If you love adding a pop of festive flair and a burst of tart-sweet flavor to your holiday treats, this Sugared Cranberries Recipe is an absolute must-try. These sparkling red gems are not only stunning but also incredibly easy to make with just a few simple ingredients, turning ordinary cranberries into a dazzling, crunchy-sweet snack or garnish. Whether you’re dreaming of topping cakes, brightening up cocktails, or just craving a fresh, sugary nibble, this Sugared Cranberries Recipe will quickly become your go-to for celebrations and everyday joy.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Sugared Cranberries Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a vital role—water dissolves the sugar and softens the cranberries, granulated sugar adds that irresistible sweet crunch, and fresh cranberries provide the vibrant color and tartness that make this recipe truly shine.
- Water: Just enough to dissolve the sugar and create a sweet soak for the cranberries, gently softening their skins.
- Granulated sugar (2 cups, divided): Half dissolves in the soaking liquid while the other half is sprinkled dry to create that sparkling, crunchy coating.
- Fresh cranberries (12 ounces): The star ingredient delivering bright tartness and eye-catching red color, perfect for holiday dishes.
How to Make Sugared Cranberries Recipe
Step 1: Make the Sugar Syrup
Start by combining half a cup of water with half a cup of granulated sugar in a small saucepan. Warm gently over medium heat, stirring just until the sugar dissolves completely, about two to three minutes. It’s important not to let the mixture boil, as you’re aiming for a gentle simmer that will softly infuse the sugar into the water without concentrating it too much.
Step 2: Soak the Cranberries
Lower the heat and add your fresh cranberries to the warm syrup, stirring gently to coat every berry. Let the cranberries soak for two to three minutes in this liquid sweetness. This step slightly softens the berries’ skin and helps the sugar stick later. If your saucepan isn’t large enough, you can do this in small batches to make sure each cranberry gets that perfect sugary glaze.
Step 3: Dry the Cranberries
Using a slotted spoon, carefully transfer the cranberries onto a wire rack. Spread them out well so they don’t clump together. Let them dry for about 30 minutes; this drying time is crucial to ensure the sugar adheres nicely in the next step.
Step 4: Sugarcoat the Berries
Once the cranberries have dried just enough, toss them in the remaining one and a half cups of granulated sugar. The sugar crystals will stick to the fruit’s sticky surface, creating that beautiful frosted look and delicious crunchy texture. Be generous and gently mix until each berry is sparkling with sugar.
Step 5: Enjoy or Store
Now your sugared cranberries are ready! Use them immediately to adorn holiday cakes, desserts, or cocktails, or simply enjoy them as a sweet and tangy treat on their own. They add a stunning splash of color and crunch wherever you place them.
How to Serve Sugared Cranberries Recipe
Garnishes
Sugared cranberries are the perfect finishing touch for festive desserts such as cheesecakes, chocolate mousse, or even ice cream. Their sparkling appearance makes every plate instantly more celebratory, while their tart flavor brightens up rich, sweet dishes. Try sprinkling them over whipped cream or clustering them on top of a frosted cake for a jaw-dropping effect.
Side Dishes
Beyond desserts, these cranberries shine next to savory dishes as well. Serve them alongside roasted meats like turkey or pork to add a spark of color and a burst of tang to your plate. They also complement cheese boards beautifully, offering a refreshing contrast to creamy cheeses and salty meats.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to wow your guests, consider placing sugared cranberries in cocktail glasses as a rim garnish or floating a few on holiday-themed drinks for extra sparkle. You can also thread them onto skewers, alternating with mint leaves or small marshmallows, to make edible festive picks. The possibilities are as endless as your imagination!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’ve made extra, keep your sugared cranberries in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. They’re best enjoyed fresh for maximum crunchiness, but this short storage keeps them safe without losing flavor.
Freezing
To preserve them longer, spread the sugared cranberries in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. Frozen sugared cranberries keep beautifully for up to three months and thaw quickly when you’re ready to use them.
Reheating
These berries don’t need reheating. If you find the sugar coating softens after storage, simply toss the cranberries again in a bit of granulated sugar before serving to refresh that delightful crunch and sparkle.
FAQs
Can I use frozen cranberries for this Sugared Cranberries Recipe?
Fresh cranberries are best for this recipe because they hold their shape well, but if you only have frozen, thaw them completely and pat them dry before proceeding. Frozen cranberries can sometimes be softer, so handle gently.
Is it necessary to use a wire rack to dry the cranberries?
Using a wire rack helps the cranberries dry evenly and stay separated, preventing them from sticking together. If you don’t have one, spread them out on parchment paper or a clean kitchen towel in a single layer.
Can I make sugared cranberries less sweet?
This recipe balances tart and sweet perfectly, but you can reduce the sugar slightly in the coating step if you want a less sweet version. Keep in mind this may affect the crunch and sparkle a bit.
How long do sugared cranberries keep their texture?
For the best texture, consume sugared cranberries within two days of making. Over time, they may lose some crunch as the sugar absorbs moisture from the berries.
Can I use other types of sugar for coating?
Granulated sugar works best because of its crystal size and sparkle. You can experiment with superfine sugar or sanding sugar for a different texture or appearance, but avoid powdered sugar, as it won’t give the same crunch.
Final Thoughts
This Sugared Cranberries Recipe is a delightful little project that brings a burst of festive cheer and flavor to any occasion. It’s wonderfully simple, wonderfully tasty, and wonderfully versatile. I truly hope you have as much fun making and sharing these glittering gems as I do every holiday season. Give this recipe a go and watch it turn ordinary moments into something a little more magical!
Print
Sugared Cranberries Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 minutes
- Total Time: 36 minutes
- Yield: 2.2 cups
- Category: Condiment
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Sugared cranberries are a simple, festive treat featuring fresh cranberries coated in a light sugar syrup and then rolled in granulated sugar to create a delicate, sweet crunch. Perfect for holiday decorating or snacking, this recipe combines tart cranberries with a sugary coating for a delightful balance of flavors.
Ingredients
For the Sugar Syrup
- ½ cup water
- ½ cup granulated sugar
For the Cranberries
- 12 ounces fresh cranberries
- 1½ cups granulated sugar (for coating)
Instructions
- Prepare the Sugar Syrup: Combine ½ cup water and ½ cup granulated sugar in a small saucepan. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally until the sugar dissolves, approximately 2 to 3 minutes. Ensure the mixture does not boil; it should just reach a light simmer.
- Soak the Cranberries: Reduce the heat to low and add the fresh cranberries to the syrup, coating them thoroughly. Let the cranberries sit in the syrup for 2 to 3 minutes. If necessary, do this step in batches to ensure even coating.
- Dry the Cranberries: Using a slotted spoon, transfer the cranberries to a wire rack, spreading them out so they do not stick together. Allow them to dry for about 30 minutes, during which the sugar syrup dries and forms a sticky coating.
- Coat with Remaining Sugar: Toss the dried cranberries in the remaining 1½ cups of granulated sugar until they are evenly coated, creating a sparkling sugared appearance and a crisp texture.
- Serve or Store: Use the sugared cranberries to decorate holiday desserts, salads, or cocktails, or enjoy them as a sweet, tart snack. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days for best texture.
Notes
- Make sure to use fresh, firm cranberries for best results as older cranberries may not hold the syrup coating well.
- Do not boil the sugar syrup to prevent crystallization and maintain a smooth coating.
- The drying step is essential to allow the sugar coating to adhere properly, so allow the full 30 minutes for best results.
- Sugared cranberries can be stored at room temperature for up to two days; longer storage can cause them to become sticky or lose their crunch.
