How to Dry Orange Slices for Christmas Decorating
Simple, natural, and so beautiful.
Have you wanted to add a natural touch to your holiday décor? Dried orange slices are an easy and beautiful way to do it. They look lovely hanging from pine branches or nestled among ornaments on a Christmas tree. Create a bit of old-fashioned charm with their timeless, handmade appeal.
Whether you’re making garlands, adorning gifts, or crafting festive centerpieces, drying your own orange slices is an easy project that fills your home with a sweet citrus fragrance and cozy anticipation of the season ahead.
In this post, you’ll learn how to dry orange slices using several methods, explore a bit of their history, and discover creative ways to use them in your Christmas decorating.
Why You’ll Love Making Dried Orange Slices
Natural and budget-friendly: Just oranges and time, no special supplies needed.
Kid-friendly and fun: A sweet-smelling project the whole family can enjoy.
Versatile for décor: Use them for ornaments, garlands, gift toppers, simmer pots, and more.
Visually pretty: Their translucent glow in candlelight or on a Christmas tree is lovely.
Simple and satisfying: A craft that adds joy and beauty to your holiday season.
A Brief History of Dried Orange Slices in Christmas Décor
Using oranges as decoration dates back centuries, especially in European and colonial traditions. Oranges were once a prized winter gift, bright, fragrant, and symbolic of sunshine and abundance.
Dried orange slices became part of traditional holiday décor as a way to preserve fruit and bring warmth and color indoors during cold months.
People often combined them with pinecones, cinnamon sticks, cranberries, and cloves, creating simple but beautiful garlands and ornaments that filled homes with a natural, citrusy aroma.
Today, dried oranges carry that same nostalgic charm, connecting us to a slower, more mindful time when holiday beauty was handmade from what nature provided.
What You’ll Need
Fresh oranges (navel, blood, or Cara Cara for varied tones)
Sharp knife or mandoline slicer
Paper towels or a clean dish towel
Baking sheet(s)
Parchment paper or wire rack
Optional: cinnamon, cloves, or star anise for extra fragrance
Ways to Dry Orange Slices
Slice the oranges 1/8–1/4 inch thick.
Blot the slices with paper towels to remove excess juice and moisture.
Arrange the slices in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Bake the slices for 3-4 hours. Flip every 30-45 minutes.
Oven Method (Most Reliable)
Preheat oven to 175-200°F (80-95°C).
Slice oranges 1/8-1/4 inch thick.
Blot slices with paper towels to remove excess juice.
Arrange in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet or wire rack.
Bake for 3-4 hours, flipping every 30–45 minutes.
Cool completely before storing.
NOTE: If Your Orange Slices Seem to Be Taking Longer to Dry
If your orange slices are still quite moist after a few hours in the oven, don’t worry, this is common. For faster and more even drying, you can transfer them from the parchment-lined pan to the oven rack.
How to Transfer from Parchment to Oven Rack
After about 2-3 hours of baking, carefully lift each slice with tongs or a thin spatula.
Place slices directly on the oven rack, leaving space between each one so air can circulate.
Lower the oven temperature slightly to 180-190°F, since direct heat exposure is stronger without parchment.
Keep the oven door cracked slightly (a wooden spoon handle works well) to allow moisture to escape.
Continue drying for 1½ to 2 more hours, checking every 30-45 minutes. Flip the slices once during this time.
When They’re Done
The orange slices will feel dry and leathery, not sticky or juicy.
The centers will look translucent when held up to the light.
If some slices dry faster than others, simply remove them as they finish.
Optional Final Step
After cooling on a rack for 15-20 minutes, leave them out at room temperature overnight to make sure all interior moisture is gone before storing.
This small change, moving from parchment to direct airflow, usually shortens total drying time by about an hour and gives the oranges that beautiful, stained-glass glow when held up to the light.
Dehydrator Method
Set dehydrator to 135-140°F (57-60°C).
Slice and blot oranges as above.
Dry for 6-8 hours, checking for flexibility and dryness.
Allow to cool fully before storing.
This method is great for larger batches.
Air-Drying Method (Natural but Slower)
Slice and blot oranges.
Lay them on a drying rack in a warm, low-humidity area.
Flip daily for 1-2 weeks until fully dry.
Note: This method works best in very dry indoor air. High humidity can cause mold.
Preferred Method: Oven-Drying
Why the Oven Method Works Best
The oven provides even, controlled heat that prevents scorching and mold. It’s simple, reliable, and doesn’t require special equipment. You can adjust timing and temperature for consistent results. Oven-dried slices also retain the most color and translucency when dried slowly at a low temperature.
Tip: Slice the oranges thinly, blot away moisture, and keep a close eye during the final hour. The goal is to dry them completely without browning.
What If My Orange Slices Are Still Tacky?
If the centers are still sticky after baking:
Return them to the oven at 150°F (65°C) for another 30-60 minutes.
Or, let them sit out overnight on a wire rack to finish air-drying.
Do not seal them in containers until they’re completely dry, or mold may form.
Different Oranges, Different Hues
Each variety offers a unique shade:
Navel Oranges: Classic bright orange
Blood Oranges: Deep red centers that dry into warm burgundy
Cara Cara Oranges: Coral-pink tones
Mandarins: Smaller, thinner slices that dry faster
Mixing in lemon or lime slices adds variety and extra brightness to your décor.
How to Store Dried Orange Slices
Once completely dried and cooled:
Store in an airtight jar, tin, or zip-top bag.
Keep in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and humidity.
Add a silica gel packet if you want to extend freshness.
Avoid refrigeration, it introduces moisture and shortens shelf life.
How Long Will Dried Orange Slices Last?
For Decoration: Up to 1-2 years when kept dry and sealed.
For Simmer Pots or Tea Garnish: Best used within 3-6 months.
They may darken slightly over time, which only adds rustic beauty.
5 Beautiful Ways to Decorate with Dried Orange Slices
Garlands: String with twine, cranberries, cinnamon sticks, or bay leaves.
Christmas Ornaments: Hang with ribbon or jute on your tree.
Gift Toppers: Tie onto wrapped packages with a sprig of evergreen.
Table Décor: Mix with pinecones and greenery for a natural centerpiece.
Wreath Accents: Nestle into a homemade or store-bought wreath.
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