Candied citrus peels (orange and lemon), dipped in chocolate are a unique, sweet treat to make and give to friends and family during the holidays!
Over the years, I’ve made chocolate drizzled, Candied Citrus Peels, made from oranges and lemons during the holidays, to add to the gift baskets of Christmas goodies I give to friends and family.  They are delicious and are such a unique treat!

Candied citrus peels are easy to make and require only a few ingredients. I found these to be quite a unique gift idea, and they are delicious, too! I’ve made this recipe using both orange AND lemon peels.

Both are wonderful, but my personal favorite is definitely the candied orange peels, because I might possibly have a genetic weakness for chocolate and orange… oh mercy!

Making Candied Citrus Peels Is Fairly Simple But Has a Few Steps

These take a bit of prep work (nothing hard at all, though), and involves several hours of drying time, but the results are worth it, especially when you consider how inexpensive these are to make, when contrasted with how expensive they are to BUY!

The process is pretty simple. Basically you repeat the cooking process three times to rid the citrus peels of bitterness. then the peels are cooked in a simple sugar syrup.

The peels are then fully dried, then decorated the next day with a chocolate coating or drizzle (to fancy them up)! That’s it! You can make as many, or as few as you like.

How Candied Citrus Peels Are Made

Citrus peel strips are boiled in water, then drained and boiled again two more times. This process is done, because it softens the peels and removes some of the bitterness.

After boiling the peels 3 times, the candied citrus peels are then cooked in a sugar/water mixture for 15 minutes.

Cooked candied citrus peels are then dried on wire racks overnight or until completely dry.

Peels are now completely dried (see how they are not as shiny?). The candied citrus peels can be eaten, as is, or can be decorated with white or dark chocolate.

Here are some candied citrus peels (orange), dipped 3/4 of the way in melted semi-sweet chocolate.

Here are the candied citrus peels (lemon), dipped in white chocolate and drizzled with melted semi-sweet chocolate.

Here are more of the orange candied citrus peels, drizzled with semi-sweet chocolate.

Here are some of the orange peel slices, dipped in white chocolate, then drizzled with semi-sweet chocolate. See how many ways you can decorate candied citrus peels?

Hope you will give these candied citrus peels a try this holiday season (remember citrus is in season during this time of year)… and enjoy!

Looking For More Christmas Goodies?

You can find ALL of my Christmas candies and goodies in the Recipe Index, located at the top of the page. A few favorites include:

• Dipped Gingersnaps
• Chocolate Butterscotch Peanut Clusters
• Mom’s Old-Fashioned Fudge
• Sprinkle Bars

Interested In More Recipes?

Thank you for visiting this website. I appreciate you using some of your valuable time to do so.  If you’re interested, I publish a newsletter 2 times per month (1^st and 15^th) with all the latest recipes, and other fun info. I would be honored to have you join our growing list of subscribers, so you never miss a great recipe!
There is a Newsletter subscription box on the top right side (or bottom) of each blog post, depending on the device you use, where you can easily submit your e-mail address (only) to be included in my mailing list.

You Can Also Find Me On Social Media:

Facebook page: The Grateful Girl Cooks!
Pinterest: The Grateful Girl Cooks!
Instagram: jbatthegratefulgirlcooks

The original recipe source is unknown. I copied it down onto a 3×5 card over 15 years ago, but have no record of where I got the recipe from.

PRINT

Candied Citrus Peels

Prep Time

1 hr 5 mins

Cook Time

15 mins

Inactive Drying time

4 hrs

Total Time

5 hrs 15 mins

 

Candied citrus peels (orange and lemon), dipped in chocolate are a unique, sweet treat to make and give to friends and family during the holidays!

Category: Candy

Cuisine: American

Keyword: candied citrus peels

Servings: 72 (Approximately 6 dozen pieces)

Calories Per Serving: 13 kcal

Author: JB @ The Grateful Girl Cooks!

