesn’t have to be exact.
Now add the orange peels to a 3 quart or larger pot along with 3 cups of water although the amount of water doesn’t have to be exact.
Set the heat on the burner to high and bring the water to a boil. Boil the peels for about 8 to 10 minutes. Then pour them through a strainer and repeat the process a few more times, until they are no longer bitter tasting.
You can even just let them boil a little longer, so you don’t have to repeat it as many times. Make sure to blow on it to cool it before tasting it, the peel will be hot of course.
TIP: If you save the water, it makes a great base for drinks and it is very high in vitamin C.
Step 3: Candy the orange peels
After the peels are no longer bitter add the cup of sugar to the pot along with 1 cup of water as well.
Turn the heat down to medium. Bring the water to a boil to dissolve the sugar. This is essentially making a simple syrup.
Allow it to boil for about a minute, then turn the heat down to low, and add the orange peels to the simple syrup.
Bring it to a simmer and allow it to simmer for 45 minutes to 1 hour and 15 minutes. What will happen is the syrup will turn the orange peels translucent and candy them, and that is how you know it will be done.
Stir occasionally, but youdon’thave to babysit and constantly stir the whole time while it is simmering.
Step 4: Finish the candied orange peel
Remove the candied orange peel from the pot with a slotted spoon or tongs and place them on a wire rack with parchment paper under it, to catch the excess candy coating that drips off.
TIP: Don’t throw out the remaining orange-flavored simple syrup, it can be used to make yummy drinks.
Allow the candied orange peel to dry for about an hour on the rack. Then you can take them, with clean hands, and roll them in granulated sugar. They should be a bit tacky. Once rolled in sugar, place them back on the wire rack.
TIP: You don’t have to roll them in sugar, you can dip them in chocolate, which is very common, or leave them plain. Or make a combination of those.
Allow the candied orange peels to dry on the rack for 4 to 6 hours, until no longer tacky. Enjoy!
How long does candied orange peel last?
Store the candied orange peels in a bag or an airtight container in a cool dry place, like a pantry, and they will last a few weeks up to a month.
Here are a few other recipes you may like:
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Clarified Butter
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5 from 15 votes
Candied Orange Peel
Candied Orange Peel are such a great way to reduce kitchen waste and make a delicious treat at the same time. While I don't always make candied orange peels with my leftover orange peels, I always enjoy it when I do. These are popular around the holidays, but can be made year round of course.
Prep Time15 minutes mins
Cook Time1 hour hr 30 minutes mins
Cooling Time5 hours hrs
Total Time6 hours hrs 45 minutes mins
Course: Candy, Snack
Cuisine: American
Keyword: chewy, easy, sweet, treats
Servings: 10 people
Calories: 53kcal
Author: Matt Taylor
Equipment
pot
spoon
Collander
Knife or peeler
Wire rack
parchment paper
sheet pan
Ingredients
- 3 medium oranges or whatever citrus you want to use
- 3 cups of water 710ml (for boiling) done 2 or 3 times until bitterness is gone. (6 to 9 cups in total or 1420 to 2130ml)
- 1 cup white granulated sugar may add up to 2 cups of sugar (200 to 400g)
- 1 cup of water for simple syrup 247ml
- Sugar for rolling the peels in
Instructions
Wash the oranges really well with water. Then peel them. Cut the peels into long strips roughly 1/8th of an inch wide to 1/4th inch.
Add the orange peels to a 3 quart or larger pot. Then add in 3 cups of water. Set the heat on the burner to high and bring the water to a boil. Boil the peels for about 8 to 10 minutes. Then pour them through a strainer and repeat the process a few more times, until they are no longer bitter tasting.
You can even just let them boil a little longer, so you don't have to repeat it as many times. Make sure to blow on it to cool it before tasting it, it will be hot of course.
