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    Home » Recipes » Christmas & Holiday Recipes

    Sugared Cranberries

    Published: Nov 30, 2015 · Last modified: May 3, 2022 by Leslie Kiszka / This post may contain affiliate links.

    Jump to Recipe Pin Recipe
    5 from 1 vote
    Sugared Cranberries

    Tart cranberries rolled in sugar make for a simple, 2-ingredient, no-bake snack for the holidays! Sugared cranberries also perfect as a garnish for all your holiday treats.

    Sugared Cranberries

    I’ve always been a fan of candy that is both sweet and sour. Why? I don’t know. But Sour Patch Kids? Ohhhhh. I’m all over those. 

    Cranberries aren’t sour, but they are tart – which, to me, makes them the perfect candidate for my first sweet and tart “candy”: Sugared Cranberries. I’ve heard people call these “candied cranberries” as well – same thing, just a different name.

    Small clear bowl of frozen cranberries on a white and red stripped dishtowel

    Can I use frozen cranberries?

    You sure can! I always have bags of cranberries in my freezer, and that’s honestly what I usually use to make these.

    Just set the amount you need in a bowl and let it sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes before tossing them in the simple syrup mixture.

    A saucepan of simple syrup
    Bright red cranberries in a saucepan of simple syrup

    Sugared cranberries are easy to make

    I wanted this recipe to be simple. Easy to create during the busy holiday season. Something that requires practically no brain power because the post-Thanksgiving food coma is still lingering.

    Luckily, making these were step number one in making this beautiful holiday pavlova. Not so luckily, that meant they had a purpose and I couldn’t just sit down and inhale them all. Therefore, I was forced to make a double batch.

    [snaps fingers] Gosh darn it.

    Bright red cranberries in a slotted spoon above a saucepan
    Bright red cranberries on a wire rack

    You only need 2 ingredients

    These are super easy and only require two ingredients, if you don’t count water as an ingredient (which I don’t):

    • cranberries (fresh or frozen)
    • granulated sugar
    1. Boil some water and sugar together until the sugar dissolves and then add the cranberries to coat
    2. Let them set a bit on a wire rack (aff link), and then coat them in sugar.

    Voila! You now have sugared cranberries. They make a gorgeous garnish as well as a delicious snack. And even though they’re coated in sugar, they’re not overly sweet thanks to the natural tartness of the cranberries themselves.

    Bright red cranberries in a clear bowl of white sugar
    Vibrant red sugared cranberries in a clear bowl

    How to use sugared cranberries

    I like to keep them in a little bowl in my fridge because I really love them as cold as I can get them – but they’re the perfect little snack to set in a decorative bowl, out on the counter during a party to let your guests snag a few if the mood strikes them.

    You could use them to garnish a cocktail like Cranberry Mimosas or Cranberry Champagne Margaritas.

    Or you could add them to the top of:

    • Pavlova with Mascarpone Whipped Cream
    • Yule Log Cake (Bûche de Noël)
    • Gingerbread Cake Roll with Eggnog Cream Cheese Filling
    • Easy Apple Strudel
    • Fresh Fruit Tart with Lemon Mascarpone Cream
    • Sugar Cookie Bars
    • Chocolate Beet Cake
    • Nutella Fruit Tart
    Vibrant red sugared cranberries in a bowl

    How to store sugared cranberries

    Store them in an airtight container in the fridge.

    How long do sugared cranberries last?

    They’ll last a few days in the fridge in an airtight container in the fridge. If you find that they’ve started to weep a bit, just roll them in more sugar!

    Sugared Cranberries

    After you’ve made this recipe, please consider coming back to share your experience with others by leaving a comment below with a star rating!

    Vibrant red sugared cranberries in a bowl

    Sugared Cranberries

    5 from 1 vote
    Tart cranberries rolled in sugar make for a simple, 2-ingredient, no-bake snack for the holidays!
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 2 hours
    Cook Time 10 minutes
    Total Time 2 hours 10 minutes
    Servings 1 cup

    Equipment

    • High-sided sheet pan
    • Parchment paper
    • Wire cooling racks
    • Medium saucepan
    • Mixing bowls

    Ingredients
      

    • 1 cup granulated sugar, divided
    • ½ cup water
    • 1 cup fresh cranberries

    Instructions
     

    • In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine ½ cup sugar and water. Stir frequently until sugar has dissolved and remove from heat.
    • Add cranberries and stir to coat. Let sit for 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure they’re well coated.
    • Transfer cranberries to wire rack to cool (placing parchment paper underneath to catch the dripping sugar syrup). Allow to cool for an hour.
    • Place remaining sugar in a large bowl and add half of the cranberries. Toss to combine. Using a slotted spoon, transfer coated cranberries to clean parchment paper to set. Repeat with the other half. Let set for at least an hour, then enjoy!

    Video

    Nutrition

    Calories: 820kcal | Carbohydrates: 212g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 10mg | Potassium: 89mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 204g | Vitamin A: 60IU | Vitamin C: 13mg | Calcium: 14mg | Iron: 1mg
    Course Dessert
    Cuisine American
    Author Leslie Kiszka
    Tried this recipe?Leave a comment and rating!

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    Hi there! I'm Leslie. I use baking as an outlet for relieving stress and anxiety to provide you with easy to follow homemade recipes and a little humor. About Leslie ⟶

    SUMMER RECIPES

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