Crimson Sugared Cranberries (Candied Cranberries)
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Crimson Candied Cranberries are as stunning as they are delicious — and surprisingly simple to make! With just three ingredients — sugar, water, and fresh cranberries — you’ll create dazzling, sugared gems that add a festive touch to any dish or drink. These sparkling cranberries are perfect for the holiday season, whether as a garnish or a sweet snack.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredient Notes
- Cranberries | Fresh cranberries are the star of the show here, giving everything a nice, tart kick that balances out all the sweetness.
- Sugar | Sugar is used in two ways. First, it makes a simple syrup with water to coat the cranberries and sweeten them. Then, it’s used again to roll the cranberries in, giving them that pretty, sparkly sugar coating.
- Water | Use water to help the sugar dissolve and turn into syrup. It’s what makes the cranberries get nice and sticky to get that perfect sugary coat.
Recipe Success Tips
How to Make Homemade Sugared Cranberries
These sugared cranberries will make everything you serve look next-level this holiday season!
STEP 1 | Make simple syrup
First, combine ½ cup of the sugar and ½ cup water in a small saucepan. Heat it over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar has completely dissolved to make simple syrup.
Remove the simple syrup from the heat and let it cool for about 5 minutes.
STEP 2 | Coat the cranberries
Next, add the fresh cranberries to the syrup, stirring gently to coat all the berries evenly. Then, let them sit in the syrup for about 10 minutes.
STEP 3 | Dry the coated berries
Now, use a slotted spoon to remove the cranberries from the syrup, allowing excess syrup to drip off. Place the cranberries on a wire rack or parchment paper, spreading them out in a single layer to avoid sticking. Then, let them dry for about an hour or until they are sticky to the touch.
STEP 4 | Roll in sugar
Once the cranberries are tacky, pour the remaining ½ cup of sugar into a shallow dish. Gently roll each cranberry in the sugar until evenly coated, giving them a frosted, sparkling appearance.
STEP 5 | Dry and enjoy!
Place the sugared cranberries on a clean baking sheet or plate to dry completely for 30 minutes. This will help the sugar harden and give them a crunchy texture.
When ready, serve and enjoy, or store for later!
Speaking of easy and delicious cranberry garnishes, add this 5-Minute Cranberry Orange Relish and Fresh Cranberry Chutney recipe to the holiday menu, too!
Variations and Substitutions
- Spice It Up. While heating the syrup, toss in a cinnamon stick or cloves for a cozy, spiced vibe.
- Citrus Zest. Add some orange or lemon zest to the syrup for a fresh, fruity kick.
- Sugar Variations. Roll the cranberries in colored or coarse sugar for extra flair and crunch.
Storage Tips
- To store candied cranberries, keep them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh for up to 2 days. If you want them to last a little longer, you can refrigerate them, but they might lose some of their sparkle.
Frequently Asked Questions
Add them to salads, desserts, cocktails, or just snack on them — they’re super versatile!
It takes about two hours, including drying time. Most of the time is inactive and it’s worth the wait!
Yes! You can infuse the syrup with spices, citrus zest, or herbs to give them extra flavor.
It’s better to use fresh cranberries for this recipe since frozen cranberries can become too soft when they are thawed.
Looking for more Christmas Cranberry Recipes?
‘Tis the season for bright red, festive cranberry sweets! At the top of your list should be this Cranberry Christmas Cake, which looks beautiful on a holiday table. Or enjoy Cranberry and Pistachio Biscotti with spirited green and red sprinkles and delicious Cranberry and Orange Bread.
What to Serve With Candied Cranberries
There are so many ways to use candied cranberries. I like to garnish my Cranberry Scones with bright red and sparkling treats. They also make a festive garnish for holiday cocktails, like this Non-Alcoholic Christmas Punch, and add a nice pop of color to a Christmas charcuterie board.
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Crimson Sugared Cranberries (Candied Cranberries)
Ingredients
- 1 cup fresh cranberries
- 1 cup granulated sugar divided into ½ cup portions
- ½ cup water
Instructions
- In a small saucepan, combine ½ cup of the sugar and ½ cup water. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar has completely dissolved to make a simple syrup.
- Remove from heat and let the syrup cool for about 5 minutes.
- Add the fresh cranberries to the syrup, stirring gently to coat all the berries evenly. Let them sit in the syrup for about 10 minutes.
- Use a slotted spoon to remove the cranberries from the syrup, allowing excess syrup to drip off. Place the cranberries on a wire rack or parchment paper, ensuring they are spread out in a single layer to avoid sticking. Let them dry for about an hour; they should be sticky to the touch.
- Once the cranberries are tacky, pour the remaining ½ cup of sugar into a shallow dish. Gently roll each cranberry in the sugar until evenly coated, giving them a frosted, sparkling appearance.
- Place the sugared cranberries on a clean baking sheet, plate,or even on a wire rack to dry completely for about 30 minutes. This will help the sugar harden and give them a crunchy texture.
Notes
- To store candied cranberries, keep them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh for up to 2 days. If you want them to last a little longer, you can refrigerate them, but they might lose some of their sparkle.
Nutrition
Life Love and Good Food does not claim to be a registered dietician or nutritionist. Nutritional information shared on this site is only an estimate. We recommend running the ingredients through an online nutritional calculator if you need to verify any information.
