How to Make Candied Orange Peels at Home: Easy Homemade Candy Recipe

Every winter, we eat plenty of oranges, especially around Christmas. But what if the peels we usually throw away could become a delicious homemade treat?

Candied orange peels are a traditional sweet made by slowly cooking orange peels in sugar syrup until they become tender, glossy, and wonderfully fragrant.

They’re perfect for Christmas desserts, homemade gifts, or simply enjoying with a cup of tea!
And the best part? You only need three basic ingredients.

Ingredients for Homemade Candied Orange Peels
Peels from 3–4 large oranges
300 g (1½ cups) granulated sugar
300 ml (1¼ cups) water
Extra sugar for coating (optional)

Preparation: 15 minutes | Cooking: 60–90 minutes
How to Make Candied Orange Peels Step by Step

Step 1: Prepare the Orange Peels
Wash the oranges thoroughly under running water before peeling.
Cut the peel into long strips, approximately 5–8 mm wide.
You can leave some of the white pith attached, as it becomes tender during cooking.

Step 2: Remove the Bitterness
Place the orange peel strips in a saucepan and cover them with cold water.
Bring to a boil and simmer for 5 minutes.
Drain the water and repeat this process 2–3 times.
This simple trick helps reduce the natural bitterness of orange peels!

Step 3: Prepare the Sugar Syrup
In a clean saucepan, combine 300 g sugar with 300 ml water.
Heat gently, stirring until the sugar dissolves.
Add the blanched orange peels.

Step 4: Simmer Until Translucent
Cook over low heat for approximately 45–60 minutes, stirring occasionally.
The orange peels should become soft, glossy, and slightly translucent.
Avoid boiling too vigorously, as the syrup may caramelize or burn.

Step 5: Dry the Candied Peels
Carefully remove the strips from the syrup and place them on a wire rack over a tray.
Allow them to dry at room temperature for several hours or overnight, until the surface is no longer very sticky.

Step 6: Coat With Sugar
For a beautiful, sparkling Christmas finish, roll the candied orange strips in granulated sugar once they are tacky but not wet.

Your homemade orange peel candy is ready!
5 Delicious Ways to Enjoy Candied Orange Peels

1.Christmas Candy: Enjoy them as a sweet treat alongside coffee or tea.

2.Chocolate-Dipped Orange Peels: Dip one end of each strip into melted dark chocolate and let it set.

3.Homemade Christmas Gifts: Pack the dried candied peels in decorative jars or food-safe gift bags.

4.Holiday Baking: Chop them into small pieces and add them to fruitcakes, cookies, muffins, or festive bread.

5.Dessert Decorations: Use the glossy orange strips to decorate cakes, cheesecakes, and chocolate desserts.

Tips for Perfect Candied Orange Peels
Choose fresh oranges: Thick-skinned oranges work especially well.
Wash the fruit: Scrub the peel under running water to remove surface dirt. If possible, choose oranges sold as suitable for using the peel in cooking.
Don’t skip blanching: Repeated boiling helps reduce bitterness.
Cook slowly: Gentle simmering produces tender, translucent strips.
Dry thoroughly: Proper drying prevents the candy from becoming excessively sticky.
Store carefully: Keep the finished candy in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks, or freeze for longer storage.

A Wonderful Homemade Christmas Gift
Candied orange peels are more than just a delicious sweet. Their bright color and citrus fragrance make them a lovely addition to the holiday season.

Place them in a small glass jar, tie a ribbon around the lid, and you have a thoughtful homemade gift made from something that would otherwise have been discarded.

Who would have thought that ordinary orange peels could become such a delicious holiday treat?
With just oranges, sugar, and water, you can transform kitchen scraps into fragrant, sweet, and beautifully golden homemade candy.