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Home » Recipes » Dessert » Easy Sugared Cranberries Recipe – 3 Ingredients

Easy Sugared Cranberries Recipe – 3 Ingredients

By: Rebecca  |  Published: November 8, 2014  |  Updated: November 23, 2020  |   View Our Affiliate Disclosure Policy

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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!!! via @sugarandsoulcoThese 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!!! via @sugarandsoulco

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!!!

Close up photo of sugared cranberries in a wooden bowl surrounded by holiday decorations.

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!  

Close up photo of sugared cranberries in a wooden bowl.

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!

Sugared cranberries in a wooden bowl.

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.

A spoon lifting cranberries out of a pot.

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.

Cranberries on a wire rack.

Roll the cranberries in the remaining sugar until coated and then use within 3 days for best results.

Cranberries being tossed in a bowl of sugar.

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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If you’ve tried this recipe please let me know how you liked it in the comments below and leave a review, I love hearing from you! And don’t forget to tag me – @sugarandsoulco – on Instagram and Pinterest with your photos! You can also Subscribe to my Newsletter so you never miss a delicious recipe again!

Close up photo of sugared cranberries in a wooden bowl surrounded by holiday decorations.

Sugared Cranberries

Rebecca Hubbell
These Sugared Cranberries are so easy to make right at home and they're a great addition to your Christmas and Thanksgiving desserts or you can just pop them like candy!
5 from 2 votes
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Prep Time 30 mins
Cook Time 6 mins
Total Time 36 mins
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 2 Cups
Calories 239

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.

Nutrition

Calories: 239kcalCarbohydrates: 62gSodium: 15mgPotassium: 85mgFiber: 4gSugar: 53gVitamin A: 60IUVitamin C: 13.3mgCalcium: 16mgIron: 0.3mg
Tried this Recipe? Tag me now!Mention @sugarandsoulco or tag #sugarandsoulco!
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About Rebecca Hubbell

I love sharing mouthwatering and fun recipes with all of you! My recipes are inspired by classic comfort food, the places I travel, and pop culture! I have a serious sweet tooth and love a good cocktail and pancakes and bacon are definitely my weakness! So stick around a discover something delicious!

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Mirta Porley says

    November 20, 2014 at 8:50 pm

    Very tempting, I think like all before using them in the end, lol

    Reply
    • fickrj5@gmail.com says

      November 23, 2014 at 8:39 am

      Yeah, it was hard not to eat them all before using them on my cupcakes!

      Reply
  2. Jen says

    November 15, 2014 at 4:33 pm

    How long do these stay fresh? I have everything to make these already and can’t wait to try them!

    Reply
    • fickrj5@gmail.com says

      November 16, 2014 at 1:36 pm

      They should last up to a week, but they didn’t in our house 😉 Store them covered in the fridge.

      Reply
  3. Kathy says

    November 15, 2014 at 7:58 am

    Can these be frozen? They look wonderful. I think my grandkids will love them.

    Reply
    • fickrj5@gmail.com says

      November 16, 2014 at 1:38 pm

      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.

      Reply
  4. Amy says

    November 12, 2014 at 11:36 pm

    Once I add them to the hot water, how long do I leave them in there to cook?

    Reply
    • fickrj5@gmail.com says

      November 13, 2014 at 10:29 am

      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!

      Reply
  5. Brenda @DailyMayo says

    November 11, 2014 at 12:41 am

    These look amazing!

    Reply
  6. Katie @ Celebration Lane says

    November 10, 2014 at 10:03 pm

    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!

    Reply
  7. Lauren @ Mom Home Guide says

    November 10, 2014 at 9:25 pm

    Your sparkling cranberries look so pretty and delicious! They would be pretty on top of a holiday dessert.

    Reply
  8. Christin @ Blue Crab Martini says

    November 10, 2014 at 8:46 pm

    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!

    Reply
  9. Karly says

    November 10, 2014 at 2:05 pm

    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!

    Reply
    • fickrj5@gmail.com says

      November 10, 2014 at 3:30 pm

      You HAVE to make them, they’re so good! Thanks so much for stopping by!

      Reply
  10. Kungphoo says

    November 10, 2014 at 12:00 pm

    I have never tasted these before, but they look very good..

    Reply
    • fickrj5@gmail.com says

      November 10, 2014 at 3:36 pm

      Oh they are, you should definitely give them a try soon!

      Reply
  11. Angie@Angie's Recipes says

    November 10, 2014 at 5:54 am

    This is such a GREAT holiday treat!

    Reply
    • fickrj5@gmail.com says

      November 10, 2014 at 3:38 pm

      Thank you so much, Angie! And there’s so much you can do with them too!

      Reply
  12. Thalia @ butter and brioche says

    November 10, 2014 at 4:12 am

    5 stars
    These are going to be so perfect for the upcoming Christmas period, definitely a recipe I have saved to make!

    Reply
    • fickrj5@gmail.com says

      November 10, 2014 at 3:38 pm

      Thanks so much for stopping by and enjoy them!

      Reply
  13. Erlene says

    November 9, 2014 at 4:43 pm

    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!

    Reply
    • fickrj5@gmail.com says

      November 10, 2014 at 3:38 pm

      Thanks so much for stopping by and for the invite!

      Reply

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