Ingredients

• Oranges or lemons (Enough to make 2 cups of sliced peels. I used 6.)
• Water
• 1 cup sugar (for syrup)
• 1/4 cup sugar (for rolling cooked peels in, (IF NOT DIPPING IN CHOCOLATE)
• Semi-sweet chocolate
• White chocolate

US Customary - Metric

Instructions

1. Score your orange or lemons with sharp knife. Cut peel into thin strips. Remove as much of the white "pith" as possible (it's really bitter).
2. Put the peel strips into a medium saucepan. Cover the peel with cold water. Bring to a boil over medium high heat. Once it begins boiling, reduce heat and simmer for 8 minutes. Drain water.
3. **Repeat the above process with the peels 2 more times.**
4. Once you have boiled the peels 3 times, wash the pan and set peels aside.
5. In medium saucepan, bring 1/2 cup water and 1 cup granulated sugar to a boil, stirring twice. Once water is boiling and sugar is dissolved, add the peels to the pan. Simmer peels in syrup on low heat for about 15 minutes (most of the syrup will be absorbed).
6. Remove peels with tongs to wire rack. **IF YOU ARE NOT PLANNING TO DIP FINISHED SLICES IN CHOCOLATE, THEN ROLL THEM IN SUGAR AFTER THEY HAVE DRIED FOR ABOUT AN HOUR** Place sugar coated peels back on rack to dry at least 4 hours, but preferably overnight. IF YOU ARE DIPPING OR DRIZZLING THESE IN CHOCOLATE, THIS STEP IS NOT NECESSARY!
7. To decorate, melt semi-sweet chocolate or white chocolate (or both in separate batches) in a double boiler or in the microwave, depending on how you choose to decorate the peels. Be careful not to burn the chocolate. If melting them in microwave, cook in 30 second intervals, stirring after each 30 seconds, until smooth. Dip or drizzle melted chocolate over peels and place back on wire rack to completely dry. Keep peels stored in a cool place to prevent chocolate from melting. Enjoy

Recipe Notes

The cook time indicated INCLUDES approximately 4 hours of drying time...don't freak out and think these take that long to actually prepare. The whole cooking process takes about an hour and a half to get them to the point of being ready to dry.

Caloric calculation does NOT include optional chocolate drizzle.

Nutrition Facts

Candied Citrus Peels

Amount Per Serving (1 piece (without choc. drizzle)

Calories 13

% Daily Value*

Carbohydrates 3g1%

Sugar 3g3%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Here’s one more to pin on your Pinterest boards!

Save

Save

Chocolate Butterscotch Peanut Clusters are so yummy and EASY to make, using only 3 ingredients! Recipe makes 4 dozen- perfect for gift giving and holidays!

If you’re looking for a totally easy “chocolate candy” recipe to have around the house to munch on OR give to friends…here ya go! Chocolate Butterscotch Peanut Clusters for the win!

This is truly one of the easiest recipes ever…really!  These chocolate butterscotch peanut clusters only have 3 ingredients, and the recipe makes approximately 4 dozen, so there are plenty to share with friends (we wouldn’t dare eat them all by ourselves, would we????)!

If you can pour and stir…you can make these! It’s THAT easy.  I’ve been making them for years, and have always enjoyed how quick to make and delicious they are.

You can even get “fancy” and drizzle the chocolate butterscotch peanut clusters with a simple vanilla/powdered sugar icing, if desired (but not necessary). I’ve done that a couple times!

The addition of butterscotch chips to the “standard” chocolate covered peanut clusters takes these to the next level of awesomeness!  Hope you will give them a try!

Looking For More Chocolate Candy Recipes?

You can find all of my recipes in the Recipes Index, located at the top of the page. In case you are searching for MORE chocolate covered candy to make for the holidays, etc., be sure to check out my recipes for Chocolate Covered Bacon, Mocha Truffles, Chocolate Orange Truffles. There’s more in the recipe index, and they are all are delicious!

Interested In More Recipes?

Thank you for visiting this website. I appreciate you using some of your valuable time to do so.  If you’re interested, I publish a newsletter 2 times per month (1^st and 15^th) with all the latest recipes, and other fun info. I would be honored to have you join our growing list of subscribers, so you never miss a great recipe!
There is a Newsletter subscription box on the top right side (or bottom) of each blog post, depending on the device you use, where you can easily submit your e-mail address (only) to be included in my mailing list.

You Can Also Find Me On Social Media:
Facebook page: The Grateful Girl Cooks!
Pinterest: The Grateful Girl Cooks!
Instagram: jbatthegratefulgirlcooks

Recipe Source: Unknown

Here’s one more to pin on your Pinterest boards!

