If you’re searching for a festive, sweet-tart treat that adds a burst of color and sparkle to your holiday table, the Sugared Cranberries Recipe is your new best friend. These little gems are juicy cranberries transformed by a crisp sugar coating that delivers a delightful crunch with every bite. Perfect for garnishing desserts, brightening up cheese boards, or even snacking on their own, this recipe is as simple as it is stunning. It’s one of those easy, impressive recipes that make your gatherings feel extra special and your taste buds celebrate all at once.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting ready to whip up this Sugared Cranberries Recipe is a breeze since it requires just a handful of pantry staples and fresh cranberries. Each ingredient plays its part: the tartness of the cranberries balances perfectly with the sweetness of sugar, and the water helps form that magical glaze that makes these cranberries sparkle like little jewels.
- 3 Cups Fresh Cranberries: Be sure to wash and pat them dry; dry cranberries help the sugar stick better for that perfect coating.
- 2 Cups White Granulated Sugar, divided: Sugar does double duty here—first dissolving into syrup and then dusting the berries with a crunchy finish.
- 1 Cup Water: The water helps dissolve the sugar and create the syrup that coats the cranberries in luscious sweetness.
How to Make Sugared Cranberries Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Workspace
Start by covering a large pan or a clean surface with parchment paper—this is not just for cleanup convenience but also because the cranberries will stick to the parchment as they dry, which makes handling them easier later on.
Step 2: Make the Sugar Syrup
In a pot, combine 1 cup of sugar and 1 cup of water and bring it to a boil. Stir occasionally to ensure all the sugar dissolves evenly. Once boiling, let it bubble for about 60 seconds to thicken slightly—this syrup is the base that will cling to your cranberries and give that beautiful gloss.
Step 3: Cool the Syrup Slightly
Remove the pot from heat and let the syrup cool for roughly 2 minutes. This step is crucial because if the syrup is too hot, the cranberries will cook and soften, losing their snap. Slightly cooled syrup ensures they stay delightfully firm.
Step 4: Coat the Cranberries
Gently toss the fresh cranberries into the warm syrup and stir them carefully until each berry is fully coated. This is where the magic starts as the tart berries soak up just enough sweetness without losing their vibrant texture.
Step 5: Drain and Dry
Use a slotted spoon to scoop the syrup-coated berries out, letting the excess liquid drip back into the pot before spreading them evenly on the parchment paper. This gives them space to dry without clumping together.
Step 6: Let Them Sit
Allow the cranberries to rest for about 45 minutes; during this time, the syrup begins to set. This waiting period is a small investment for the luxurious texture that follows.
Step 7: Sugar-Coat the Berries
Place the remaining 1 cup of sugar into a bowl and add the cranberries in small batches, tossing gently until each cranberry is coated in sugar crystals. For the final flourish, use a clean slotted spoon to transfer the sugared cranberries into a fresh bowl or container—now you have perfectly sparkling berries ready to impress.
How to Serve Sugared Cranberries Recipe
Garnishes
Sugared cranberries are show-stopping garnishes. Sprinkle them atop frosted cakes, cheesecake slices, or winter-themed cupcakes to add a dazzling crunch and bright pop of color that instantly elevates your dessert presentation.
Side Dishes
Pair these berries alongside your favorite cheese board featuring creamy brie, sharp aged cheddar, or nutty gouda—the sweet sour burst of the sugared cranberry provides an irresistible contrast that makes snacking more festive and flavorful.
Creative Ways to Present
Get creative by serving sugared cranberries in glass bowls as part of a centerpiece, stirring them into cocktails as edible ice cubes, or threading them onto skewers alternated with fresh herbs for an eye-catching party appetizer that doubles as a conversation piece.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep leftover sugared cranberries in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain their crunch and freshness. They’ll stay delicious for up to a week, making them perfect to prepare ahead of your holiday festivities.
