If you’ve ever wanted a dazzling, sweet-tart treat that adds a festive sparkle to your holiday spread or everyday snacks, let me introduce you to the wonder of the Sugared Cranberries Recipe. These little gems burst with vibrant color and a perfect balance of tangy cranberries enveloped in a delicate coating of sugar. Whether you’re dressing up desserts, garnishing cocktails, or simply craving a bright, crunchy delight, this Sugared Cranberries Recipe captures that nostalgic feeling while being incredibly simple to make at home. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it’ll instantly become one of your favorite go-to snacks or elegant garnishes.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting started with this Sugared Cranberries Recipe is wonderfully straightforward because the ingredients list is refreshingly short yet essential. Each element plays a key role in creating that ideal sugared coating and the perfect balance of tartness and sweetness.
- 3 Cups Fresh Cranberries: Washed and patted dry, fresh cranberries offer the bright tartness that makes this treat so irresistible.
- 2 Cups White Granulated Sugar (divided): Sugar is the star that crystallizes around the cranberries, bringing sweetness and sparkle.
- 1 Cup Water: Used to dissolve the sugar and create the syrup that gently coats the berries before sugaring.
How to Make Sugared Cranberries Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Work Surface
Start by covering a large pan or a clean surface with parchment paper. This simple step is key because it allows your sugared cranberries to dry without sticking, ensuring each berry retains its perfect crystal coating.
Step 2: Make the Sugar Syrup
Combine 1 cup of sugar and 1 cup of water in a pot, then bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat. Stir occasionally until the sugar dissolves completely. Let it boil for about 60 seconds. This syrup will serve as the luscious coating that lets the sugar stick beautifully to each cranberry.
Step 3: Cool Your Syrup Slightly
Allow the sugar syrup to cool for around 2 minutes. This brief resting period ensures the mixture isn’t too hot to damage the fresh cranberries but still warm enough to help the syrup cling to them perfectly.
Step 4: Coat the Cranberries
Gently toss the cranberries into the warm syrup, stirring carefully to make sure every berry wears a glossy, sugary coat. This step transforms the cranberries into a shiny, sweet canvas ready for the final sugar layer.
Step 5: Drain Excess Syrup and Lay Out
Using a slotted spoon, lift the cranberries out of the syrup, letting any extra liquid drip off. Spread them evenly on the prepared parchment paper so they have room to dry without sticking to each other.
Step 6: Let Them Dry
Let your coated cranberries sit at room temperature for about 45 minutes. This resting time is crucial as it helps the syrup firm up just enough to hold the sugar crystals that come next.
Step 7: Sugar Coat the Cranberries
Pour the remaining cup of sugar into a medium bowl. Add about a quarter of the cranberries at a time and toss them gently to coat every side with sugar crystals. With a clean slotted spoon, transfer the sugared cranberries to a fresh container. And just like that, your dazzling Sugared Cranberries Recipe is ready to enjoy!
How to Serve Sugared Cranberries Recipe
Garnishes
Sugared cranberries make a stunning garnish for cocktails, adding a festive pop of color and sweetness to classic drinks like gimlets or sparkling wine. They’re also fantastic on top of cakes, tarts, or even yogurt bowls for an eye-catching contrast and a pleasant crunch.
Side Dishes
Serve these cranberries alongside a cheese platter or charcuterie board. Their tart-sweet bite complements rich cheeses like brie, goat cheese, or creamy blue cheese, creating a lovely balance of flavors your guests will adore.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to wow your friends and family, present sugared cranberries skewered on cocktail picks or scattered around holiday desserts on a festive platter. You can even mix them into a winter salad with nuts and leafy greens for a pop of texture and holiday cheer.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can keep leftover sugared cranberries in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Just be careful to store them in a single layer to maintain their crisp sugar coating and prevent clumping.
Freezing
Freeze sugared cranberries by spreading them out on a baking sheet until solid, then transferring them to a freezer-safe container or bag. They’ll keep for up to 2 months and thaw quickly for an easy, make-ahead treat to brighten any occasion.
