Sugared Cranberries

Add a festive touch to your holiday treats with these easy-to-make sugared cranberries, perfect for cocktails, desserts, and more!

Close up view of sugared cranberries

Sugared Cranberries

Deliciously tart and sweet, these Sugared Cranberries are the perfect way to dress up a holiday desserts, drinks, and even savory dishes.

All you need are three simple ingredients to make these candied cranberries. The sugar coating on the outside adds a delicate crunch and sweetness to the fresh cranberries. Use them as a festive garnish to elevate your holiday recipes. They’re also delicious for snacking on all on their own or serving with Christmas charcuterie and cheese boards.

Creating these little gems is incredibly easy. With just a few simple steps, you can transform fresh cranberries into a stunning and delicious treat!

Try Sugared Cranberries In These Festive Drinks:

A small bowl of sugar coated cranberries.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup fresh cranberries
  • 1 cup granulated sugar (divided)
  • ยฝ cup water

Helpful Kitchen Tools

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Instructions

  1. Prepare the Simple Syrup – Combine half of the sugar with 1/2 cup water in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Reduce until the sugar is completely dissolved; be sure to stir occasionally to prevent scorching. When done, remove pan from heat and allow the syrup cool for 5-10 minutes.
  2. Coat the Cranberries in Syrup – Add the fresh cranberries to the syrup mixture, stirring gently to coat all the berries evenly. Let them sit in the syrup for about 10 minutes.
  3. Dry the Cranberries – Use a slotted spoon to remove the cranberries from the simple syrup, allowing excess syrup to drip back into the pan. Place the cranberries in a single layer on a wire rack or baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Allow to dry for about an hour; the berries should be sticky to the touch.
  4. Sugar Coat the Cranberries – Pour the remaining granulated sugar into a small bowl or shallow dish. Gently roll each cranberry in the sugar until evenly coated, giving them a frosted, sparkling appearance. You may be able to do several cranberries at a time. Allow to dry completely before serving or storing.
Step by step process of making sugared cranberries

Prep Tips

  • Cranberries – For this recipe I recommend using fresh cranberries, not frozen cranberries.
  • Drying Time – After you’ve coated them in sugar, place the cranberries on a lined baking sheet to air dry for about 30 minutes. This allows the sugar stick to the berries and gives them a delightfully crunchy texture.
  • Storage – Keep your sugared cranberries in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the fridge for up to a week.
A white bowl of sugared cranberries.

Sugared Cranberries Recipe (Printable Recipe Card)

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Close up view of sugared cranberries
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Sugared Cranberries

Add a festive touch to your holiday treats with these easy-to-make sugared cranberries, perfect for cocktails, desserts, and more!
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Christmas, fruit
Servings: 8
Calories: 102kcal
Author: Stacey aka the Soccer Mom
Cost: $8

Equipment

  • Medium Saucepan
  • whisk
  • Wire Rack
  • Small bowl

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Prepare the Simple Syrup – Combine half of the sugar with 1/2 cup water in a small saucepan over medium heat. Reduce until the sugar is completely dissolved; be sure to stir occasionally to prevent scorching. When done, remove pan from heat and allow the syrup cool for 5-10 minutes.
  • Coat the Cranberries in Syrup – 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.
  • Dry the Cranberries – Use a slotted spoon to remove the cranberries from the simple syrup, allowing excess syrup to drip back into the pan. Place the cranberries in a single layer on a wire rack or baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Allow to dry for about an hour; the berries should be sticky to the touch.
  • Sugar Coat the Cranberries – Pour the remaining granulated sugar into a small bowl or shallow dish. Gently roll each cranberry in the sugar until evenly coated, giving them a frosted, sparkling appearance. You may be able to do several cranberries at a time. Allow to dry completely before serving or storing.

Notes

Nutrition information is provided as an estimate only.
Prep Tips
  • Drying Time – After you’ve coated them in sugar, place the cranberries on a lined baking sheet to air dry for about 30 minutes. This allows the sugar stick to the berries and gives them a delightfully crunchy texture.
  • Storage – Keep your sugared cranberries in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Nutrition

Calories: 102kcal | Carbohydrates: 26g | Protein: 0.1g | Fat: 0.1g | Saturated Fat: 0.001g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.01g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.003g | Sodium: 1mg | Potassium: 11mg | Fiber: 0.5g | Sugar: 25g | Vitamin A: 8IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 2mg | Iron: 0.04mg

Pin our Sugared Cranberries on Pinterest:

Pinterest styled image of sugared cranberries recipe.

Use Your Sugar-Coated Cranberries To Jazz Up Christmas Cocktails:

collage of Christmas themed drinks; text overlay "35 Epic Holiday Cocktails".
Stacey aka the Soccer Mom
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