These Sugared Cranberries are so festive and easy to make right at home with just 3 ingredients! They can make any Christmas and Thanksgiving dessert or drink look impressive!!!
Sparkling Cranberries are such a fun and easy way to glam up any holiday dessert, heck, they even make for beautiful decor! All you need is cranberries, water, and sugar, does it get any simpler than that?
Now, I don’t know about you guys, but I love cranberries! For me, cranberries are the food of the holiday season, not pumpkin or peppermint, but tart red cranberries. They’re such a versatile fruit and I love the way they can make any dish POP!
Sugared Cranberry Ingredients
These gorgeous sugared cranberries are made by creating a simple syrup with sugar and water. The then fresh cranberries and quickly soaked in the simple syrup and dried before being tossed in more sugar.
Regular granulated sugar works best for this recipe, but if you can get your hands on caster sugar, that is another great option!
How To Make Sugared Cranberries
Make a simple syrup by combining the water and 1/2 cup of sugar in a medium saucepan and cooking until the sugar has dissolved.
Stir in the cranberries and let them sit for a couple of minutes, then use a slotted spoon to remove them. You will likely need to do this in batches.
Transfer the cranberries to a wire rack resting on a baking sheet for about 30 minutes to let the cranberries dry and get back to room temperature.
Roll the cranberries in the remaining sugar until coated and then use within 3 days for best results.
These tart and sweet cranberries and super easy to make and there are so many ways to enjoy them! We love them in our Cranberry Cooler Mocktail and on our Cranberry Pie!
How To Store Sugared Cranberries
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They may get a little less “sparkling” so go ahead and freshen them up with more sugar before using.
How To Serve Candied Cranberries
- As a pie topping!
- To decorate cakes!
- On bread pudding, french toast, or pancakes!
- As a drink garnish!
- Include in a fruit and cheese board!
- Eat them plain!
Sugared Cranberries
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Sugared Cranberries
Ingredients
- ½ cup water
- 2 cups granulated sugar divided
- 12 ounces fresh cranberries
Instructions
- Combine water and ½ cup of sugar in a small saucepan and heat on medium heat until sugar dissolves, about 2 to 3 minutes. DO NOT let the water boil, just bring it to a light simmer.
- Once the sugar has dissolved, turn heat low and add the cranberries to the water/sugar mix making sure they are well coated. Let them sit in water for 2 to 3 minutes. You can do this in portions if it's easier.
- Transfer cranberries to a wire rack to dry using a slotted spoon, try to keep them separated as much as possible so they don’t all stick together.
- After about 30 minutes, toss the cranberries in the remaining sugar.
- Use the cranberries to dress up your holiday desserts or just eat them straight.
Notes
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They may get a little less “sparkling” so go ahead and freshen them up with more sugar before using.
Mirta Porley says
Very tempting, I think like all before using them in the end, lol
fickrj5@gmail.com says
Yeah, it was hard not to eat them all before using them on my cupcakes!
Jen says
How long do these stay fresh? I have everything to make these already and can’t wait to try them!
fickrj5@gmail.com says
They should last up to a week, but they didn’t in our house 😉 Store them covered in the fridge.
Kathy says
Can these be frozen? They look wonderful. I think my grandkids will love them.
fickrj5@gmail.com says
They are best not frozen because when they thaw out they will release condensation which will in turn cause the sugar to dissolve. You can store them covered in the fridge for up to a week though.
Amy says
Once I add them to the hot water, how long do I leave them in there to cook?
fickrj5@gmail.com says
Oh my goodness, I can’t believe I left that out. About 2-3 minutes. I’ve updated the recipe, thank you so much for bringing it to my attention!
Brenda @DailyMayo says
These look amazing!
Katie @ Celebration Lane says
My mouth is watering, what great photos!! I love, love, love these during the holidays and I have not had them in years. I’ll have to try your recipe!
Lauren @ Mom Home Guide says
Your sparkling cranberries look so pretty and delicious! They would be pretty on top of a holiday dessert.
Christin @ Blue Crab Martini says
Hi there! These cranberries look so festive and fun! I have made a similar version in the past and I have to admit… not many of them actually made it to our holiday table (I gobbled them up) 🙂 Also, it’s nice to connect with you on your blog… we follow each other on Instagram, and I love seeing your posts in my feed. Pinning this recipe and subscribed to your blog!
Karly says
Ooh, these are SO pretty and festive! I don’t think I’ve ever had sparkling cranberries, but I bet I’d be popping them like Skittles too!
fickrj5@gmail.com says
You HAVE to make them, they’re so good! Thanks so much for stopping by!
Kungphoo says
I have never tasted these before, but they look very good..
fickrj5@gmail.com says
Oh they are, you should definitely give them a try soon!
Angie@Angie's Recipes says
This is such a GREAT holiday treat!
fickrj5@gmail.com says
Thank you so much, Angie! And there’s so much you can do with them too!
Thalia @ butter and brioche says
These are going to be so perfect for the upcoming Christmas period, definitely a recipe I have saved to make!
fickrj5@gmail.com says
Thanks so much for stopping by and enjoy them!
Erlene says
This is different and so pretty too. I hope you can come and share this on the Merry Monday link party tonight at 6pm PST and our Ultimate Cookie & Goodies Party too!
fickrj5@gmail.com says
Thanks so much for stopping by and for the invite!