Inspired by Sally’s post on how to make sugared cranberries, I decided to try making them myself. These festive treats are perfect for decorating desserts, garnishing drinks, or enjoying as a sweet snack. With a perfect balance of tartness and sweetness, this easy recipe, adds a delightful sparkle to any occasion.

Ingredients:

1/2 cup water
1/2 cups granulated sugar for syrup
3 cups fresh cranberries, rinsed and dried
1 cup granulated sugar for coating

Instructions on How to Make Sugared Cranberries:

Prepare the Syrup: In a small saucepan, combine 1/2 cup water and 1/2 cup granulated sugar. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar fully dissolves. Do not let the mixture boil; you want a simple syrup, not caramel.

Coat the Cranberries:Add the cranberries to the pan and let them coat in the syrup. Remove from heat, then keep stirring for another 1-2 minutes.

Sugar covered cranberries in the frying pan

Drain and Dry: Using a slotted spoon, transfer the cranberries to a baking sheet. Let the cranberries dry for about an hour, so they become slightly tacky to the touch.

Sugar Coat the Cranberries: Place 1 cup of granulated sugar in a shallow dish. Roll the sticky cranberries in the sugar until fully coated, working in small batches if necessary.

Set and Serve:
Transfer the sugar-coated cranberries to a bowl. Enjoy them as they are, or use as a garnish!

5 Tips to Make Your Sugared Cranberries Even Better:

Use superfine sugar: It coats the cranberries more evenly and creates a finer, sparkly finish.
Dry cranberries thoroughly: After soaking, let them dry for a few minutes before sugaring to ensure the sugar sticks better.
Add a flavor twist: Mix a little cinnamon or vanilla into the sugar for a flavored touch.
Chill before serving: Refrigerate the sugared cranberries to help them set, making them last longer and look even more appealing.
Use a light hand with the sugar: Coat the cranberries gently to avoid excess sugar clumping.

Sugared cranberries in the bowl with some cranberries in the smaller bowl next to it.

Try these next:

Cranberry Sauce with Orange

Roasted Vegetables

cupcakes garnished with coated sugared cranberries

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How to make Sugared Cranberries

To make sugared cranberries, soak fresh cranberries in sugar syrup, drain, then roll in granulated sugar and let dry for a festive, sparkling treat.

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Prep Time 5

Cook Time 5

Total Time 15

Course Snack

Cuisine American

Ingredients

1/2 cup water
1/2 cups granulated sugar for syrup
3 cups fresh cranberries rinsed and dried
1 cup granulated sugar for coating

Instructions

Prepare the Syrup:

In a small saucepan, combine 1/2 cup water and 1/2 cup granulated sugar. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar fully dissolves.

Coat the Cranberries:

Add the cranberries to the pan and let them coat in the syrup. Remove from heat, then keep stirring for another 1-2 minutes.

Drain and Dry:

Using a slotted spoon, transfer the cranberries to a baking sheet. Let the cranberries dry for about an hour, so they become slightly tacky to the touch.

Sugar Coat the Cranberries:

Place 1 cup of granulated sugar in a shallow dish. Roll the sticky cranberries in the sugar until fully coated, working in small batches if necessary.

Set and Serve:

Transfer the sugar-coated cranberries to a bowl. Enjoy them as they are, or use as a garnish!

Keyword Dessert topping, Festive treat, Fresh cranberries, Holiday garnish, sugared cranberries

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