Print

Sugared Cranberries Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.2 from 3 reviews

Sugared Cranberries are a festive and elegant topping perfect for holiday desserts. These cranberries are sweet, tangy, and coated in sparkling sugar crystals, providing a juicy burst of tart flavor with every bite. They add a beautiful pop of color and a delightful texture to cakes, pies, cocktails, and salads.

Ingredients

Ingredients

  • 2 Cups fresh cranberries
  • ½ Cup water
  • 1 ½ Cups granulated sugar, divided
  • Pinch of salt

Instructions

  1. Prepare Sugar Syrup: In a pot over low heat, combine water, ½ cup of granulated sugar, and a pinch of salt. Stir occasionally and cook just until the sugar dissolves completely, forming a simple syrup. Remove the pot from heat once the sugar has melted to avoid overheating.
  2. Soak Cranberries: Immediately stir in the fresh cranberries into the warm sugar syrup. Allow them to soak for several minutes, which softens the cranberries slightly and helps the sugar adhere better to their surface.
  3. Drain and Cool: Using a slotted spoon, carefully lift the cranberries from the syrup and arrange them on a wire rack placed over a pan. Let them cool for a few minutes to remove excess syrup and prepare for coating.
  4. Coat with Sugar: Spread the remaining 1 cup granulated sugar in a large shallow dish. Toss the cooled cranberries gently in the sugar until they are thoroughly coated with sparkling sugar crystals.
  5. Dry Sugared Cranberries: Return the coated cranberries to the wire rack and let them dry for at least one hour at room temperature. This ensures the sugar coating sets into a crunchy shell. Once dry, store the cranberries in the refrigerator until ready to use.

Notes

  • Use fresh cranberries for best results, avoiding any that are shriveled or bruised.
  • Be careful not to boil the sugar syrup as it may alter the texture and flavor.
  • Wire rack over a pan allows excess syrup and sugar to drip away, preventing soggy cranberries.
  • Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.
  • Great as a garnish on cakes, pies, cheeseboards, and festive cocktails.