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Easy Homemade Spiced Dried Orange Slices for Holiday Drinks

Easy homemade spiced dried orange slices for holiday drinks - featured image
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Transform ordinary oranges into beautifully spiced dried slices that fill your home with a cozy holiday aroma. Perfect for garnishing mulled wine, hot cider, cocktails, or tea, these easy-to-make slices are a festive staple that also make thoughtful handmade gifts.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3–4 medium oranges (preferably organic)
  • 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup (120ml) water
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (Ceylon preferred)
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 2–3 whole star anise pods (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 200°F (95°C).
  2. Wash and slice the oranges: Scrub oranges well under warm water to remove any wax. Pat dry. Using a sharp knife or mandoline, slice into even rounds about 1/4-inch (6mm) thick. Discard the ends. You should get about 8-10 slices per orange.
  3. Blot the slices: Place slices in a single layer on a clean kitchen towel or paper towels. Gently press another towel on top to absorb excess juice. Let sit for about 10 minutes.
  4. Make the spiced syrup: In a small saucepan, combine sugar, water, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and star anise. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring until sugar dissolves. Simmer for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract if using. Let cool for 5 minutes.
  5. Brush the slices: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat. Arrange orange slices in a single layer, not touching. Using a pastry brush, lightly coat both sides of each slice with the spiced syrup. Reserve remaining syrup.
  6. Bake for 2.5 to 3 hours: Place baking sheet in preheated oven. After 1.5 hours, flip each slice carefully with a spatula. Brush the other side with a bit more syrup. Continue baking until slices are dry to the touch but still slightly pliable.
  7. Cool completely: Remove baking sheet from oven and let slices cool on the sheet for 10 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. They will firm up as they cool.

Notes

Slice oranges evenly (about 1/4-inch thick) for consistent drying. Don’t skip blotting the slices—it reduces drying time. If slices brown too quickly, reduce oven temperature by 10-15°F. The leftover spiced syrup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to two weeks and used to sweeten tea, coffee, or pancakes. For best results, use conventional bake mode, not convection. The slices will continue to dry as they cool and taste even better after a week or two as the spices meld.

Nutrition

Keywords: dried orange slices, spiced oranges, holiday garnish, mulled wine garnish, homemade gift, citrus garnish, holiday drinks

Find it online: https://ovenmila.com/easy-homemade-spiced-dried-orange-slices-for-holiday-drinks/