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.

Serve and Enjoy

Your sugared cranberries are now ready to enjoy! They make a beautiful and delicious garnish or snack and can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days.