If you’re looking for a delightful burst of tangy sweetness that adds festive sparkle to any occasion, this Sugared Cranberries Recipe is your new best friend. These glistening little jewels bring a perfect balance of tartness and sugary crunch that’s as charming on a holiday cheese board as it is tossed into your favorite cocktails or desserts. Easy to make and irresistibly beautiful, sugared cranberries can transform simple gatherings into memorable celebrations with just a handful of ingredients and a touch of love.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Sugared Cranberries Recipe starts with a handful of simple, fresh ingredients that combine to create a visually stunning and delicious treat. Each component plays a key role: the cranberries provide a lively tartness, sugar brings that sparkling sweetness, and water helps turn the sugar into a glaze that clings perfectly.
- 3 Cups Fresh Cranberries: Make sure they are washed and thoroughly patted dry to ensure the sugar adheres well.
- 2 Cups White Granulated Sugar (divided): The sugar not only sweetens but also adds an enchanting frost-like coating.
- 1 Cup Water: Helps dissolve the sugar for an even, glossy coating.
How to Make Sugared Cranberries Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Workstation
Begin by covering a large pan or any clean, flat surface with parchment paper. This simple setup ensures that your candied cranberries won’t stick as they dry, making cleanup a breeze and the entire process enjoyable from start to finish.
Step 2: Create Your Sugar Syrup
In a pot, combine 1 cup of sugar and the full cup of water, then bring it to a gentle boil. Stir occasionally to dissolve every grain of sugar before letting it boil for about 60 seconds. This syrup acts as the sticky base the cranberries will cling to, so patience here yields perfectly coated berries.
Step 3: Cool Down the Syrup
Remove the pot from heat and let the syrup cool for about 2 minutes. This step is important so the berries don’t get cooked but still stay warm enough for the sugar to stick beautifully.
Step 4: Coat the Cranberries
Gently toss your cranberries into the warm syrup mixture, stirring carefully to ensure every single berry is glistening with sweet syrup. This tender handling keeps them whole and perfect for the next step.
Step 5: Drain and Spread
Using a slotted spoon, lift the cranberries out and let any extra syrup drip back into the pot. Spread them evenly on the parchment paper so they have space to dry and develop that irresistible sugary shell.
Step 6: Let Them Rest
Allow the cranberries to sit undisturbed for about 45 minutes. This drying time is when the magic happens, turning syrupy berries into festive gems you’ll want to pop by the handful.
Step 7: Final Sugar Coat
Take the remaining cup of sugar and place it in a bowl. Add a quarter of the cranberries at a time, tossing gently until every berry is fully coated with sugar. Use another clean slotted spoon to remove and transfer them to a clean container. Now your sugared cranberries are ready to dazzle!
How to Serve Sugared Cranberries Recipe
Garnishes
Sugared cranberries shine when used as a garnish. They add vibrant color and a sweet crunch to cheeseboards, cocktail glasses, or desserts like cupcakes and pavlovas. Their frosted appearance elevates simple dishes into a visual and tasty celebration.
Side Dishes
Don’t hesitate to pair these cranberries with rich or creamy sides. They cut through the heaviness of brie, cream cheeses, and roasted meats beautifully, offering a refreshing pop that enlivens your plate with every bite.
Creative Ways to Present
Get playful and display sugared cranberries in clear glass jars or sprinkle them over whipped cream-topped hot chocolate for a festive twist. They’re amazing scattered across holiday cookie platters or skewered with fresh rosemary for an elegant cocktail stirrer. The possibilities are endless when you have these edible gems on hand.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once made, sugared cranberries keep best stored in an airtight container at room temperature. This method preserves their crisp sugar coating and flavor for up to 2 days. Keep them away from moisture to maintain their delightful crunch.
Freezing
You can freeze sugared cranberries by placing them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transferring them to a freezer-safe bag. Frozen, they can keep for up to 2 months and thaw beautifully for use in drinks or desserts.
Reheating
Generally, sugared cranberries are best enjoyed cold or at room temperature to preserve their sugar coating. If you wish to warm them slightly, do so very gently in a low oven or microwave just long enough to soften, but avoid melting the sugar crust.
FAQs
Can I use frozen cranberries for this recipe?
While fresh cranberries are ideal for maintaining a firm texture, you can use frozen ones if you thaw and dry them completely before sinking them into the syrup. Firm berries make all the difference in the final crunch and appearance.
How long do sugared cranberries last?
These beauties are best enjoyed within two days when stored properly at room temperature to keep their crisp coating. Beyond that, they may start to lose their crunch or become sticky.
Can I use brown sugar instead of white sugar?
White granulated sugar works best to achieve that sparkling, crystal-like coating. Brown sugar’s moisture and molasses content can make the coating sticky rather than crisp.
Are sugared cranberries safe to eat on their own?
Absolutely! They make a fantastic sweet-tart snack on their own or act as a stunning edible decoration. Just be mindful of the sugar coating when biting in.
Can I add flavoring to the sugar syrup?
Certainly! A splash of vanilla extract, a pinch of cinnamon, or even a drizzle of orange zest infused syrup can add a unique flavor twist to your sugared cranberries without complicating the classic recipe.
Final Thoughts
This Sugared Cranberries Recipe is a charming way to bring vibrancy, sweetness, and a festive touch to your table. Easy to make and endlessly versatile, it’s one of those recipes you’ll want to keep in your back pocket, ready to impress guests or simply brighten your day. Trust me, once you try these sparkling berries, they’ll become a treasured treat that brings joy anytime you serve them.
Print
Sugared Cranberries Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Snack
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
Sugared cranberries are a festive and tangy treat perfect for holiday decorations or a sweet, crunchy snack. Fresh cranberries are coated in a hot simple syrup, then rolled in sugar to create a sparkling coating that adds both texture and a delightful balance of sweet and tart flavors.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 3 Cups Fresh Cranberries (washed & pat dry)
- 2 Cups White Granulated Sugar (divided)
- 1 Cup Water
Instructions
- Prepare surface: Cover a large pan or clean surface with parchment paper to set the cranberries on after coating.
- Make simple syrup: Place 1 cup sugar and 1 cup water in a pot and bring to a boil, stirring occasionally. Let it boil for 60 seconds to make sure all the sugar dissolves, which usually takes about 5 minutes depending on your stove.
- Cool syrup: Remove the pot from heat and allow the sugar syrup to cool for about 2 minutes so it’s not too hot for the cranberries.
- Coat cranberries: Toss the fresh cranberries into the cooled syrup, gently stirring until they are fully coated with the liquid.
- Drain and dry: Using a slotted spoon, scoop the cranberries out of the syrup letting the excess liquid drain off, then spread them evenly across the prepared parchment paper.
- Rest cranberries: Let the cranberries sit exposed for 45 minutes to allow the syrup to set slightly and become tacky.
- Sugar coat: Place the remaining cup of sugar in a medium bowl. Add about a quarter of the cranberries at a time and toss gently until they are fully coated with sugar.
- Final drain and storage: Using a clean slotted spoon, scoop the sugared cranberries out of the sugar, sifting off any excess sugar before placing them in a clean container. Now they are ready to enjoy or use as garnish!
Notes
- Ensure cranberries are completely dry before starting to help the syrup adhere properly.
- The coated cranberries can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Use them to decorate desserts, cocktails, or enjoy as a festive snack.
- You can adjust the sugar coating thickness by tossing more or fewer times depending on your preference.
