If you’re searching for a dazzling holiday treat that’s impossibly easy and delivers a burst of sweet-tart flavor, sugared cranberries are about to become your new obsession. These sparkling ruby gems look as if they’ve been dipped in fresh winter snow, adding a magical touch to your desserts, cocktails, and cheeseboards. Not only do they taste way better than candy, but sugared cranberries also double as stunning edible décor—making any gathering feel instantly more festive.
Ingredients You’ll Need
-
Fresh Cranberries:
2 cups
Water:
1/2 cup
Granulated Sugar:
1 1/2 cups (divided)
Optional:
zest of 1 orange or lemon for added flavor
How to Make Sugared Cranberries
Step 1: Make a Simple Syrup
Combine the water and 1/2 cup of the sugar in a small saucepan. Heat it over medium, giving it an occasional stir until the sugar dissolves completely—don’t let it boil! This gentle process ensures your syrup is clear and smooth, which sets the perfect stage for glossy cranberries.
Step 2: Coat the Cranberries
Take your saucepan off the heat and gently stir in the fresh cranberries. Make sure every berry gets coated in that sweet syrup. Let them soak for 5 to 10 minutes so the cranberries absorb just a touch of the syrup without bursting or getting mushy.
Step 3: Drain and Dry
Using a slotted spoon, transfer the syrupy cranberries to a wire rack that sits over a baking sheet (to catch any drips). Spread them out so they’re in a single layer, and let them sit and become tacky for about an hour. This little act of patience is totally worth it—the tackiness is what makes the sugar stick enormously well.
Step 4: Roll in Sugar
Once the cranberries are tacky (they shouldn’t be wet or dripping), pour the remaining 1 cup sugar into a shallow bowl. Roll a few cranberries at a time in the sugar, making sure every side sparkles. If you’re feeling creative, toss in a little zest right into the sugar for a pop of color and flavor.
Step 5: Dry Again and Store
Spread the sugared cranberries on a clean baking sheet or a piece of parchment paper. Let them dry for at least another hour. When you touch them, the coating should feel dry and slightly crunchy—now they’re ready to serve or store!
How to Serve Sugared Cranberries
Sugared Cranberries as Garnishes
Sugared cranberries are a dream when it comes to jazzing up desserts. Try scattering them over frosted cakes, cupcakes, or even a simple tart for a showstopping finish. Their sparkling look brings out the holiday spirit in everything from pies to pavlovas. Plus, they’re simply beautiful on a festive drink or cocktail pick!
Side Dishes
Toss a handful of sugared cranberries onto a cheese board or serve them alongside roasted nuts. Their sweet-tart snap complements creamy cheeses like brie or goat, as well as savory snacks. For a fun twist, mix them into a simple green salad with toasted pecans and a citrus dressing—the pop of flavor is unforgettable.
Creative Ways to Present
Fill glass jars or little bowls with sugared cranberries and place them on your holiday table for instant sparkle. You can even gift them! Arrange a handful in clear bags tied with ribbon for a beautiful, handmade present. Or poke them onto cocktail skewers for festive drinks—every sip gets a cheerful upgrade.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Sugared cranberries keep their sparkle best when stored in an airtight container at room temperature. Make sure they’re cooled and fully dried before sealing. They’ll keep their shimmer and crunch for up to two days, but honestly, they’re usually devoured well before then!
Freezing
If you’re hoping to make sugared cranberries well in advance, freezing them isn’t ideal. Freezing can make the sugar coating weep or dissolve once the berries thaw. Whenever possible, enjoy them fresh for the very best texture and look.
Reheating
No reheating necessary—these beauties are meant to be enjoyed as is! If they start to clump, just shake them up gently or give them a quick roll in extra sugar before serving to restore their signature sparkle.
FAQs
Can I use frozen cranberries instead of fresh?
Fresh cranberries truly work best here, since frozen ones tend to burst and get soft once thawed, leading to a mushy texture and uneven sugar coating. You really want that crisp snap that only comes from using fresh berries.
How do I keep my sugared cranberries from getting sticky?
After rolling the cranberries in sugar, make sure to let them dry in a single layer for at least an hour. If stored in an airtight container and fully dried, they’ll stay perfectly sparkly instead of sticky.
Can I flavor the sugar for rolling?
Absolutely! Mixing in a little orange or lemon zest to your sugar is a gorgeous way to add brightness and zing. You can even try a pinch of ground cinnamon or vanilla sugar for a more spiced effect.
How long do sugared cranberries last?
They’ll be at their very best for about 1 to 2 days at room temperature. After that, the sugar may begin to dissolve a little. If you need to store them longer, consider refreshing them with a quick roll in more sugar before serving.
What else can I do with leftover cranberry syrup?
Don’t toss that syrup! Drizzle it into sparkling water, brush it on cakes for extra moisture, or mix it into cocktails. The cranberry-infused simple syrup is like a little bonus treat from this recipe.
Final Thoughts
Seriously, if you’ve never tried making sugared cranberries, this is the year to start—the process is fun, fast, and the results will wow everyone at your table. Whether you use them to top your favorite desserts, dress up a drink, or simply enjoy by the handful, these sweet-tart gems are pure holiday magic. Give them a try and let your celebrations sparkle!
Print
Sugared Cranberries Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes (including drying)
- Yield: 2 cups
- Category: Snack
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegan
Description
Learn how to make sugared cranberries, a delightful treat perfect for garnishing cakes, cocktails, or enjoying as a sweet and tangy snack. These candied cranberries are simple to prepare and add a festive touch to any occasion.
Ingredients
Fresh Cranberries:
2 cups
Water:
1/2 cup
Granulated Sugar:
1 1/2 cups (divided)
Optional:
zest of 1 orange or lemon for added flavor
Instructions
- Create Simple Syrup: In a small saucepan, combine water and 1/2 cup sugar. Heat over medium until sugar dissolves to make a simple syrup. Do not boil. Remove from heat.
- Coat Cranberries: Stir cranberries into the syrup. Let sit for 5–10 minutes.
- Dry Cranberries: Use a slotted spoon to transfer cranberries to a wire rack over a baking sheet. Dry for 1 hour.
- Roll in Sugar: Once tacky, roll cranberries in the remaining 1 cup of sugar until coated.
- Final Drying: Spread sugared cranberries on a baking sheet to dry for at least another hour before serving.
Notes
- These sugared cranberries are a lovely garnish for various dishes.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
- For citrus flavor, add zest to the syrup or sugar before rolling.
