Best Dried Orange Slices Recipe

I gathered six large fresh oranges, a bit of granulated sugar, water, and a pinch of cinnamon to create something special. I love making dried orange slices for Christmas decor as they highlight the natural charm of the season. This guide shows a unique approach to crafting beautiful holiday ornaments.

I recently discovered a neat way to make dried orange slices that I just had to share. I’ve been playing around with dried oranges as a decoration for my holiday season, and let me tell you, these DIY dehydrated orange slices really bring character to any space.

I start with 6 large fresh oranges that I slice about 1/4 inch thick. Sometimes I toss them in a mix of 1/2 cup granulated sugar, 1/4 cup water, and 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon for a sweet crunchy finish and a hint of spice.

Whether you’re into sun dried orange slices for Thanksgiving decor or orange Christmas accents, these slices always stand out. This process is not only fun and simple but also gives you a beautiful, artsy look for your decoration.

Trust me, if you’re into making dried orange slices decoration techniques, you’ll want to try this recipe out.

Why I Like this Recipe

I like this recipe for a bunch of reasons. First, I love the bright and natural flavor of the oranges. There’s just somethin about the way the citrus smell fills my kitchen that really puts me in a good mood. Second, its super easy to make even if I mess up a little bit, which makes it fun to experiment with. Third, I enjoy that it gives me a cool way to decorate for Christmas. It’s neat to see those dried slices turned into festive art around my house. Lastly, the optional sugar and cinnamon mix gives it a little extra kick that makes the recipe feel special for the holidays.

Ingredients

• Fresh oranges: loaded with fibre and vitamin C; they add tart and naturally sweet flavor.
• Granulated sugar: pure carbohydrate source that adds crunchy sweetness, though used sparingly.
• Water: key for dissolving sugar, ensuring an even coating on every orange slice.
• Ground cinnamon: spice boost with warm taste; perfect for holiday vibes and aroma.
• Naturally produced flavours accent each slice, delivering a balanced mix of tart and sweet.
• The recipe transforms everyday fruits into decorative treats; an artful, flavorful project.
• Perfect for snacks, party décor and gifts; a healthy twist to winter festivities.
• Simple steps deliver high-impact flavor; fun and easy for any home cook.

Ingredient Quantities

• 6 large fresh oranges (about 1/4 inch thick when sliced)
• Optional: 1/2 cup granulated sugar (to lightly coat the slices if you want a sweet crunchy finish)
• Optional: 1/4 cup water (to help dissolve the sugar if using it)
• Optional: 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for a warm holiday flavor)

How to Make this

1. Preheat your oven to 200°F (93°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. Wash your oranges well and cut them into slices that are about 1/4 inch thick.

3. Lay the orange slices flat on the prepared baking sheet so they dont overlap.

4. If you wanna add extra sweetness and crunch, combine 1/2 cup of granulated sugar, 1/4 cup water, and 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon in a small saucepan over low heat until the sugar dissolves.

5. Lightly brush the sugar mixture on both sides of each orange slice.

6. Once brushed, place the baking sheet in the preheated oven.

7. Bake the slices for about 2 hours, flipping them halfway through so they dry evenly.

8. Keep an eye on them as oven times may vary and you dont want them to burn; they should be dry yet still a bit flexible.

9. Remove the slices from the oven and let them cool completely on a wire rack.

10. Once cooled, use them to decorate for Christmas or store them in an airtight container for future holiday crafts.

Equipment Needed

1. Oven
2. Baking sheet and parchment paper
3. Knife and cutting board
4. Small saucepan
5. Measuring cups and spoons
6. Spoon for stirring
7. Pastry brush
8. Wire cooling rack

FAQ

Best Dried Orange Slices Recipe Substitutions and Variations

• Instead of fresh oranges you could use blood oranges or even tangerines if they are in season.
• If you dont have granulated sugar, raw sugar or coconut sugar work just as fine.
• Instead of water you might try apple cider or a splash of orange juice to get the sugar to dissolve.
• If youre out of ground cinnamon, a pinch of nutmeg or a bit of pumpkin spice can give that warm holiday flavor.

Pro Tips

1. Make sure your orange slices are cut uniformly so they dry evenly; if they’re too thick some might still stay soggy while others get too crispy
2. When applying the sugar mix, don’t overdo it – a light brush works best. Too much can end up making the slices overly sweet and kind of sticky
3. Keep a close eye on your oven time, coz every oven runs a differnt way. Checking a few times throughout the baking process can stop you from accidentally burning them
4. Let the slices cool completely on a wire rack before storing. They crisp up a bit more that way and it stops any extra moisture buildup that might ruin the snack texture