Sipping a warm cup of tea on a chilly afternoon feels even cozier when dried orange slices are quietly filling the kitchen with a gentle citrus scent. These gorgeous dried orange slices are one of those simple, old-fashioned projects that instantly make your home feel warmer and more welcoming. I make them every year once the weather cools, usually with a tray going in the oven while homework is happening at the kitchen table or holiday music plays in the background.
Dried orange slices are especially popular during the Christmas season, but honestly, they work all winter long. They are beautiful without being fussy, inexpensive, and surprisingly satisfying to make. With just fresh oranges and a low oven, you can create something that feels thoughtful and special without adding stress to your day. If you love easy, hands-on kitchen projects that double as decor, dried orange slices are a perfect fit.
Why Make This Recipe
There is something really comforting about recipes that slow you down in a good way, and dried orange slices do exactly that. They require very little effort, but the results feel elevated and intentional. These dried orange slices are perfect for decorating garlands, wreaths, gift wrapping, or even simple bowls on the counter during the holidays.
Another reason I love this recipe is how family-friendly it is. Kids can help wash the oranges, arrange the slices, and check on them as they dry. It feels like a craft and a kitchen project rolled into one. Plus, dried orange slices store well, so you can make them ahead of time and use them throughout the season.
“I made these with my kids for our Christmas garland, and they turned out beautiful. The house smelled amazing all day,” says a happy home baker.
Whether you are decorating for Christmas, hosting friends, or just want to add a cozy seasonal touch to your home, dried orange slices are an easy win.
How to Make Gorgeous Dried Orange Slices
This recipe comes together slowly and gently, which is exactly what helps preserve the bright color of the oranges. The process starts by slicing fresh oranges thinly and evenly so they dry at the same rate. Once arranged on a baking sheet or oven-safe rack, the oranges bake at a low temperature for several hours.
Using a lower oven temperature helps prevent browning and keeps the slices looking vibrant instead of dark around the edges. Over time, the moisture evaporates and the slices shrink slightly, becoming dry with just a bit of natural tackiness in the center. The transformation is simple but satisfying, and the end result is a tray full of dried orange slices that look beautiful and smell lightly citrusy.
Ingredients
You only need one ingredient to make dried orange slices, which is part of what makes this recipe so approachable.
Fresh oranges
Choose firm, ripe oranges with smooth skins. Navel oranges work especially well because they have a bright color and consistent size.
If you want to experiment later, blood oranges or Cara Cara oranges also dry beautifully and add variation in color, but classic navel oranges are always a safe choice.
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 200°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper, or place an oven-safe cooling rack over the sheet.
- Wash the oranges thoroughly and pat them dry to remove any surface moisture.
- Slice the oranges into even rounds about 1/8 inch thick, discarding the ends.
- Arrange the slices in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet or rack, making sure they do not overlap.
- Place the tray in the oven and bake for 5 to 6 hours, flipping the slices halfway through to help them dry evenly.
- Remove the oranges from the oven once they are fully dried with minimal browning and allow them to cool completely before using or storing.
How to Serve Gorgeous Dried Orange Slices
Dried orange slices are incredibly versatile once they are finished. One of the most popular ways to use them is strung together with twine to create a classic orange garland for mantels, stair railings, or windows. They also look beautiful tucked into evergreen wreaths or laid across a holiday table as part of a centerpiece.
If you enjoy entertaining, dried orange slices make a lovely addition to cheese boards or dessert platters, adding color and texture without overpowering flavors. They can also be tied onto wrapped gifts as a natural decorative touch. Even something as simple as placing them in a glass jar on the counter can make your kitchen feel more seasonal and cozy.
How to Store
Once the dried orange slices have cooled completely, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will keep well for up to two weeks if they are fully dried. Make sure there is no moisture trapped in the container, as that can cause them to soften.
For longer storage, dried orange slices can be frozen in a zip-top freezer bag. They will keep for several months this way and can be used straight from the freezer for decorating. Just allow them to come to room temperature before handling so they stay flat and intact.
Tips to Make
Choosing the right oranges makes a difference. Firm oranges with thin skins dry more evenly and look better once finished. Try to slice the oranges as evenly as possible, since uneven slices will dry at different rates.
Using a lower oven temperature is key for maintaining color. While higher temperatures dry faster, they often lead to browning around the edges. Flipping the slices halfway through helps them dry evenly on both sides.
If your oven runs hot, start checking the slices earlier. Every oven is slightly different, and it is better to extend the drying time than to risk overbaking.
Variations
While classic dried orange slices are beautiful on their own, you can easily customize them. Mixing different citrus like lemons or blood oranges creates a striking visual contrast, especially for garlands or wreaths.
For seasonal flair, dried orange slices pair well with cinnamon sticks, star anise, and pine branches when decorating. You can also punch a small hole in the center before drying if you plan to string them easily later.
If you want a softer look, slice the oranges slightly thicker, but keep in mind they will need more drying time.
FAQs
Can I use other fruits instead of oranges?
Yes, apples, pears, and lemons can all be dried using a similar method, though drying times will vary depending on thickness and moisture content.
How do I know when the dried orange slices are done?
They should feel dry to the touch with no visible moisture, but not brittle. A slight tackiness in the center is normal.
Do I need a cooling rack, or can I use a baking sheet?
Both work well. A cooling rack allows better airflow and slightly faster drying, but parchment-lined baking sheets work just fine.
Can I make dried orange slices ahead of time?
Absolutely. They are ideal for making ahead, especially for holiday decorating or gifting.
For More Recipe Inspiration
If you enjoy easy kitchen projects like this, you might love our protein muffins for quick breakfasts or snacks. For celebrations, our bento cake recipe is a fun and approachable way to create something special without a lot of stress. And if you are baking for little ones, our smash cake guide is a great place to start.
For more cozy, family-friendly inspiration, visit our social pages here:
https://www.pinterest.com/quickcakes/
Dried Orange Slices
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your oven to 200°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper, or place an oven-safe cooling rack over the sheet.
- Wash the oranges thoroughly and pat them dry to remove any surface moisture.
- Slice the oranges into even rounds about 1/8 inch thick, discarding the ends.
- Arrange the slices in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet or rack, making sure they do not overlap.
- Place the tray in the oven and bake for 5 to 6 hours, flipping the slices halfway through to help them dry evenly.
- Remove the oranges from the oven once they are fully dried with minimal browning and allow them to cool completely before using or storing.