If you are looking for a stunning, flavorful accent for your holiday spread, this Sugared Cranberries Recipe is a must-try. These cranberries are vibrant, with a perfect balance of juicy tartness and sweet crunch. They add not only a delightful pop of color but also a wonderful texture that complements cakes, cocktails, or cheese platters. It’s such a simple recipe, yet it transforms fresh cranberries into little jewels that brighten up any dish.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a dark metal rack filled with shiny, red cranberries spread thinly and evenly across the grid. The cranberries have a bright mix of glossy and matte textures, displaying a rich red color with some hints of deeper hues. The rack is placed on a gray baking tray that contrasts softly with the vibrant red of the berries. The background surface is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

You only need a handful of straightforward ingredients, but each one plays a crucial role in creating that perfect sweet-tart coating and maintaining the cranberries’ natural zing and firmness.

2 cups fresh cranberries: The star ingredient; fresh cranberries provide that signature tartness and vibrant color you want to showcase.
½ cup water: Helps dissolve the sugar and infuses the cranberries with the right amount of sweetness without making them mushy.
1 ½ cups granulated sugar, divided: Half melts with the water to create a syrup that softens the cranberries slightly, while the rest creates that delightful sugary crunch when coating the berries.
Pinch of salt: Just a tiny amount enhances the flavors, balancing the sweetness and brightness perfectly.

How to Make Sugared Cranberries Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Simple Syrup

Start by adding the water and ½ cup of granulated sugar to a small pot over low heat. Stir gently until the sugar is completely dissolved and the syrup looks clear. This gentle syrup is key to tenderizing the cranberries just enough without losing their snap.

Step 2: Soak the Cranberries

Remove the syrup from the heat and immediately stir in the fresh cranberries along with a pinch of salt. Let them sit in this warm syrup for several minutes. During this time, the cranberries soak up the sweet liquid, mellowing their tartness while remaining delightfully firm on the inside.

Step 3: Cool the Cranberries

Using a slotted spoon, transfer the cranberries onto a wire rack placed over a pan to catch excess syrup. Give them a few minutes to cool and let any extra liquid drip off. This step ensures the sugar coating will stick perfectly later on.

Step 4: Coat with Sugar

Pour the remaining 1 cup of sugar into a large shallow dish. Working in batches, gently toss the cooled cranberries in the sugar until each berry is completely coated. This step is what gives the cranberries their beautiful sparkling finish and adds a satisfying crunch.

Step 5: Dry and Set

Place the sugared cranberries back on the wire rack and let them dry for at least one hour. This drying process allows the sugar coating to harden, preserving the cranberries’ bright texture and making them perfect for decorating or snacking.

How to Serve Sugared Cranberries Recipe

A small silver bowl filled with two layers of sugared cranberries, some red and some dark purple, all covered evenly with a sparkling white sugar coating. The bowl has two small handles and a matching lid resting partly open on its side, showing the frosted fruits inside. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface with a rustic look. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Sugared cranberries are a showstopper when used as garnishes. Sprinkle them on top of holiday cakes, cheesecakes, or tarts to add an elegant sparkle and a burst of tart flavor. They also make a beautiful edible decoration for cocktail glasses or even hot chocolate mugs.

Side Dishes

If you’re serving a cheese board or charcuterie platter, toss a handful of sugared cranberries alongside your cheeses and nuts. Their bright, sweet-tart crunch complements creamy cheeses like brie or goat cheese wonderfully, elevating your appetizer game to a whole new level.

Creative Ways to Present

Why not arrange these sugared cranberries on skewers with segments of citrus for a festive fruit kabob? Or place them in a clear glass bowl as a centerpiece—they’re almost too pretty to eat! Their brilliance also pairs beautifully atop holiday pavlovas, trifle desserts, or homemade ice cream.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once your sugared cranberries have set, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep their delightful texture and flavor for up to one week, ready whenever you want to add that perfect holiday touch.

Freezing

Freezing sugared cranberries is possible, but it’s best to freeze them uncoated first. Once frozen, you can toss them with sugar and use them directly from the freezer to add a frosty look to drinks or desserts, though the sugar coating may become less crunchy.

Reheating

Reheating sugared cranberries is generally not necessary and can soften the candy coating. If you want to warm them slightly, use room temperature to gently bring them to serving temperature, preserving their signature crunch and burst of flavor.

FAQs

Can I use frozen cranberries for this Sugared Cranberries Recipe?

It’s best to use fresh cranberries because frozen ones tend to be too soft and watery for the sugar to stick properly. Fresh berries keep that ideal snap and brightness that make this recipe shine.

How long do sugared cranberries last?

When stored in an airtight container in the fridge, sugared cranberries can last up to a week. They might lose a bit of their crispness over time but still taste delicious and look beautiful.

Can I make sugared cranberries ahead of time?

Absolutely! They actually benefit from a little resting time to fully dry and set. Making them a day or two ahead is perfect when you’re preparing for a big holiday event.

Is there a way to make this recipe vegan or organic?

Since this recipe only uses cranberries, sugar, water, and salt, it’s naturally vegan. Just be sure to use organic cranberries and certified organic sugar if that’s important to you.

What can I do if I want them less sweet?

You can reduce the amount of sugar in the coating step, but keep in mind that less sugar may affect the appearance and texture. The sugary crunch is part of what makes sugared cranberries so special!

Final Thoughts

There is something truly magical about making your own sugared cranberries. With just a few simple ingredients and a little patience, you get these dazzling little treats that bring joy and sparkle to every holiday table. I encourage you to try this Sugared Cranberries Recipe and see how such a tiny, effortless detail can transform your favorite desserts and drinks. You’ll wonder how you ever celebrated without them!