Make Dried Orange Slices and Use in Beautiful Ways

If you’ve ever wanted to fill your home with the cozy scent of citrus fruits and spice, this ultimate guide on dried oranges is for you! In this post, I’ll show you how to make dried orange slices and use them in beautiful ways for your home and crafts. These slices are the best way to add warmth to your space. Bring natural charm to wreaths, Christmas decorations, festive garlands, and orange ornaments. I’ll walk you through each step with detailed instructions on how to create dehydrated oranges that look stunning and smell amazing. I’ll share a recipe card at the end so you can easily print or save it for later.

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Supplies List: Make Dried Orange Slices and Use in Beautiful Ways

• Fresh oranges – visit your local grocery store
• Paper towel – pat oranges dry to remove excess moisture
• Cookie sheet or large baking sheets
• Wire rack that’s oven safe – I use a stainless steel rack upside down
• Sharp serrated knife or chef’s knife
• Parchment paper (optional)
• Low temperature oven
• Spices: ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves (optional)

Step 1: Drying Oranges and Clementines in the Oven: Slice Oranges and Preheat Oven

Preheat your oven to a low temperature of 200 degrees F. Slice fresh oranges, like navel oranges, blood oranges, or cara cara oranges. Slice them about ¼ inch thick for your dry orange slices. These types of oranges are the best way to get even results because of their round shape and consistent size.

Use a sharp knife or chef’s knife to get smooth, even cuts (a mandoline slicer works too). After slicing, gently pat each one with a paper towel to remove excess moisture for the best results before drying.

Once prepped, you’re ready for the next step: arranging your orange slices on a cooling rack over a baking tray or large baking sheets to begin the dehydrating process.

Step 2: Add Orange Slices to Wire Rack

Place the orange slices in a single layer on the cooling rack set over your cookie sheet or baking tray. The drying process takes about 4–6 hours. Flip and rotate each slice every hour for even drying. Watch carefully in the last half-hour to prevent over-drying.

Step 3: Sprinkle Spices for Extra Aroma

Sprinkle a bit of clove, cinnamon, and nutmeg over the thin slices. This will fill your kitchen with the cozy scent of the holiday season.

Why You’ll Love Making Dehydrated Orange Slices

Making dehydrated oranges is one of my favorite ways to bring natural charm into the home during the holiday season. The best part is that these dry orange slices not only look stunning but also smell incredible. You can use them to create ornaments for the Christmas tree, an orange garland, or even a homemade potpourri.

Beautiful Ways to Use Dried Oranges

• Once your dehydrated oranges have cooled to room temperature, the fun begins! Add them to a Christmas tree with twine or jute, along with sticks of cinnamon, pinecones, and anise stars for a rustic look. String them with bay leaves to make festive garlands. Add them to the top of Christmas presents, or combine with pinecones and other dry citrus fruits for a cozy centerpiece.
• You can also dip dried oranges in dark chocolate. Sprinkle them with sea salt, and enjoy them as a healthy snack or cocktail garnish. Store leftovers in an airtight container or Ziploc bag for up to 5 days in a dry place. Keep away from direct sunlight.
• Display your dehydrated orange slices in a glass jar or small bowl. Add sticks of cinnamon, star anise, pine cones, and bay (laurel) leaves. Add a few twinkle lights for extra warmth and charm. This simple arrangement adds festive decor from the fall season through the holiday season and beyond.

Easy DIY Orange Garland

Easy Garland

Drying Whole Clementine

Drying whole Clementine or mandarins is another great way to complement your dry orange slices. Slice through the peel at four points (12, 3, 6, and 9 o’clock) using a sharp serrated knife. Roll on a paper towel to remove excess moisture. Place on dehydrator trays or a cooling rack over a cookie sheet. Dry at a low temperature (about 200 degrees F).

Storage Tips for Dehydrated Orange Slices in an Airtight Container

To preserve your dehydrated orange slices for years, store them in an airtight container or a brown paper bag. Keep them in a dark and dry place. This will help them stay fresh for a long time. Avoid direct sunlight or moisture buildup to maintain their natural beauty. These slices are perfect for Christmas decorations, adding a cozy, festive touch to your fall season and holiday decor.

Bring Warmth and Charm with Dry Orange Slices

I hope this post inspires you to make dried orange slices and use them in beautiful ways throughout your home this holiday season! These natural decorations are the best way to add a stunning look to holiday decor. Place these citrus fruits on a Christmas tree, in an orange garland, in a bowl, or in a glass jar. Add cinnamon sticks, star anise, pine cones, and bay leaves for festive charm. Don’t forget to print your recipe card for easy reference while creating these beautiful decorations. They’re also a great way to add a touch of nature to Christmas presents or a wreath.

You can also visit my other tutorials on using dry oranges in seasonal decor. These include my dried orange wreath and other creative wreath ideas. They’re simple things that fill your home with warmth and timeless charm. Happy Crafting!

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Other Holiday Decor of Interest: Click the Image or Purple Link

Orange Garland

Wreath

Salt Dough Ornaments

Star Anise Navel Oranges Garland

Dried Orange Garland

Orange Wreath