Go Back
+ servings
Sugared Cranberries Recipe

Sugared Cranberries Recipe

These sparkling sugared cranberries are tart, sweet, and irresistibly crunchy. Use them as a festive snack or a dazzling garnish.
Pin This Recipe For Later! Share The Yum On Facebook Print
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 8

Ingredients
 

Main Ingredients

  • 1 cup water for simple syrup
  • 0.75 cup granulated sugar for simple syrup
  • 12 oz fresh cranberries rinsed and well dried
  • 1.25 cup granulated sugar for coating; superfine sugar sticks best
  • 0.5 tsp orange zest optional, for a citrusy aroma

Instructions

Preparation Steps

  • Warm water and 3/4 cup sugar in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring until dissolved, 3–4 minutes.
  • Remove from heat and let the syrup cool about 10 minutes until warm, not hot.
  • Stir in cranberries and orange zest. Gently toss to coat every berry.
  • Let cranberries steep in the warm syrup for 15 minutes, stirring once or twice.
  • Lift cranberries with a slotted spoon and spread on a rack or parchment. Air-dry 20–30 minutes until tacky.
  • Roll cranberries in 1 1/4 cups sugar, a handful at a time, until evenly coated.
  • Set coated cranberries back on the rack and let dry 10 minutes before serving.

Notes

For extra sparkle, re-roll the cranberries in more sugar after the first coat dries. Try spiced sugar by mixing in a pinch of cinnamon or cardamom, or swap the orange zest for a drop of vanilla.
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Use leftover syrup to sweeten cocktails, mocktails, or iced tea.
This recipe is an original creation inspired by classic Sugared Cranberries Recipe flavors. All ingredient ratios and instructions are independently developed.