Candied Orange Slices Sweet (Print version)

Glossy, sweetened orange slices perfect for cocktail and dessert garnishing.

# What You Need:

→ Citrus

01 - 2 medium seedless oranges, well scrubbed

→ Simple Syrup

02 - 2 cups granulated sugar
03 - 2 cups water

# How to Make:

01 - Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
02 - Using a sharp knife or mandoline, slice the oranges crosswise into 1/8-inch rounds. Discard ends and any seeds.
03 - In a large, wide saucepan, combine sugar and water. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring until sugar dissolves completely.
04 - Carefully add the orange slices in a single layer, working in batches if needed. Simmer gently over low heat, turning occasionally, until the rinds look translucent, approximately 40 to 45 minutes.
05 - Use tongs to transfer the slices to the prepared baking sheet. Arrange in a single layer.
06 - Let cool and air-dry for at least 4 hours or overnight until no longer sticky.
07 - Once dry, store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.

# Expert tips:

01 -
  • They actually taste incredible—that bitter-sweet rind against the candied fruit is dangerously addictive.
  • Your kitchen smells like a luxury hotel lobby while they simmer, which alone makes this worth doing.
  • One batch impresses far more than the effort required, making you look like a kitchen genius without breaking a sweat.
02 -
  • Don't skip the air-drying step or they'll weep sugar and stick together—I learned this the hard way by trying to rush with an oven and ending up with a caramelized mess.
  • The transformation from opaque white pith to translucent jewel happens gradually, so trust the process and don't panic if it takes the full 45 minutes.
03 -
  • A mandoline makes uniform slices that candy more evenly, but a very sharp knife works just as well if you're patient and careful.
  • Don't throw out the syrup left in the pan—it's liquid gold for sweetening tea, cocktails, or even drizzling over vanilla ice cream.
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