Reheating
Reheating sugared cranberries isn’t usually necessary since they’re best served chilled or at room temperature. If needed, bring them to room temperature naturally for best texture; avoid microwaving as it may dissolve the sugar coating.
FAQs
Can I use frozen cranberries for this Sugared Cranberries Recipe?
Fresh cranberries work best because they have a firmer texture necessary for the sugar coating to stick well. Frozen berries tend to be softer and may not hold up as nicely during the process.
Is it possible to use brown sugar instead of white sugar?
White granulated sugar produces the best crystal-like coating. Brown sugar contains molasses and moisture, which can make your sugared cranberries sticky rather than crisp.
How long do sugared cranberries last?
Stored properly in an airtight container at room temperature, they last about 3 days before they may start losing their crisp coating and freshness.
Can I make the sugared cranberries ahead of time for a party?
Absolutely! They’re perfect for preparing a day in advance. Just keep them stored well so they stay fresh and sparkling for your celebration.
Are sugared cranberries safe for kids?
Yes, sugared cranberries are a kid-friendly treat! Just be mindful of any choking hazards with younger children, as cranberries are a bit firm. Always supervise small kids while snacking.
Final Thoughts
I truly can’t recommend this Sugared Cranberries Recipe enough. It’s the kind of simple, stunning treat that adds an unforgettable touch to any season or celebration. Once you try making these yourself, you’ll be hooked on that irresistible combination of crisp sugar and tart cranberries just like I am. So go ahead, gather your ingredients, and bring that festive sparkle into your kitchen today!
Print
Sugared Cranberries Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes plus 45 minutes drying time
- Yield: Serves 8 to 8 people
- Category: Dessert Garnish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Sugared Cranberries are a festive, tangy-sweet treat perfect for holiday garnishes or snacking. Fresh cranberries are briefly boiled in a simple sugar syrup, then rolled in granulated sugar for a sparkly, crunchy coating that balances tartness with sweetness. This quick and easy recipe yields vibrant cranberry jewels that add charm and flavor to cocktails, desserts, or cheese platters.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 3 Cups Fresh Cranberries (washed & pat dry)
- 2 Cups White Granulated Sugar (divided)
- 1 Cup Water
Instructions
- Prepare Surface: Cover a large pan or clean surface with parchment paper to lay out the cranberries for drying.
- Make Sugar Syrup: In a pot, combine 1 cup sugar and 1 cup water. Bring to a boil while stirring occasionally until all the sugar dissolves, then let boil for 60 seconds. This process takes about 5 minutes depending on stove heat.
- Cool Syrup Slightly: Remove the pot from heat and let the hot sugar syrup cool for about 2 minutes to avoid cooking the berries too harshly.
- Coat Cranberries: Toss the fresh cranberries into the warm sugar syrup and gently stir until each berry is fully coated with the syrup.
- Drain Excess Syrup: Use a slotted spoon to lift the cranberries from the syrup, allowing excess liquid to drip off before spreading them evenly on the prepared parchment paper.
- Dry the Cranberries: Let the coated cranberries rest uncovered for 45 minutes so they form a tacky surface that will hold the sugar coating.
- Sugar Coat Cranberries: Place the remaining 1 cup of sugar in a medium bowl. Add about a quarter of the cranberries at a time to the sugar and toss gently until fully coated. Use a clean slotted spoon to transfer the sugared cranberries into a clean bowl or container.
- Serve or Store: Enjoy immediately as a garnish or snack, or store in a sealed container for up to 2 days.
Notes
- Use fresh cranberries for best texture and taste; avoid frozen or soft berries.
- Be sure cranberries are dry before starting to help the sugar adhere properly.
- If you prefer less sugar, you can reduce the sugar quantity slightly, but this may affect the coating and sweetness.
- Sugared cranberries make excellent cocktail garnishes, holiday decorating accents, or toppings for desserts and salads.
- Store in a cool, dry place; refrigeration is not recommended as it can cause melting of the sugar coating.
