Sugared Cranberries

By:

Thomas

Published:

November 28, 2025

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Sugared cranberries are a holiday favorite that can add a touch of elegance and sweetness to your festive spread. If you’re looking for a recipe that delights the senses and is simple to make, you’re in the right place. These little gems are not only a beautiful addition to your desserts and drinks, but they also provide a burst of tart cranberry flavor that balances perfectly with their sugary coating. Imagine serving them on a cheese platter, adorning a cake, or dropping a few into a sparkling drink. It’s about creating moments of joy during the holiday season. With just a few ingredients, you’ll create a dazzling treat that captures the essence of your favorite winter memories. Plus, who wouldn’t love a simple recipe that looks stunning and tastes amazing? It’s time to explore how to make these delightful sugared cranberries!

Why This Recipe Works

Sugared cranberries are a delightful balance of tartness and sweetness, making them a versatile ingredient for your holiday spreads. The sugar coating enhances their natural flavor while providing a stunning visual appeal that transforms simple cranberries into a festive treat.

Why You’ll Love This Sugared Cranberries

These sugared cranberries are not only beautiful but incredibly easy to make. With just a few ingredients, you can create a dazzling decoration for desserts or an exciting addition to your cocktails. Their crisp texture and sweet flavor capture the essence of the season, invoking cozy memories and holiday cheer.

Ingredients

½ cup granulated sugar
½ cup water
2 cups fresh cranberries
¼ cup white sanding sugar (for best texture and appearance, or substitute granulated sugar)

The Preparation Process

Combine Sugar and Water

In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the granulated sugar and water. Stir until the sugar completely dissolves without bringing the mixture to a boil. It’s important to keep an eye on the mixture to ensure it doesn’t bubble up.

Coat the Cranberries

Once the sugar has dissolved, remove the saucepan from the heat and gently fold in the fresh cranberries. Make sure they are fully coated in the syrup. This syrup is the magic that turns ordinary cranberries into the star of your holiday treats.

Transfer and Dry the Cranberries

Using a slotted spoon, carefully transfer the coated cranberries to a wire rack placed over a rimmed baking sheet. It’s crucial to ensure that the cranberries are spread out and not touching each other. This allows for even drying. Leave them to dry for 15 to 60 minutes, depending on humidity levels in your kitchen.

Coat with Sanding Sugar

In a small bowl, pour the white sanding sugar. Take the sticky cranberries, a few at a time, and roll them in the sanding sugar using a small spoon. Make sure they are fully coated; this sugary layer adds both taste and a stunning sparkle.

Final Drying

After coating, place the sugared cranberries back on a clean wire rack to dry for an additional hour. This step helps to set the sugar coating, giving them that irresistible crunch.

Serving Suggestions

Sugared cranberries can elevate your holiday desserts, adding a glamorous touch to cakes, tarts, and cheesecakes. They also serve as a beautiful garnish for cocktails or as part of a festive cheese board, providing a delightful contrast to savory elements. Just imagine how gorgeous they’ll look nestled among cheeses and meats or glistening on a dessert tray.

Tips for Success

Use fresh cranberries for the best flavor and texture; frozen cranberries won’t hold up as well.
Monitor the drying time based on your kitchen’s humidity—more moisture will require a longer drying time for the cranberries.
For extra sweetness, feel free to adjust the amount of sugar used when rolling the cranberries. It’s about finding the right balance that suits your taste.

Variations

Substitute the sanding sugar with colored sugar to match your holiday theme. It adds a festive flair!
Add a splash of orange juice or zest to the syrup for a citrusy twist, infusing the cranberries with an extra layer of flavor.
Experiment with different types of sugar like brown sugar for a richer flavor profile. Each variation makes them uniquely yours.

Storage Tips

Store sugared cranberries in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If the cranberries start to lose their crunch, you can easily re-coat them with fresh sanding sugar to restore their delightful texture.

FAQs

Can I use frozen cranberries for this recipe?
While fresh cranberries yield the best results, you can use frozen ones. Just make sure to thaw and drain them thoroughly before using.

How do I use leftover syrup?
Reserve the leftover syrup to sweeten your favorite teas, cocktails, or even desserts. It’s like having a bonus treat!

Can I make these in advance?
Absolutely! Sugared cranberries can be made several days in advance and stored properly. This is perfect for holiday planning!

What drinks pair well with sugared cranberries?
They pair wonderfully with sparkling water, champagne, or seasonal cocktails like gin and tonic. They bring a touch of festivity to any drink.

Is there a way to use cranberries without sugar?
If you prefer a healthier option, try tossing fresh cranberries into salads for a tart kick or drying them without sugar to create a tangy snack.

Sugared cranberries are the perfect holiday treat that not only brighten up your dessert table but also serve as a delightful snack or garnish throughout the festive season. With their easy preparation and enchanting appearance, they embody the spirit of celebration. Don’t miss out on making this simple yet impressive recipe that your friends and family will rave about!