Candied Orange Peel Twists

Name: Candied Orange Peel Twists
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 4 large oranges; 2 cups granulated sugar; 1 cup water; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; Pinch of salt

Highlighted under: Simple Baking | Easy Sweets

I love making Candied Orange Peel Twists because they are a delightful and zesty treat that’s perfect for snacking or as a sweet gift. The bright, fresh flavor of orange combined with the sugary coating is simply irresistible. This recipe allows me to transform something as simple as orange peels into a gourmet delicacy. It's a fun and rewarding process that fills my kitchen with a wonderful citrus aroma, making every step worth it. Plus, there's something so satisfying about creating candy at home!

Created by

The Rebecabakes Team

Last updated on 2026-02-14T15:46:19.003Z

Creating these Candied Orange Peel Twists is a cherished memory for me. I remember the first time I made them; the vibrant colors of the orange peels and the sweet aroma enveloping my kitchen made the experience truly magical. I learned that letting the peels soak in sugar syrup enhances their flavor and texture, resulting in a chewy and flavorful treat.

One tip I discovered was to avoid using white pith, as it can be bitter. I gently scrape the insides with a spoon, ensuring I get that perfect balance of sweetness without any unwanted bitterness. Every twist is a burst of sunshine!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Bright citrus flavor that invigorates your palate
Simple ingredients that transform into a gourmet treat
Perfect for adding to baked goods or as a unique gift

Mastering the Blanching Process

Blanching the orange peels is a critical step to reduce bitterness, ensuring that the final candy has a pleasant, sweet flavor. The key is to bring the water to a rolling boil before adding the peels, then keeping an eye on the time. The three rounds of blanching are essential; don't skip any! After the first blanch, taste a peel to gauge bitterness; if it's still present, the subsequent boils will help. Each batch should be drained and rinsed under cold water to halt the cooking process, which also brightens the color of the peels.

When cutting the orange peels, aim for strips that are about half an inch wide, providing a balance between easy coating and a satisfactory bite. If the strips are too narrow, they might become overly crisp, whereas too thick may lead to a chewier candy that's hard to coat evenly. If you prefer a softer texture, you can cook them longer in the syrup, but watch carefully to avoid making them too fragile.

The Perfect Candying Technique

Simmering the peels in syrup is where the transformation really happens. It's best to use a heavy-bottomed saucepan to ensure even heat distribution, which will prevent the syrup from burning. Stir occasionally during the simmer to make sure the syrup doesn't stick or caramelize unevenly. Aim for the peels to appear relatively transparent; this is an indicator they are reaching the right texture. If you notice them starting to darken or the syrup thickening too much, lower your heat immediately and continue to monitor closely.

Once you've removed the peels from the heat, allow them to sit in the syrup for about 10 minutes. This extra time helps them soak up more of the sweet flavor. I like to use a fork to gently separate the peels when placing them on the cooling rack, creating more surface area to help them dry evenly. If the peels seem sticky after coating, simply let them air dry longer, or toss them in sugar multiple times until they reach your desired sweetness.

Ingredients

Gather these fresh ingredients for a delightful treat!

Ingredients

4 large oranges
2 cups granulated sugar
1 cup water
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Pinch of salt

These ingredients will create the perfect candy!

Instructions

Follow these steps carefully to make your candy.

Prepare the Orange Peels

Wash the oranges thoroughly. Cut the tops and bottoms off the oranges, then slice the fruits into quarters. Carefully remove the fruit from the peels, leaving a little white pith on the rind. Cut the peels into strips.

Blanch the Peels

Place the orange peels in a pot of cold water and bring to a boil. Boil for 5 minutes, then drain and rinse the peels. Repeat this process two more times to remove bitterness.

Make the Syrup

In a medium saucepan, combine sugar and water. Stir over medium heat until the sugar dissolves. Add the blanched peels, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt to the syrup.

Candy the Peels

Simmer the peels in the syrup on low heat for about 30-40 minutes, or until they become translucent and tender. Remove from heat.

Coat the Peels

Using a fork, remove the peels from the syrup and place them on a cooling rack. Let them cool for a few minutes, then roll them in granulated sugar until coated.

Dry and Store

Allow the coated peels to dry completely. Store them in an airtight container, layered between parchment paper.

Enjoy your homemade candied orange peels!

Pro Tips

For extra flavor, try adding a splash of Grand Marnier to the syrup while candying the peels.

Storing Your Candied Orange Peels

Proper storage of your candied orange peels can significantly extend their shelf life. Once fully dried, place them in an airtight container. Be sure to layer them with parchment paper to prevent sticking and maintain that sugary coating. If stored correctly, they can last for up to three weeks on the counter, or in the refrigerator for up to a month. This makes them an excellent addition to gift baskets or as a sweet treat to have on hand.

For longer-term storage, consider freezing the candied peels. First, ensure they are completely dry and cooled. Then, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze individually before transferring them to a freezer-safe bag. This way, you can grab a few pieces whenever you need, without worrying about the others sticking together.

Serving Suggestions and Variations

Candied orange peels are incredibly versatile. You can enjoy them straight out of the container as a zesty snack, or use them to elevate baked goods. Consider adding them to chocolate bark for a gourmet touch, or chopping them finely and mixing into scones or muffins for a pop of citrus flavor. They also make elegant garnishes for cocktails, adding sophistication along with a complex flavor twist.

For a unique twist, try infusing the syrup with spices like cinnamon or cloves while you candy the peels. This will add another layer of flavor that pairs beautifully with the citrus. Alternatively, you can dip them in dark chocolate after they've cooled and dried, creating a sumptuous treat that balances out the sweetness with a rich bitterness. Remember, these adjustments can alter the drying time, so keep an eye on the texture.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use other citrus fruits?

Yes, lemons and grapefruits work well too!

→ How should I store leftover candied peels?

Keep them in an airtight container in a cool, dry place.

→ Can I dip these in chocolate?

Absolutely! Dipping in dark chocolate adds another delicious layer.

→ How long do they last?

They can last for several weeks when stored properly.