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Made with just 2 ingredients, this Candied Ginger recipe is SO EASY to make! It's perfect for Christmas gifts, to use in snack mixes like trail mix, to dip in chocolate for a special treat and to use in baked goods.

This post was originally published in November 2017. It has been updated for content and photos.

Guys, you want to be making this candied ginger recipe. Even if you're not a lover of ginger, this stuff is super awesome.

Plus, cover it in some chocolate and you've got the perfect Christmas gift! For a VERY small amount of money. I don't know about you, but I'm tired of spending so much money at Christmas. So this year everyone is getting homemade gifts (like this).

In addition to being a great gift, this candied ginger is perfect to use in all kinds of baked goods (scroll down for a list of all the uses!).

Or, guys, I just like to eat this stuff. Just pick it up with my bare hands and snack on it (like I do with these candied beets). It's that good and has an incredible bite that I just LOVE!

candied orange peels in a jar with chocolate coating-candied orange peel recipe

**Candying is one of my favorite things to do with otherwise bitter ingredients, like these Candied Orange Peels, candied orange slices or these Candied Lemon Slices**

Why This Recipe Works

Simmering the ginger in water first helps to get rid of any impurities and starts the softening process;
Cooking in water and sugar lets the ginger get tender and removes the extra bite of the ginger;
Coating in sugar after it is done cooking gives it an extra boost of sweetness and helps prevent stickiness.

Step By Step Instructions

First off, you want to cut the ginger into small pieces OR thin slices. I like the small chunks because it keeps a slightly chewy bite in the center, but the slices are easier to dip in chocolate if you're looking for a sweet treat.

If you have one, I recommend using a mandolin to get slices (see below finished photos of ginger sliced with a mandolin right above recipe card).

We simmer the ginger first in some plain water to remove any lasting dirt and to tame the bite of the ginger just a touch. Plus it helps to get it nice and soft.

After that's done, drain the ginger and add fresh water and 2 cups of sugar back to the saucepan. Simmer for 45 minutes this time.

Periodically check on it to make sure the sugar isn't burning. It's a mess when that happens.

Now when you're done with this part, make sure you save that syrup! One of the best parts about candying is the syrup you get in the process. That stuff is so good!

Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge. It's great on pancakes, waffles, fruit, etc. etc. etc. Promise me you won't throw it away.

chopped ginger in a saucepan with water and sugar

Once you have preserved your delicious liquid, the next part is simply waiting. Spread those ginger morsels out on some wax paper and just let them dry overnight on the counter.

ginger on a baking sheet. how to make homemade candied ginger

Coat them with the remaining ½ cup of sugar the next day and let them sit out for a few more hours.

Note, the ginger will still be sticky when coating it with sugar. Store it in a airtight container. It should keep for quite some time. But it won't last that long. Just wait, you'll see.

how to make homemade candied ginger - sugar and ginger in a bowl

Personally, I love to eat these things right out of the container. Well, really, right off the counter while they are still drying.

Make Candied Ginger With Honey

If you prefer to use honey instead of sugar, replace the one cup of sugar used for cooking with one cup of honey. All the cooking instructions remain the same.

If you want to totally eliminate the sugar, skip coating the ginger in sugar and just leave it out until it becomes dried (or use a dehydrator). This should get rid of most of the stickiness.

Expert Tips

Use a mandolin to get uniform slices;
Dip the ginger in dark chocolate after coating it in sugar to give as gifts or just an extra special treat for yourself;
Buy the smaller pieces of ginger as the larger tend to be woodier and will take longer to soften.

Serving Options

These Cranberry Cookies;
Chop it up and use ¼ cup in this Banana Bread;
Use in these Pumpkin Scones;
Molasses Cookies;
As an ice cream topping;
Dip in dark chocolate.

How to Use Ginger Syrup

The syrup that results from simmering the ginger is absolutely incredible and should definitely be saved. It can be used for many different purposes:

Add it to tea in place of sugar or sweetener;
Make this Homemade Ginger Ale from Savory Simple;
Use as a glaze for carrots, chicken, or sweet potatoes;
Drizzle over cakes, ice cream, waffles, pancakes, etc.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between candied ginger and crystallized ginger? They mean one and the same thing.
How long does candied ginger last? It can be stored in an air-safe container in the fridge for up to 1 year.
Can candied ginger be frozen? Lay it on a baking sheet and place directly in the freezer for 2-3 hours, until frozen through. Store in a freezer safe bag for up to 1 year. Thaw in the fridge for several hours.

Did you make this recipe? Rate the recipe and leave a comment below - I want to know how it turned out!