How To Make Sugared Cranberries

Sugared cranberries are a festive treat that bring a pop of color and flavor to your holiday table. Whether you’re looking to add a sparkling cranberry garnish for drinks, cakes or pies, these candied cranberries are quick and easy to make and add a little sparkle to your holiday parties.

If you love cranberry desserts, try my cranberry orange scones, cranberry bliss bars and cranberry orange shortbread this holiday season!

this recipe!

Perfect for Thanksgiving and Christmas, these sugared gems feature a sugary coating with a burst of tart cranberry flavor in every bite!

The serve beautifully as cranberry decorations for Thanksgiving centerpieces or as a garnish for cocktails at a holiday dinner party. Not only do they serve as a sweet and tart cranberry idea for Thanksgiving, but their frosty, sugar-coated appearance makes them ideal for spreading holiday cheer.

Ingredients

• Fresh cranberries
• Granulated sugar (divided into ½ cup portions)
• Water

How To Sugar Cranberries

Prepare the Simple Syrup

In a small saucepan, combine ½ cup of the sugar and ½ cup water. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar has completely dissolved to make a simple syrup.

Remove from heat and let the syrup cool for about 5 minutes.

Coat the Cranberries

Add the fresh cranberries to the syrup, stirring gently to coat all the berries evenly. Let them sit in the syrup for about 10 minutes.

Dry the Cranberries

Use a slotted spoon to remove the cranberries from the syrup, allowing excess syrup to drip off. Place the cranberries on a wire rack or parchment paper, ensuring they are spread out in a single layer to avoid sticking. Let them dry for about an hour; they should be sticky to the touch.

Sugar Coat the Cranberries

Once the cranberries are tacky, pour the remaining ½ cup of sugar into a shallow dish. Gently roll each cranberry in the sugar until evenly coated, giving them a frosted, sparkling appearance.

Dry Again

Place the sugared cranberries on a clean baking sheet or plate to dry completely for about 30 minutes. This will help the sugar harden and give them a crunchy texture.

Storage Instructions

Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days. For longer storage (up to a week) store the cranberries in a single layer in an airtight contained lined with parchment or wax paper to absorb any moisture. They should lasat up to 7 days in the fridge.

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