Candied Orange Peel Gift Jars

Name: Candied Orange Peel Gift Jars
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 30 min
Yield: 4 jars
Ingredients: 4 large organic oranges; 2 cups granulated sugar; 2 cups water; 1 cup granulated sugar (for coating)

Highlighted under: Dessert Lover’s Collection

I absolutely love making Candied Orange Peel Gift Jars, especially during the festive season. They make delightful gifts that are not only visually appealing but also bursting with flavor. The sweet and slightly tangy orange peels are perfect for adding to baked goods or simply enjoying on their own. I enjoy experimenting with different citrus fruits, but oranges have become my go-to. They provide a perfect balance of sweetness and zest that's hard to resist, and I’m excited to share this wonderful recipe with you!

Created by

Leo

Last updated on 2026-02-14T16:42:19.328Z

Every batch of these Candied Orange Peel Gift Jars reminds me of the joy of sharing homemade treats. As I cut the orange peels and let them simmer in the syrup, the kitchen fills with a heavenly citrus aroma. It truly is a meditative process that allows me to unwind while creating something beautiful for the ones I love.

One tip I’ve learned is to choose organic oranges whenever possible. The zestiness of the peel really shines through, making the final product even more delicious. Plus, organic oranges typically have a more vibrant flavor, enhancing the overall experience of these sweet little gifts.

Why You'll Love These Candied Orange Peels
Unique and thoughtful gift that shows you care
Versatile: Enjoy them as a treat or use them in cooking
Rich citrus flavor that brightens up any dish

Essential Tips for Perfect Candied Orange Peels

To achieve the best texture and flavor, use organic oranges. Their skins are free from harmful chemicals, and they provide a more vibrant citrus flavor. Selecting firm, unblemished oranges will ensure that the peels are intact and suitable for candying. I recommend testing one peel first by candying a small piece to gauge sweetness and texture before proceeding with the entire batch.

During the blanching process, make sure to watch the peels closely. You want them just soft enough to bite into without losing their shape. If they become too soft, they may break apart during the candying stage. If you find your peels are too bitter after the first blanched round, consider repeating the blanching step one more time for a better taste.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If your candied peels do not turn translucent or soft after the initial simmering time, increase the heat slightly. Sometimes, a low simmer may not be enough to draw out the sugars and help them achieve that glossy finish. Just be cautious to keep the mixture at a gentle bubble to avoid burning the syrup or overcooking the peels.

In case the sugar coating doesn’t stick well after drying, it’s often due to excess syrup remaining on the peels. A quick solution is to roll them in sugar again after they’ve set for a few hours, ensuring they’re still slightly tacky. Letting them air dry longer can also help the sugar adhere better.

Storage and Gifting Ideas

Once you’ve placed your candied orange peels in jars, store them in a cool, dark place. They can last up to a month, but if you're planning on making several batches, consider vacuum-sealing them for even longer shelf life. Alternatively, you can store them in the refrigerator to maintain their texture and flavor integrity while extending their freshness.

Candied orange peel jars make for excellent gifts, especially when paired with a handwritten recipe card or a small selection of baked goods. You can create themed gift sets by using other candied fruits or adding dark chocolate-dipped peels for an extra flair. Just be sure to label them with a cute tag indicating their contents if you mix different flavors.

Ingredients

To start making your Candied Orange Peel Gift Jars, gather the following ingredients:

Ingredients

4 large organic oranges
2 cups granulated sugar
2 cups water
1 cup granulated sugar (for coating)

Now that you have your ingredients ready, let’s move on to the steps of making these delightful candied peels.

Instructions

Follow these steps to create your own Candied Orange Peel:

Prepare the Oranges

Wash the oranges thoroughly to remove any wax or pesticides. Cut the top and bottom off each orange and make four vertical cuts down the sides. Carefully peel the orange in sections, creating strips.

Blanch the Peels

Place the orange peel strips in a pot of boiling water for about 5 minutes to soften them. Drain the peels and rinse under cold water. This process helps remove some of the bitterness.

Make the Syrup

In a saucepan, combine 2 cups of sugar and 2 cups of water. Stir over medium heat until the sugar dissolves.

Candy the Peels

Add the orange peels to the syrup and let them simmer gently for 45-60 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they become translucent and soft.

Coat the Peels

Using a fork, remove the peels from the syrup and place them on a cooling rack. Once they are cool enough to handle, roll them in the extra granulated sugar to coat.

Jar Them Up

After the peels have dried for a few hours, place them in jars, sealing them tightly. These candied peels can be stored for up to a month!

Enjoy your homemade Candied Orange Peel Gift Jars or share them with friends and family!

Pro Tips

For added flavor, consider adding a touch of vanilla extract to the syrup while candying the peels. You can also experiment with other citrus fruits like lemon or grapefruit for a variety of flavors.

The Role of Sugar in Candying

In this recipe, sugar serves multiple essential roles; it acts as a preservative, adds sweetness, and helps create a delightful candy-like texture. Using granulated sugar for the syrup ensures that you get a clear syrup, which helps maintain the vibrant orange color of the peels. If you want to experiment, you can try substituting half the granulated sugar with light brown sugar to introduce a hint of caramel flavor.

When the orange peels simmer in the syrup, they absorb the sugar, enhancing their natural sweetness and creating that beautiful glossy finish. Keep an eye on the syrup as it cooks; the right consistency is crucial. You're looking for a syrup that thickens slightly but isn't at the hard crack stage, so patience is key.

Serving Suggestions

Candied orange peels can be enjoyed in various ways beyond just snacking. They make a great addition to baked goods like fruitcakes, muffins, and scones, where their zesty flavor complements subtle sweetness in the dough. Chop them finely and add them to pancake or waffle batter for a bright burst of citrus in the morning.

For a sophisticated touch, you can incorporate candied orange peels into homemade chocolate desserts such as truffles or incorporate them into a charcuterie board alongside nuts and cheeses. Their vibrant color and unique flavor profile will elevate the entire spread, making it visually appealing and a delightful experience for your guests.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use regular oranges?

While organic oranges are preferred due to their flavor and lack of pesticides, you can use regular oranges if necessary. Just make sure to wash them well.

→ How should I store the candied orange peels?

Store them in a cool, dry place in an airtight jar. They can last up to a month.

→ What can I use candied orange peels for?

These candied peels are fantastic in desserts, as a garnish for cocktails, or just enjoyed as a sweet snack!

→ Can I freeze the candied orange peels?

Freezing is not recommended, as the texture may change once thawed. It's best to keep them in jars at room temperature.