Holiday Candied Orange Slices

A Sparkling Citrus Treat for the Season

When the weather turns chilly and the scent of cinnamon fills the air, there’s nothing quite like a kitchen project that fills your home with warmth, color, and the smell of citrus. These Holiday Candied Orange Slices are the ultimate edible decoration — sweet, chewy, aromatic, and glowing with golden light.

Whether you’re topping cookies, garnishing cakes, filling festive gift boxes, or creating edible holiday centerpieces, these slices do it all. They’re beautiful to look at, delicious to eat, and surprisingly easy to make with just a few simple ingredients.

Let’s unwrap the joy of making homemade candied orange slices that are perfect for your holiday baking and decorating.

Why Candied Orange Slices Are Perfect for the Holidays

Candied orange slices are a timeless winter treat — made with real fruit and natural sweetness, they pair perfectly with other holiday flavors like cinnamon, cloves, and vanilla. Here’s why they’re a must-have in your seasonal kitchen:

• Naturally festive: Their golden color and shiny finish fit beautifully in any Christmas or winter-themed dessert spread.

• Multi-purpose: Use them to decorate cookies, cakes, cheeseboards, or wrap up as gifts.

• Aromatic & flavorful: The citrus and spice combo fills your kitchen with cozy, nostalgic holiday scents.

• Simple & beautiful: They require just oranges, sugar, and water — no fancy tools or ingredients.

Whether you’re creating edible gifts or just enjoying a slow afternoon by the stove, these candied orange slices offer the perfect blend of tradition, taste, and texture.

Ingredients for Holiday Candied Orange Slices

This recipe keeps it cozy and simple. You’ll just need a few pantry staples and some fresh oranges.

Basic Ingredients:

• 3 medium seedless oranges (navel, blood orange, or Cara Cara)

• 2 cups granulated sugar

• 2 cups water

Optional Holiday Spice Add-ins:

• 2 whole cinnamon sticks

• 3–4 star anise

• 3–5 whole cloves

• ½ tsp vanilla extract

• Pinch of sea salt

These spices add a cozy holiday aroma to the syrup and subtly infuse the oranges with seasonal flavor.

Tools You’ll Need

• Sharp knife or mandoline (for even slicing)

• Saucepan or skillet

• Tongs or slotted spoon

• Wire rack (or parchment paper-lined tray)

• Airtight container or gift boxes for storing

How to Make Holiday Candied Orange Slices

Follow this simple method to create beautiful, sweet slices ready for decorating or gifting.

Step 1: Prep the Oranges

• Wash the oranges thoroughly to remove any wax or dirt.

• Slice into thin rounds (about 1/8 inch thick) using a sharp knife or mandoline.

• Remove any seeds gently without damaging the slices.

Step 2: Blanch (Optional but Recommended)

To reduce bitterness and soften the rinds:

• Bring a pot of water to a boil.

• Drop in the orange slices and blanch for 2 minutes.

• Drain and rinse under cool water.

Blanching is especially helpful if you’re using thick-skinned oranges like navels.

Step 3: Make the Holiday Syrup

In a wide pan, combine:

• 2 cups sugar

• 2 cups water

• Cinnamon sticks, star anise, cloves (optional)

• Pinch of salt

Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves. Add the orange slices in a single layer (or slightly overlapping).

Step 4: Simmer Slowly

Let the slices simmer gently in the syrup for 45–60 minutes. Flip them occasionally using tongs, making sure they remain fully coated and cook evenly.

You’ll know they’re done when they appear glossy and translucent, but still hold their shape.

Keep the heat low — avoid boiling, which can break down the slices or caramelize the sugar too much.

Step 5: Dry the Slices

Use tongs to carefully transfer the candied slices to a wire rack set over parchment or foil to catch drips. Let them dry at room temperature for 24–48 hours, turning once for even drying.