Now after the peels are no longer bitter. Add the cup of sugar to the pot along with 1 cup of water. Turn the heat down to medium. Bring the water to a boil to dissolve the sugar. Allow it to boil for about a minute, then turn the heat down to low, and add the orange peels to the simple syrup.
Bring it to a simmer and allow it to simmer for 45 minutes to 1 hour 15 minutes. What will happen is the syrup will turn the orange peel translucent, and that is how you know it will be done.
Stir occasionally, but youdon'thave to babysit and constantly stir the whole time while it is simmering.
Remove the candied peel from the pot with a slotted spoon or tongs and place them on a wire rack with parchment paper under it, to catch the drippings.
Allow the candied orange peel to dry for about an hour on the rack. Then you can take them, with clean hands, and roll them in granulated sugar. They should be a bit tacky. Once rolled in sugar, place them back on the wire rack to dry for 4 to 6 hours. Then enjoy!
Video
How to Make Candied Orange Peel | Easy Candied Citrus Peel Recipe
Notes
TIP: If you save the citrus peel water, it makes a great base for drinks. 🙂
TIP: Don’t throw out the remaining orange-flavored simple syrup, it can be used to make yummy drinks.
TIP: You don’t have to roll them in sugar, you can dip them in chocolate, or leave them plain.
NOTE: Store the candied orange peel in a bag or an airtight container in a cool dry place, like a pantry, and they will last a few weeks up to a month.
Tried this recipe?Mention @WPRecipeMaker or tag #wprecipemaker!
Nutrition
Calories: 53kcal
Do you like this recipe? Share and Pin it! Please give it a rating and comment down below, I really appreciate it.If you make it tag me on Instagram @inthekitchenwithmatt. Also, sign up for the newsletter so you won’t miss out on any of my new posts and recipes.
Tags
candy Christmas fruit sweet
Matt Taylor
YouTuber and food blogger with a passion for cooking, eating, being outdoors and watching movies. Did you know I wrote an ebook cookbook called "All Things Chocolate: 30 of my favorite chocolate recipes."? Help support the food blog and YouTube channel by buying a copy in my shop. :)
40 Comments
Adrienne
December 16, 2022 at 12:08 am·Reply
At the beginning of the simple syrup step you say to add the peels at the beginning, and then again, after the syrup boils. Which is correct or am I misreading?
Matt Taylor
December 16, 2022 at 8:40 am·Reply
Good catch! you let the sugar and water come to a boil first, before adding the boiled and drained peels. 🙂
Toni
December 23, 2020 at 3:39 pm·Reply
Super simple and delicious! I pop them in my food dehydrator after rolling them in sugar. They get super dry and no longer sticky that way. Dipped in chocolate is super tasty and in recipes that call for zest it is unbelievable!Matt Taylor
December 23, 2020 at 4:44 pm·Reply
Thank you!! Yes, the dehydrator is a great way to go!
November 11, 2020 at 9:54 am·Reply
Way easier than I thought! I hate throwing food and I never thought that orange peel has a lot of use! I only add it to my water most of the time but this one is a great idea. I am totally into it! Thanks, Matt!Matt Taylor
November 11, 2020 at 10:01 am·Reply
You are welcome, Trisha! I know super easy right?
November 6, 2020 at 4:32 pm·Reply
At the first look, I thought it was french fries but then I realized it’s orange. Luckily I have few oranges at my home and I will give this recipe a try on Sunday!!!Matt Taylor
November 6, 2020 at 4:33 pm·Reply
Cool, haha!
Ebony
November 4, 2020 at 12:27 pm·Reply
This recipe is soooo yummy and so easy to make! Great snacks for the upcoming holidays! I will have to try your tip next time to dip these into chocolateMatt Taylor
November 4, 2020 at 12:49 pm·Reply
Thank you! yes, definitely try them dipped in chocolate. 🙂
November 4, 2020 at 5:43 am·Reply
Nnniiiccceeeee….I love how good you got, with this orange. I hope I don’t leave out any of the steps you have mentioned here!
