Sugared Cranberries
Sweet-tart sugared cranberries make a festive garnish or snack with only three ingredients.
Sugared cranberries are a simple way to add instant holiday sparkle to your table. The crisp sugar coating gives each berry a frosty, jewel-like look while balancing their natural tartness with a sweet crunch.
They’re delicious as a snack, but the real magic is in their presentation—scatter them over cakes, cheesecakes, or charcuterie boards for a festive pop of color and flavor. I like to put them on little skewers as a fun party treat or cocktail addition.
Why You’ll Love It
Only three ingredients. With just fresh cranberries, sugar, and water, you can create a dazzling treat that looks far more elaborate than it is.
Fast and easy. A quick simmer in simple syrup and a toss in sugar are all it takes to achieve sparkling, jewel-like berries in under an hour.
Beautiful garnish. These frosty cranberries add sweet-tart flavor and eye-catching holiday sparkle to desserts, cocktails, or even cheese boards.
Ingredient Notes
- Cranberries: Use fresh, firm berries for the best texture and appearance.
- Sugar: White granulated sugar gives the prettiest sparkle.
- Water: Just enough to make a simple syrup for coating.
Steps to Make Sugared Cranberries
- Rinse and dry the cranberries. Line a large sheet pan with a rack.
- Simmer water and half of the sugar to make a syrup. Add the cranberries and cook briefly until coated.
- Transfer the berries to the rack and let them dry until slightly sticky, about 45 minutes.
- Toss the sticky cranberries in the remaining sugar until well coated. Let dry completely before using or storing.
Recipe Variations
- Add citrus flavor. Stir a strip of orange or lemon zest into the syrup for a subtle citrus note.
- Spice it up. Add a cinnamon stick or a few cloves to the syrup for gentle warmth.
- Use different fruits. Try small grapes.
Serving Suggestions
- Scatter over cakes, cheesecakes, or cupcakes for a sparkling garnish.
- Top cocktails, mocktails, or punch for a festive touch.
- Pair with a cheese board for a sweet-tart contrast.
How to Store
Refrigerate: Keep in an airtight container for up to 3 days. The sugar will weep in time, but you can just re-toss them in sugar to refresh them.
Freeze? Not recommended; the sugar coating will dissolve.
Make-Ahead Tip
Sugared cranberries can be prepared a day in advance. Keep them uncovered at room temperature for the first few hours, then transfer to a covered container once completely dry.
Sugared Cranberries
Ingredients
- 2 cups cranberries
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 cup sugar, divided
Instructions
- Prep the cranberries. Rinse the cranberries and let them dry on paper towels.
- Make the simple syrup. Combine 1/2 cup of water and 1/2 cup of sugar in a saucepan and bring to a boil over high heat. Add the cranberries and return to the boil. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 3 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the syrup-coated cranberries to the cooling rack and let them dry for about 45 minutes. They should be slightly sticky to the touch.
- Toss with sugar. Put the remaining 1/2 cup of sugar in a bowl or plate. Add the cranberries, a few at a time, tossing to coat them thoroughly.
- Serve. Serve in small bowls or thread onto skewers or toothpicks. Or use them to decorate a party platter.
Nutrition
Disclaimer:
Our nutritional information is based on a third-party application that analyzes the ingredients list to determine the values. The information is meant to be helpful, but should be considered an estimate. Values may differ depending on measurements, brands, serving variations, and database availability.
