Sugared Cranberries Recipe

Introduction

Sugared cranberries are a festive and vibrant treat perfect for holiday decorating or snacking. Their sweet, crunchy coating balances the tartness of fresh cranberries, making them a delightful addition to desserts or cheese boards.

Ingredients

• ½ cup (125 g) water
• 1 ½ cups (300 g) granulated sugar, divided
• 1 bag (12 ounces) fresh cranberries, rinsed and dried

Instructions

1. Step 1: Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
2. Step 2: In a medium saucepan over medium-low heat, combine water and ½ cup of sugar. Bring to a simmer, stirring occasionally, until the sugar is fully dissolved, about 3–5 minutes.
3. Step 3: Remove the saucepan from heat. Add the rinsed cranberries and stir gently to coat them evenly in the syrup.
4. Step 4: In a medium bowl, place the remaining 1 cup of granulated sugar.
5. Step 5: Using a slotted spoon, transfer the cranberries in batches to the sugar bowl, allowing excess syrup to drain back into the pan. Toss or stir the cranberries with a dry spoon or your hands to coat them thoroughly with sugar.
6. Step 6: Spread the sugar-coated cranberries in a single layer on the prepared parchment-lined baking sheet. Let them dry for about 1 hour before using or storing.

Tips & Variations

• For extra sparkle, use superfine sugar if you have it—it sticks beautifully and looks more delicate.
• Try adding a splash of orange juice or a sprinkle of cinnamon to the simple syrup for a fragrant twist.
• If you want less sweetness, reduce the sugar when coating or rinse cranberries after coating for a lighter touch.

Storage

Store sugared cranberries in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days to maintain their crisp sugar coating. Avoid refrigeration as moisture can dissolve the sugar. Use within a day or two for best texture and flavor.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare sugared cranberries ahead of time?

Yes, but for best texture, prepare them the day you plan to serve, as the sugar coating can soften over time.

Can I use frozen cranberries for this recipe?

Fresh cranberries work best because frozen ones release extra moisture, which affects sugar coating. If using frozen, thaw and dry thoroughly before starting.

Sugared Cranberries Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 143 reviews

• Author: Rafael
• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Yield: About 2 cups 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Sugared cranberries are a festive and tangy treat perfect for holiday garnishes or snacking. Fresh cranberries are coated in a lightly sweetened simple syrup then rolled in granulated sugar, creating a sparkly, crunchy sugar coating that balances the tartness of the berries.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Simple Syrup

• ½ cup (125 g) water
• ½ cup (100 g) granulated sugar

Cranberries

• 1 bag (12 ounces / 340 g) fresh cranberries, rinsed and dried
• 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar

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Instructions

1. Prepare baking sheet: Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside for the sugared cranberries to dry.
2. Make the simple syrup: In a medium saucepan over medium-low heat, combine water and ½ cup sugar. Stir occasionally and bring to a simmer, cooking until the sugar completely dissolves, about 3-5 minutes.
3. Coat cranberries: Remove the pan from heat and immediately add the fresh cranberries. Stir gently to coat all the cranberries evenly in the syrup.
4. Prepare sugar bowl: In a separate medium bowl, pour the remaining 1 cup of granulated sugar.
5. Sugar coat cranberries: Using a slotted spoon, transfer the syrup-coated cranberries in batches to the bowl with granulated sugar. Drain any excess syrup before coating. Toss the cranberries well to evenly cover them with sugar, using a dry spoon or clean hands.
6. Dry the cranberries: Place the sugar-coated cranberries onto the prepared parchment-lined baking sheet in a single layer. Allow them to dry at room temperature for about 1 hour to set the sugar coating.

Notes

• Make sure the cranberries are well dried before coating to help the sugar stick better.
• You can store sugared cranberries in an airtight container for up to 2 days for best texture.
• Use sugared cranberries as a garnish for cocktails, desserts, or festive salads.
• If time is limited, refrigerate cranberries on the baking sheet to speed up drying.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 5 minutes
• Category: Dessert Garnish
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: sugared cranberries, holiday garnish, simple syrup, sugared fruit, cranberry recipe