Matt Taylor
November 4, 2020 at 7:17 am·Reply
Thanks!!
November 4, 2020 at 1:09 am·Reply
Candied Orange Peel sounds so good! I love it as snack. I hope I can prepare for the kids!Matt Taylor
November 4, 2020 at 7:16 am·Reply
Awesome!
November 3, 2020 at 8:47 pm·Reply
Yum! This recipe is easier than I thought. I am totally gifting this treat for the holiday seasonMatt Taylor
November 4, 2020 at 7:14 am·Reply
Glad you liked it, Romy! 🙂
November 3, 2020 at 7:47 am·Reply
This is something my mom used to do for years. Each winter she would take out the jar and use it for Christmas cakes. I never bothered myself to take the reciepe but finding it on your blog makes me so happyMatt Taylor
November 3, 2020 at 7:49 am·Reply
That is so awesome!! 🙂 They make such a nice garnish for cakes on top or inside.
Melanie williams
November 3, 2020 at 6:59 am·Reply
Thank you so much for this, as I am deffo going to give this a go for sure. Looks yummy and like a fun thing to make perfect for cake toppings x
Matt Taylor
November 3, 2020 at 7:44 am·Reply
You are so very welcome, Melanie! 🙂
Gervin Khan
November 3, 2020 at 6:23 am·Reply
This is so nice and I am so excited to make this recipe, I am sure my kids will love it!Matt Taylor
November 3, 2020 at 7:44 am·Reply
Thank you!! 🙂
November 3, 2020 at 2:16 am·Reply
Candied fruit immediately reminds me of Christmas, which never fails on Italian tables!Matt Taylor
November 3, 2020 at 7:44 am·Reply
These are so popular during Christmas here in the US as well. 🙂
November 2, 2020 at 10:14 pm·Reply
I have never tried or even heard of candied orange peels. I must say this does look really amazing!
Matt Taylor
November 3, 2020 at 7:43 am·Reply
Thank you! Definitely try them sometime, they are so yummy!
November 2, 2020 at 5:59 pm·Reply
Why have I never had candied orange peel? I bet I would really love it!
Matt Taylor
November 2, 2020 at 8:48 pm·Reply
Yeah, it is so awesome! You need to try it sometime. 🙂
November 2, 2020 at 10:32 am·Reply
Candied orange peels are one of my favorite sweet treats. I never actually thought of making them myself.Matt Taylor
November 2, 2020 at 11:05 am·Reply
Time to try it! haha 🙂
November 2, 2020 at 9:40 am·Reply
What a perfect idea for Christmas. I think I’d like to make them and hang them on the christmas tree, I bet they would smell wonderful as well as taste good.Matt Taylor
November 2, 2020 at 11:04 am·Reply
Thank you! Yes, they do smell pretty amazing.
Betsy
November 2, 2020 at 9:14 am·Reply
Surprisingly easy and so delicious! Pretty certain these are low FODMAP, too, which is just an utter delight for me!Matt Taylor
November 2, 2020 at 11:04 am·Reply
I know right? so easy to make!
Kim
November 2, 2020 at 8:47 am·Reply
These are perfect for the upcoming holidays! I’m thinking of using them as a co*cktail garnish.Matt Taylor
November 2, 2020 at 11:04 am·Reply
Thank you, Kim! Indeed, so perfect for the holidays.
Ginny
November 2, 2020 at 8:23 am·Reply
Thank you for the woinderful recipe. I can’t make this yet becasue I want it closer to Christmas but I have it saved and am really excited about it. Thank you!Matt Taylor
November 2, 2020 at 11:03 am·Reply
You are so very welcome, Ginny!
Sherry Hartgraves
November 1, 2020 at 7:49 am·Reply
Easy & tastyMatt Taylor
November 1, 2020 at 7:51 am·Reply
Thank you so much, Sherry! 🙂 🙂
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