PRINT

Chocolate Butterscotch Peanut Clusters

Prep Time

10 mins

Cook Time

5 mins

Total Time

15 mins

 

Chocolate Butterscotch Peanut Clusters are so yummy and EASY to make, using only 3 ingredients! Recipe makes 4 dozen- perfect for gift giving and holidays!

Category: Candy, Desserts

Cuisine: American

Keyword: chocolate butterscotch peanut clusters

Servings: 48 chocolates (approx.)

Calories Per Serving: 89 kcal

Author: JB @ The Grateful Girl Cooks!

Ingredients

• 6 ounces semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 2 cups butterscotch chips
• 12 ounces salted cocktail peanuts

US Customary - Metric

Instructions

1. Melt the chocolate and butterscotch chips in a double boiler (chips in small pot, which is sitting on top of a pot of boiling water-be careful not to get any water into chocolate or chocolate will seize up).
2. When chips have melted, remove from heat and stir in peanuts until coated.
3. Drop peanut clusters by rounded spoonfuls onto wax paper.
4. Let the chocolate peanut butter covering harden before serving. Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Chocolate Butterscotch Peanut Clusters

Amount Per Serving (1 chocolate)

Calories 89 Calories from Fat 45

% Daily Value*

Fat 5g8%

Saturated Fat 1g6%

Sodium 58mg3%

Potassium 75mg2%

Carbohydrates 9g3%

Sugar 7g8%

Protein 2g4%

Vitamin A 10IU0%

Calcium 10mg1%

Iron 0.4mg2%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Save

Save

Save

Save

Mom’s Old Fashioned Fudge is creamy old-fashioned chocolate fudge with pecans! Easy to make, perfect treat for parties or gift giving during the holidays!

My Mom has been making this old fashioned fudge for at least 50 years! My memories of Christmas time are filled with happy thoughts of my Mom making this delicious fudge and giving plates of it to neighbors and friends.

Our Family Tradition – Making Old Fashioned Fudge At Christmas!

I don’t even know where she got the recipe from (she calls it “See’s Fudge”), but I do know it’s been made by my Mom since I was a child (over 50 years). Now making Mom’s old fashioned fudge is my tradition, passed from one generation to the next.

Now I’ve been making this absolutely DELICIOUS old fashioned fudge every Christmas for as long as I can remember!  That’s a loooong time, folks, and I still LOVE the memories it brings to mind, and the calories it brings to my tummy!

Making and giving away homemade goodies at Christmas is part of my heritage…it’s just what I love to do!

The way you make Mom’s old fashioned fudge is fairly easy. The ingredients are cooked, mixed together, then spread onto a cookie sheet and refrigerated until firm.  Once firm, the fudge is cut into small bites of creamy chocolate deliciousness!

How To Make Mom’s Old Fashioned Fudge

The first thing you need to do is to place chocolate chips, marshmallow creme, vanilla, nuts and butter in a large mixing bowl. Set this bowl aside.

It’s important to do this step ahead of time. The reason is because once the sugar syrup is cooked and is boiling hot, you need these ready to make your batch of old fashioned fudge!

You will pour the boiling hot syrup into the bowl, and the heat will melt the butter and chocolate chips.

To Make The Sugar Syrup For Old Fashioned Fudge

In a large, tall saucepan, add the evaporated milk and the sugar. Bring the sugar and evaporated milk to a rolling boil.

Once it reaches a full, rolling boil, cook for 9 1/2 minutes. Make sure to stir often, so it doesn’t boil over the top of the pan.

Once the 9 1/2 minutes is up, remove the pan from the heat and quickly pour this HOT mixture into the ingredients in the mixing bowl.

Stir the old fashioned fudge thoroughly (this is good for your biceps!). Continue stirring until the butter and the chocolate chips are all melted and blended smooth.

Once Fudge Is Blended Completely

Immediately pour the hot contents of the bowl onto a BUTTERED (on the bottom and sides) 9×13 cookie sheet. Spread the old fashioned fudge out, to fill cookie sheet completely.

