These oranges come out soft and chewy and make for an irresistible snack on their own or make for gorgeous gifts when bagged and tied up with a ribbon.

Slices of oranges get simmered in a simple syrup until they become tender and perfectly sweet all the way through. Yes, even the peel. EVEN the peel. Once they cool they get a chewy texture that makes them like candy. Eat them on their own, use them as garnish for drinks and desserts, or drop a few in a glass of tea.

Candied Oranges can be served glossy, sugared, or covered in chocolate. Be sure to check out the notes for more tips and hints for these citrus snacks.

candied oranges, homemade candied oranges, candied citrus, diy
Candied Oranges
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Candied Oranges

Course: SnacksDifficulty: Medium
Cook time

40

minutes
Dry time

1

hour 
Total time

1

hour 

50

minutes

These candied oranges can be covered in chocolate, wrapped in cellophane baggies as gifts, or eaten by themselves as a sweet and chewy citrus snack.

Ingredients

  • 3 Oranges -I used Navel

  • 2 cups Sugar

  • 1 cup Water

  • Extras

  • 1 Bowl of Ice Water

  • Candy Thermometer

  • Cooling Rack

Directions

  • Slice the oranges
    -Slice the oranges about 1/8 of an inch thick and discard the ends.
    If your slices are too thick they will take longer to dry. Too thin and the slices may not hold their shape. I prefer to use a mandolin for slicing so each slice is uniform in thickness.
  • Make the simple syrup
    – Combine the sugar and water in a saucepan, over medium heat, until the mixture is about 220° F
    Stirring occasionally.
  • Pre-boil orange slices
    – While the simple syrup is warming up, boil the orange slices in a separate pot of water for 2 minutes. Remove the slices and place them in the bowl of ice water to prevent overcooking.
    -Do not skip this important step! It helps remove the bitterness in the orange peel, making the rind just as enjoyable as the center.
  • Boil orange slices
    -Once the simple syrup has reached 220° F and all of the sugar has dissolved add the orange slices into the syrup. Try to keep them from overlapping too much. Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer the slices for 40-60 minutes, or until the rinds are slightly translucent.
    -Stir the slices every 10-15 minutes to ensure all the oranges are evenly coated.
  • Allow orange slices to dry
    – Remove the orange slices from the syrup and lay them over a cooling rack to dry for at least an hour, but I prefer to let mine sit overnight. Lay parchment paper under your cooling rack for easy clean up.

Notes

  • Try this with different orange variations or other citrus fruits like lemons, limes, and grapefruit.
  • Cover or drizzle your candied orange slices in melted chocolate or dust them in sugar for an even sweeter finish.
    -The sugar should be added WHILE allowing slices to completely dry.
    -The chocolate should be added AFTER allowing slices to completely dry and harden.
  • These are best stored in an air-tight container on the counter top.
candied oranges, homemade candied oranges, candied citrus, diy