Easy Sugared Cranberries (3-Ingredient Recipe)
There’s something magical about the holiday season that makes us crave sweet treats that also add a festive touch to our tables. This easy way to make sugared candied cranberries will give you pretty cranberries that are perfect for garnishing holiday desserts or enjoying as a tart treat.
Not only do these sugar-coated cranberries look beautiful, but they also add a pop of color to any holiday table. With just a few simple ingredients, this cranberry recipe will quickly become a holiday staple in your kitchen!
As a family who loves celebrating the holidays with homemade treats, finding easy sugared cranberries recipes is a must. My boys, always eager to help in the kitchen (but mostly eat, let’s be honest), were also obsessed with this Tiktok Cranberry Candy last year – a must try!
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These sugared candied cranberries are not only visually appealing but also incredibly versatile. Whether you’re using them to garnish a holiday cocktail like a cranberry mimosa or topping a gingerbread cake, they’re a lovely addition to any holiday celebration.
The tart treats are the perfect balance of sweetness and sourness, and the sparkling cranberries make any dish feel more festive. These sugar-coated cranberries will surely become a perfect combination of flavor and beauty on your holiday table.
The process of coating fresh cranberries with syrup and then rolling them in sugar transforms them into little gems that not only taste amazing but also look stunning as a beautiful garnish on a holiday charcuterie board or festive cocktail.
Ingredients for Sugared Cranberries
- Fresh cranberries (do not use frozen cranberries)
- Water – for making a simple syrup.
- Granulated white sugar, divided
- Optional: orange zest, sparkling sugar, sprigs of rosemary
How to Make Sugared Cranberries
- Prepare the Cranberries: Place the raw cranberries in a large mixing bowl. Set aside.
- Make the Sugar Syrup: In a medium saucepan over medium-high heat, bring the water and 3/4 cup of sugar to a simmer, stirring until the sugar dissolves. Remove from heat and let it cool for 5 minutes.
- Coat the Cranberries: Pour the hot syrup over the cranberries and stir gently to coat them. Cover the bowl and let it sit for 15 minutes.
- Dry the Cranberries: Line a sheet pan with parchment paper. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the cranberries from the syrup to the prepared pan. Let them dry uncovered for 1 hour. They will be quite sticky at this point.
- Final Coating: Place the remaining 1/4 cup of sugar in a large bowl (you can also use powdered sugar, vanilla sugar, or sparkling sugar for an extra festive touch). Toss the cranberries in the sugar until fully coated. Spread them out in a single layer on a wire rack or cooling rack and let them dry uncovered for at least another hour at room temperature.
Storage: Store the sugared cranberries in a closed container at room temperature or in the refrigerator for a few days. If they become too sticky, simply coat them in more sugar before storing.
Tips for Success
- For the best results, always use fresh cranberries rather than frozen ones, as the texture of frozen cranberries may not hold up during the sugaring process.
- Make sure to let the cranberries dry completely before coating them in sugar. The sticky cranberries will become less messy if they’re properly dried at each stage.
- For a unique twist, try rolling the cranberries in sparkling sugar or cane sugar for extra texture and a beautiful garnish that sparkles in the light.
- Don’t throw away leftover syrup—use it to make cranberry sauce or in holiday cocktails for extra flavor.
- These sugared cranberries can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container. They’re an easy holiday staple that’s perfect for when you’re prepping your holiday desserts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen cranberries for this recipe?
It’s best to use fresh cranberries. Frozen cranberries tend to break down during the process and won’t have the same texture as fresh cranberries.
How long do sugared cranberries last?
Sugared cranberries can last for a few days when stored in a closed container at room temperature or in the refrigerator. If they start to become too sticky, just toss them in more sugar.
What can I do with leftover syrup?
The leftover syrup can be used for making cranberry sauce, in holiday cocktails, or as a sweetener for coffee or tea. It’s a delicious addition to festive drinks.
Try this cranberry recipe this holiday season, and you’ll have a treat that’s sure to be a hit at your next gathering. The sparkling cranberries add a perfect pop of color to any holiday desserts or charcuterie boards, making them a beautiful garnish and a lovely addition to your festive celebrations.
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Easy Sugared Cranberries (3-Ingredient Recipe)
Ingredients
- 1 cup fresh cranberries do not use frozen cranberries
- ¾ cup water
- 1 cup granulated sugar divided
- Optional: orange zest sparkling sugar, sprigs of rosemary
Instructions
- Place the raw cranberries in a large mixing bowl. Set aside.
- In a medium saucepan over medium-high heat, bring the water and 3/4 cup of sugar to a simmer, stirring until the sugar dissolves. Remove from heat and let it cool for 5 minutes.
- Pour the hot syrup over the cranberries and stir gently to coat them. Cover the bowl and let it sit for 15 minutes.
- Line a sheet pan with parchment paper. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the cranberries from the syrup to the prepared pan. Let them dry uncovered for 1 hour. They will be quite sticky at this point.
- Place the remaining 1/4 cup of sugar in a large bowl (you can also use powdered sugar, vanilla sugar, or sparkling sugar for an extra festive touch). Toss the cranberries in the sugar until fully coated. Spread them out in a single layer on a wire rack or cooling rack and let them dry uncovered for at least another hour at room temperature.
Notes