Refrigerate the old fashioned fudge for several hours until it is firm. Cut the fudge cut into small squares (it’s very rich, so you only need small pieces). Serve and enjoy!

How Many Pieces Of Old Fashioned Fudge Will This Recipe Make?

This recipe makes a lot of old fashioned fudge. If you cut a 13×9 inch batch into 1″ squares, it will yield about 117 pieces of fudge. That’s about 2 pounds of fudge!

That’s a LOT of fudge for eating… OR homemade gift giving! ‘Tis the season, right?

Be sure to store fudge in covered container in the refrigerator! You will have plenty to have around to nibble on, or to serve friends who pop in for a quick visit!

We also enjoy giving plates of old fashioned fudge and other Christmas goodies to our neighbors and friends. I sure hope you will give this delicious, old fashioned fudge a try…it’s DELICIOUS! Enjoy!

Looking For More Christmas Goodies?

I have lots of Christmas goodies on this website! They can be found in the Recipe Index at the top of the page. There are some really great ones, including:

• Chocolate Orange Truffles
• Sprinkle Bars
• Mom’s Refrigerator Fruitcake (it’s not THAT kind of fruitcake!)
• Pecan Pie Truffles
• Microwave Rocky Road Fudge
• Microwave Pecan Brittle
• Chocolate Butterscotch Peanut Clusters

Interested In More Recipes?

Thank you for visiting this website. I appreciate you using some of your valuable time to do so.  If you’re interested, I publish a newsletter 2 times per month (1^st and 15^th) with all the latest recipes, and other fun info. I would be honored to have you join our growing list of subscribers, so you never miss a great recipe! 

There is a Newsletter subscription box on the top right side (or bottom) of each blog post, depending on the device you use, where you can easily submit your e-mail address (only) to be included in my mailing list.

You Can Also Find Me On Social Media:

Facebook page: The Grateful Girl Cooks!
Pinterest: The Grateful Girl Cooks!
Instagram: jbatthegratefulgirlcooks

Recipe Source: My Mom, Fredia

PRINT

Mom's Old-Fashioned Fudge

Prep Time

10 mins

Cook Time

10 mins

Total Time

20 mins

 

Mom's Old Fashioned Fudge is creamy old-fashioned chocolate fudge with pecans! Easy to make, perfect treat for parties or gift giving during the holidays!

Category: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Keyword: fudge, old fashioned fudge

Servings: 117 one inch pieces

Calories Per Serving: 97 kcal

Author: JB @ The Grateful Girl Cooks!

Ingredients

• 2 pkgs. semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1 8 oz. jar marshmallow creme
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 2 cups chopped pecans or walnuts (I use pecans)
• 1/2 lb. butter (or margarine, if you desire- I use butter-2 cubes)
• 1 large can of evaporated milk (regular sized-don't use the dinky one)
• 4 cups granulated sugar

US Customary - Metric

Instructions

1. Place the first five ingredients (chips, marshmallow creme, vanilla, nuts and butter) in a large mixing bowl. Set aside.
2. In a large saucepan, add the evaporated milk and the sugar. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil; once it reaches a full, rolling boil, cook for 9 1/2 minutes, stirring to be sure it doesn't boil over the top of the pan.
3. Once the 9 1/2 minutes is up, remove the pan from the heat and quickly pour this HOT mixture into the ingredients in the mixing bowl and stir thoroughly (this is good for your biceps!) until the butter and the chocolate chips are all melted and blended smooth.
4. Pour the contents of the bowl onto a BUTTERED (rub a bit of butter on the bottom and sides) 9x13 cookie sheet. Spread fudge mixture out to fill cookie sheet completely.
5. Refrigerate for several hours till firm, then cut into small squares. Keep refrigerated. Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Mom's Old-Fashioned Fudge

Amount Per Serving (1 (one inch square piece))

Calories 97 Calories from Fat 45

% Daily Value*

Fat 5g8%

Saturated Fat 2g13%

Cholesterol 5mg2%

Sodium 17mg1%

Potassium 51mg1%

Carbohydrates 12g4%

Sugar 10g11%

Vitamin A 60IU1%

Vitamin C 0.1mg0%

Calcium 14mg1%

Iron 0.4mg2%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Here’s one more to pin on your Pinterest boards!

Save

Save

Save