Quick-Dry Oven Option:

• Preheat oven to 170°F (75°C)

• Line a baking sheet with parchment paper

• Bake slices for 2–3 hours, flipping halfway

• Let cool completely before storing or using

How to Use Candied Orange Slices for the Holidays

These slices are so versatile, you’ll find new ways to use them every year.

Holiday Cookie Toppers

Place one small candied orange slice on top of sugar cookies, gingerbread, or spice cookies just before baking is finished, or use them to decorate after baking with a dot of icing.

Cake & Loaf Decorations

• Arrange slices over the top of a bundt cake, spice loaf, or gingerbread cake

• Pair with rosemary sprigs or pomegranate seeds for a stunning holiday look

• Dust with powdered sugar for a snowy effect

Edible Wreaths & Centerpieces

• Attach slices to a ring of fresh herbs like rosemary and thyme to make an edible holiday wreath

• Use them in centerpieces with pinecones and cinnamon sticks

Gift Box Fillers

• Add a few candied slices to holiday gift tins with cookies or truffles

• Wrap in parchment and tie with twine for rustic edible ornaments

• Layer in jars with dried cranberries or chocolate bark for a sweet mix

Snacking & Charcuterie Boards

• Serve alongside dried fruits, nuts, and crackers on holiday grazing boards

• Pair with dairy-free cheese spreads or spiced nut butters

Storage and Shelf Life

Proper storage helps you enjoy your candied orange slices all season long.

At Room Temperature:

• Store slices in an airtight container with parchment between layers

• Keep in a cool, dry spot away from heat and light

• Best used within 1 week

Refrigeration:

• For longer storage, refrigerate in a sealed container

• Use within 2–3 weeks

Freezer:

• Freezing is possible, but can affect texture

• If freezing, separate slices with parchment and store in a rigid container

• Thaw at room temp and blot with paper towel if sticky

Tips for Success

• Use seedless oranges to avoid removing seeds mid-cooking

• Slice evenly for consistent candying and appearance

• Avoid overcooking — keep the syrup at a gentle simmer, not a boil

• Don’t rush the drying — air-drying gives the best texture and gloss

• Infuse the syrup with holiday spices for added depth

Fun Flavor Variations

If you’re making multiple batches, here are a few creative twists:

• Spiced Maple: Replace half the sugar with pure maple syrup and add cinnamon

• Citrus Blend: Mix in slices of lemon, blood orange, or tangerine

• Vanilla Citrus: Add ½ tsp vanilla extract to the syrup for creamy notes

• Chocolate Dipped: Once dried, dip half of each slice in melted dark chocolate and let harden

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to use seedless oranges?
It’s best, but not required. If your oranges have seeds, remove them gently after slicing and before cooking.

Why are my slices bitter?
The bitterness comes from the white pith in the peel. Blanching before candying helps reduce it significantly.

Can I use a dehydrator?
Yes! A dehydrator can be used after simmering to dry the slices evenly at a low temperature.

Can I reuse the syrup?
Absolutely. Strain out the spices and use the syrup to flavor teas, drizzle on pancakes, or moisten cakes.

Are these slices fully edible?
Yes — including the peel! The candying process softens and sweetens the rind.

Nutritional Info (Per Slice – Approximate)

• Calories: 60–70

• Sugar: 14–16g

• Carbohydrates: 16g

• Fiber: 1g

• Fat: 0g

• Protein: 0g

Based on 1/8-inch thick slice, results may vary by size and sugar content.

Final Thoughts

There’s something magical about transforming a simple orange into a shimmering, sweet holiday treat. Whether you’re decorating cookies, assembling edible wreaths, or creating the perfect homemade gift, these holiday candied orange slices bring a rustic charm and festive glow to everything they touch.

They’re easy to make, endlessly useful, and so delicious — you might want to make extra for snacking!

So turn on some music, grab a few oranges, and let the cozy scent of citrus and spice fill your kitchen this holiday season.