Freezing
You can freeze sugared cranberries if you want to keep them longer. Spread them out on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. When you’re ready to use them, just thaw slightly; they’ll retain much of their sugary coating and texture.
Reheating
Reheating isn’t really necessary, but if you’d like to soften the coating just a bit, gently warm the sugared cranberries in a low oven or microwave for a few seconds. Be careful not to melt the sugar completely.
FAQs
Can I use frozen cranberries for this Sugared Cranberries Recipe?
It’s best to use fresh cranberries because frozen ones will release extra moisture, which affects how well the sugar coating sticks. If frozen are your only option, thaw and pat them very dry first.
How long do sugared cranberries keep their crunch?
Stored properly in an airtight container at room temperature, the sugared cranberries remain crisp for about a week before they start to soften.
Is there a way to make them less sweet?
If you want a less sweet version, you can reduce the sugar slightly, but keep in mind the sugar’s key role in texture and preservation. Alternatively, try tossing them in superfine sugar or a blend of sugar and finely ground spices.
Can I use other types of berries in this recipe?
Absolutely! While cranberries are traditional, you can experiment with small firm berries like currants or even small grapes, but results may vary depending on the fruit’s texture and juiciness.
What occasions are sugared cranberries best for?
They shine during holiday seasons like Christmas or Thanksgiving but are also fantastic for winter weddings, New Year’s parties, or any celebration needing an elegant, festive touch.
Final Thoughts
There’s truly something magical about the simplicity and elegance of the Sugared Cranberries Recipe. It’s a quick and creative way to add sparkle, sweetness, and a dash of charm to your table. Whether you’re decking out your desserts or impressing guests with a beautiful presentation, these sugared cranberries are sure to become a beloved favorite in your repertoire. Give it a try—you’ll find it impossible to stop at just one!
Print
Sugared Cranberries Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes plus 45 minutes drying time
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
Sugared Cranberries are a festive and tangy treat perfect for holiday decorating or snacking. Fresh cranberries are briefly boiled in a simple sugar syrup, then rolled in granulated sugar for a sparkling, sweet coating that balances their natural tartness. This quick and easy recipe yields a batch of sweet-tart cranberry jewels that add a beautiful pop of color to desserts, cocktails, or cheese boards.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 3 cups fresh cranberries (washed and patted dry)
- 2 cups white granulated sugar (divided)
- 1 cup water
Instructions
- Prepare Surface: Cover a large pan or clean surface with parchment paper to place the sugared cranberries after coating.
- Make Sugar Syrup: Combine 1 cup sugar and 1 cup water in a pot and bring it to a boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Let it boil for about 60 seconds to ensure all sugar dissolves, which should take about 5 minutes depending on your stove.
- Cool Syrup: Remove the pot from heat and let the sugar syrup cool for approximately 2 minutes so it’s no longer overly hot but still liquid enough to coat the cranberries.
- Coat Cranberries: Toss the fresh cranberries into the cooled sugar syrup and gently stir to fully coat each berry in the mixture.
- Drain Cranberries: Using a slotted spoon, scoop out the cranberries from the syrup allowing excess liquid to drain off before placing them evenly on the parchment paper.
- Dry Time: Let the cranberries sit on the parchment paper at room temperature for 45 minutes so they can set and become tacky for sugar adherence.
- Sugar Coat Cranberries: Place the remaining 1 cup of sugar in a medium bowl. Add a quarter of the cranberries at a time to the sugar and gently toss until they are completely coated in granulated sugar. Using a clean slotted spoon, transfer the sugared cranberries to a clean bowl or container.
Notes
- Ensure the fresh cranberries are completely dry before starting to help the sugar syrup adhere better.
- Use a slotted spoon to avoid excess syrup when transferring cranberries.
- Let the cranberries dry completely on parchment for best sugar coating results.
- These sugared cranberries can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Perfect decoration for holiday cocktails, desserts, and cheese platters.
