If you love the burst of tartness from fresh cranberries paired with a sparkling sugar coating, then this Sugared Cranberries Recipe is going to become your new favorite treat. These vibrant nuggets of sweetness add a festive flair to any dessert or cocktail and are surprisingly simple to make. Whether you’re dressing up holiday dishes, adding a pop of color to your cheese board, or just want a fun way to enjoy cranberries, this recipe brings out the best balance of tangy and sugary crunch in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Sugared Cranberries Recipe lies in its simplicity. With just a few basic ingredients, each one plays a crucial role in creating that perfect glossy sugar coating that clings to the cranberries and makes them irresistible.
- ½ cup water: Acts as the base for dissolving sugar and softening the cranberries’ surface so the sugar sticks well.
- 2 cups granulated sugar (divided): Half is used to create the syrup for coating, and the rest adds that delightful crunchy sugar layer.
- 12 ounces fresh cranberries: The star of the show, these bright, tart berries transform into sparkling gems with the sugar treatment.
How to Make Sugared Cranberries Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Simple Syrup
Start by heating ½ cup of water and ½ cup of sugar in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Stir gently to dissolve the sugar completely before bringing it just to a simmer. This simple syrup is the magic that helps the sugar crystals adhere perfectly to the cranberries, so take your time ensuring the sugar is fully dissolved and the syrup is smooth.
Step 2: Soak the Cranberries
Once your syrup is simmering, remove it from the heat and stir in the fresh cranberries. Give them a good mix to coat every berry thoroughly with the syrup. Setting this aside for 10 minutes allows the cranberries to soften slightly and soak up the sweet glaze, making them ready for that final sugar sprinkle.
Step 3: Dry the Cranberries
Line a baking sheet with wax paper and use a slotted spoon to transfer the cranberries in a single layer. It’s important they’re spaced out so they don’t clump together as they dry. Let them sit at room temperature for at least 30 minutes to allow the syrup to tack up, creating a slightly sticky surface for the sugar to cling to.
Step 4: Sugar the Cranberries
After drying, scatter the remaining sugar over the cranberries and then gently stir them with a wooden spoon. This step coats each cranberry in a sparkling sugar crust, giving you that signature glimmer and satisfying crunch.
Step 5: Final Drying
Let the sugared cranberries dry on your counter for another hour. Patience here means those sugar crystals will harden beautifully, making these cranberries perfect for garnishing or snacking right out of the bowl.
How to Serve Sugared Cranberries Recipe
Garnishes
Sugared cranberries are a showstopper when used as garnishes. Sprinkle them atop frosted cakes, whipped cream, or pies for that festive sparkle and sweet-tart pop of flavor. They also make elegant additions when placed on top of cocktails, whether it’s a winter margarita or a bubbly champagne glass.
Side Dishes
Include sugared cranberries on a holiday cheese board alongside aged cheddar, creamy brie, or tangy goat cheese. Their bright color and crunch contrast beautifully with soft, savory sides, making your spread both delicious and visually stunning. They’re also great tossed into winter salads for that unexpected zing.
Creative Ways to Present
Get creative by threading sugared cranberries onto skewers with mint leaves or orange slices for a vibrant centerpiece snack. You can even freeze them to make festive ice cubes for drinks that hold charm and flavor. The sparkle and texture of this Sugared Cranberries Recipe make them a versatile treat to play around with!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once dry, store any leftover sugared cranberries in an airtight container at room temperature. They stay fresh and crunchy for up to a week, making them perfect to prepare ahead of your holiday parties or special occasions.
Freezing
You can freeze sugared cranberries by spreading them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freezing until solid. Transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container, and they will keep for several months. Use them frozen as a pretty addition to cocktails or desserts.
Reheating
There’s no need to reheat sugared cranberries—they’re best enjoyed cold or at room temperature. If the sugar coating gets a little sticky, simply toss them gently in some extra granulated sugar to refresh that delightful crunch.
FAQs
Can I use frozen cranberries for this recipe?
It’s best to use fresh cranberries because frozen ones are softer and tend to be mushy when thawed, which won’t give you that crisp, crunchy texture needed for sugared cranberries.
Why do some sugared cranberries lose their crunch so quickly?
Crunchiness depends on proper drying and storage. Make sure to dry the sugared cranberries thoroughly and store them in an airtight container away from moisture to keep the sugar crisp.
Can I flavor the syrup for a unique twist?
Absolutely! Adding a splash of orange juice or a cinnamon stick while heating the syrup infuses wonderful flavors—just strain out any solids before coating the cranberries.
How long do sugared cranberries last on a holiday table?
At room temperature, they will stay fresh for about a day or two. If you want to keep them longer, store them in an airtight container or refrigerate.
Are sugared cranberries suitable for vegan diets?
Yes! This Sugared Cranberries Recipe uses just fruit, sugar, and water with no animal products, making it perfectly vegan-friendly.
Final Thoughts
If you haven’t tried making your own sugared cranberries yet, now is the perfect time. This Sugared Cranberries Recipe is an effortless way to bring that festive sparkle and burst of bright flavor to your table. Once you taste the sweet-tart magic and enjoy that satisfying crunch, you’ll find endless ways to incorporate these little gems into your holiday traditions and beyond. Have fun creating and sharing this delightful treat with your friends and family!
Print
Sugared Cranberries Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Yield: 24 cranberries
- Category: Snack
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Sugared Cranberries are a delightful and festive treat that combines fresh, tart cranberries with a sweet, crystallized sugar coating. Perfect for holiday garnishes, snacks, or as a decorative touch for desserts and cocktails, these vibrant red berries add both color and a crunchy texture. Made simply with water, sugar, and fresh cranberries, this recipe is easy to prepare and requires no baking, making it quick and accessible for any home cook.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- ½ cup water
- 2 cups granulated sugar, divided
- 12 ounces fresh cranberries
Instructions
- Make simple syrup: Heat ½ cup of water and ½ cup of sugar over medium-high heat in a medium saucepan. Stir to combine and bring to a simmer, ensuring all sugar has fully dissolved.
- Coat cranberries: Remove the syrup from heat and stir in the cranberries, coating them completely. Let the mixture sit for 10 minutes for the berries to absorb the syrup.
- Dry cranberries: Line a baking sheet with wax paper. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the cranberries to the sheet, spreading them out in a single layer. Allow them to dry for at least 30 minutes.
- Coat with sugar: After the cranberries have dried, pour the remaining 1½ cups of sugar over them. Use a wooden spoon to stir gently and coat all cranberries evenly.
- Final drying: Let the sugared cranberries sit on the counter for another hour until the sugar coating has completely dried and hardened. Once dry, they are ready to serve or store.
Notes
- Use fresh cranberries for best results; frozen or thawed cranberries will be too soft to coat properly.
- Store sugared cranberries in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for longer freshness.
- This recipe works great as a garnish for cocktails, desserts, or as a festive snack.
- Be gentle when stirring to avoid bursting the cranberries.
- Ensure cranberries are completely dry before coating with sugar to allow the sugar to adhere properly.
