- Simple ingredients and technique yield sparkling, professional-looking sugared cranberries for festive garnishes and snacks.
- Use firm, fresh cranberries and proper drying setup to achieve a crunchy, non-mushy result.
- Serve as versatile decorations or toppings for cocktails, desserts, brunch dishes, and cheese boards.
Making sugared cranberries is one of my favorite holiday traditions because they instantly make everything look professional. I still remember the first time I served these at a New Year’s Eve party. My guests actually thought they were decorative ornaments until I popped one in my mouth! These little jewels are essentially a “snow-covered” treat that balances intense tartness with a crystalline sweetness. Whether you are decorating a cake or garnishing a cocktail, sugared cranberries are the ultimate festive dish for any winter gathering. They fit perfectly as a healthy-ish snack or a stunning garnish for a quick weeknight holiday dessert.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. You only need sugar, water, and fresh fruit. Despite the minimal effort, the result is visually stunning. This cranberries recipe is a staple in my kitchen from November through January. It is a fantastic way to use up extra berries from your sauce. Plus, they offer a delightful “pop” of flavor that cleanses the palate between rich holiday bites.
Table of contents
The Secret to Crunchy Sugared Cranberries
Planning is key to ensuring your cranberries don’t turn into a sticky mess. Here is how I set my kitchen up for success:
- Sort your berries: Discard any soft or bruised fruit immediately. You want firm, bouncy berries for that signature “pop.”
- Cooling Space: Clear a spot on your counter for a wire rack. Air circulation is vital for the drying process.
- Sugar Selection: While granulated sugar works, I often use sanding sugar for a more dramatic, crystal-like sparkle.
The Secret List of Goods
To achieve the perfect sugared cranberries, quality of ingredients matters more than quantity. You need fresh, vibrant berries and high quality sugar.
- Fresh Cranberries: 2.0 cups
- Granulated Sugar (Syrup): 1.0 cups
- Filtered Water: 1.0 cups
- Granulated/Sanding Sugar (Coating)1.5 cups
Sugared Cranberries Recipe Card
Sugared Cranberries Recipe
30
servings30
minutes5
minutes125
kcalKeep the screen of your device on
Ingredients
2.0 cups Fresh Cranberries
1.0 cups Granulated Sugar (Syrup)
1.0 cups Filtered Water
1.5 cups Granulated/Sanding Sugar (Coating)
Directions
- Prepare the Simple Syrup: Combine water and granulated sugar in a small saucepan over medium heat until fully dissolved.
- Soak the Berries: Place fresh cranberries in a heat-proof bowl and pour the warm syrup over them, stirring gently to coat.
- The Waiting Game: Let the berries soak in the syrup for 15 minutes at room temperature.
- Drain and Dry: Using a slotted spoon, move the berries to a parchment-lined sheet or wire rack. Let them air dry for 1.0 hour.
- The Sparkle Coat: Roll the sticky berries in the remaining sugar until they are evenly coated and sparkling.
- Final Set: Allow the finished sugared cranberries to dry for another 1.0 hour before serving or storing.
Notes
- Never use frozen cranberries; they release too much moisture as they thaw.
- Save the leftover syrup! It’s perfect for flavoring holiday mocktails.
- If the sugar looks “wet” after storage, simply re-toss them in a bit more sugar.
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How to Use Your Sugared Cranberries
These versatile gems aren’t just for eating out of a bowl! I love dropping a few into a festive cranberry cocktail for an elegant touch. They also make an incredible topping for a classic pumpkin pie or a white chocolate cheesecake. If you’re hosting a brunch, try scattering sugared cranberries over waffles or French toast. They even work on a savory cheese board, pairing beautifully with sharp white cheddar or creamy brie.
Frequently Asked Questions
I strongly advise against freezing them. As the berries thaw, the sugar will absorb the moisture and dissolve into a sticky syrup, ruining that beautiful sparkle.
This usually happens if the simple syrup was too hot when poured, or if you left the berries in the syrup for too long. Ensure the syrup is just warm, not boiling.
Use them to garnish cocktails, decorate cakes, top your morning oatmeal, or simply enjoy them as a sweet and tart snack on their own!
Thoughts on Festive Flavor
These sugared cranberries are more than just a garnish; they are a small way to add a lot of joy to your table. The contrast between the bracingly tart center and the crunchy sweet exterior is something every palate should experience. I hope you give this recipe a try during your next festive gathering. Once you see them catch the light on your holiday spread, you will understand why they are a permanent fixture in my cookbook
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