Quick candied orange peels are the perfect solution for those who want to prepare one of the great classics of confectionery at home without dealing with the long preparation times of the traditional recipe. You can also find the version with the long process, with a three-day soak, on the blog for those who love ancient methods and slower preparations: this recipe, however, is designed for those who want excellent results in much quicker times.
Even though they’re “quick,” these peels still require about 3 hours total between boiling, caramelizing, and cooling, but the beauty is that no passive waiting of days is needed. In just a few hours, you’ll have wonderfully fragrant, shiny, well-caramelized peels covered with a light sugar crunch, perfect for enjoying as natural candies, packaging in small gift bags, or using to enrich panettone, colomba, cakes, cookies, and spoon desserts.
A clever, practical recipe that anyone can handle, allowing you to transform simple orange peels into a small masterpiece of artisanal delicacy, without sacrificing the intense aroma and authentic taste of homemade candied peels.
- Difficulty: Very Easy
- Cost: Very cheap
- Rest time: 2 Hours
- Preparation time: 20 Minutes
- Portions: 6/8 people
- Cooking methods: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Seasonality: Autumn, Winter, Christmas
Ingredients for Quick Candied Orange Peels:
- 3 organic oranges
- as needed granulated sugar
Tools for Quick Candied Orange Peels:
- 1 Knife
- 1 Saucepan
- 2 Baking Sheets rectangular
Steps for Quick Candied Orange Peels:
Wash and dry the oranges well, then remove the two ends. Use a knife to make 4 cuts in the peel, then gently detach it and cut it into strips.
Bring a pot of water to a boil. When the water boils, immerse the peels and cook for 10 minutes. Drain them.
Put more water back on the stove, bring it back to a boil and repeat the cooking for another 8 minutes. Drain perfectly.Weigh the peels and prepare the same amount of:
water
sugar
Turn on the stove and completely dissolve the sugar, then add the peels and cook over medium heat until the liquid turns into caramel and the peels become shiny and well-glazed (about 10-12 minutes).Immediately transfer the peels onto two baking sheets with parchment paper, separate them and let them cool completely for at least 2 hours.
Once cool, roll them in granulated sugar and your quick candied orange peels are ready!
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
Can I use non-organic oranges?
Yes, but wash them carefully and treat them with baking soda.
Can I skip the second boiling?
The second boiling is used to eliminate bitterness: I advise you not to skip it.
How are they stored?
Quick candied orange peels can be stored in an airtight container, in a cool, dry place away from light. Thanks to complete caramelization and the final pass in sugar, they can be perfectly preserved for 3–4 weeks, maintaining flavor and texture.
It’s important to avoid the refrigerator because humidity could make the sugar sticky and alter the surface of the peels.
