Prepare the Beets: Peel and slice the beets into thin rounds or wedges.
Cook the Beets: Choose your preferred cooking method. You can either roast the beets in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 30-40 minutes or boil them in a pot of water for about 15-20 minutes, until tender.
Make the Glaze: In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt, stirring until the sugar has dissolved and the mixture is smooth. If using, add the orange juice and vanilla extract and stir to combine.
Coat the Beets: Once the beets are cooked and tender, transfer them into the saucepan with the glaze. Stir gently to coat the beets in the sugary mixture.
Simmer: Let the beets simmer for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the glaze to thicken and coat the beets beautifully.
Serve: Serve the candied beets warm as a side dish or a sweet treat