Easy Sugared Cranberries: A Festive Holiday Treat!

Hey fellow food lovers! Nyla here, and I’m beyond excited to share one of my absolute favorite kitchen creations with you: Sugared Cranberries! These aren’t just any ordinary candied cranberries; they’re little bursts of sweet and tart magic that can transform any meal into a festive celebration.

I remember the first time I made Sugared Cranberries. It was a late-night kitchen experiment gone wonderfully right! I had a bag of cranberries and a serious craving for something sweet and tangy. The result? These glistening jewels that are now a staple in my kitchen.

I was absolutely thrilled! These Sugared Cranberries are the perfect balance of sweet and tart. Plus, they look absolutely gorgeous! They’re like tiny edible jewels.

This recipe takes ordinary cranberries and turns them into something truly special. I can’t wait to show you how to make your own Sugared Cranberries that will have everyone doing a happy dance! Get ready to add some sparkle to your plate – let’s get started! 🔥

This Sugared Cranberries ingredient list is all about simplicity and fresh flavor! You can grab almost everything during your normal shopping trip.

Here’s what you’ll need:

No worries if you don’t have fresh cranberries – frozen ones work too! Just thaw them completely and pat them dry before starting. I love adding extra orange zest for that extra kick to my candied cranberries. It really elevates the flavor.

This Sugared Cranberries gets its amazing taste from the combination of tart cranberries and sweet sugar. The vanilla and orange zest (if you’re using it) add layers of flavor that will blow you away.

For a busy weeknight shortcut, measure out all your ingredients ahead of time. Store the cranberries in an airtight container in the fridge. You can even make the simple syrup a day in advance!

Store any leftover Sugared Cranberries in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh for up to a week.

Here’s my Sugared Cranberries secret: don’t skimp on the sugar coating! It’s what makes them so irresistible.

This is my favorite part of making Sugared Cranberries – watch the delicious magic happen! I will be there every step of the way.

1. Make the Simple Syrup: In a saucepan, combine the water and 1 cup of sugar. Stir over medium heat until the sugar dissolves completely. Bring to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes until the syrup is slightly thickened. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract (and orange zest, if using). This step is very easy if you follow the instructions.
2. Soak the Cranberries: Add the cranberries to the simple syrup. Gently stir to coat them evenly. Let them soak for at least 1 hour, or even better, overnight in the refrigerator. The longer they soak, the more flavorful and plump they’ll become. In my kitchen, this soaking process usually takes about 4-5 hours.
3. Drain the Cranberries: Drain the cranberries in a colander and discard the syrup. Spread the remaining 1 cup of sugar on a plate or baking sheet.
4. Coat the Cranberries: Working in small batches, roll the cranberries in the sugar, making sure they are completely coated. This is where the magic starts happening!
5. Dry the Cranberries: Place the frosted cranberries on a wire rack to dry for at least 1 hour, or until the sugar coating is firm and dry. This will help them maintain their beautiful, frosty appearance. Your Sugared Cranberries should look absolutely incredible right now!
6. Enjoy! Once the Sugared Cranberries are dry, they are ready to be enjoyed!

While your Sugared Cranberries are drying, get ready for some amazing aromas!

Don’t worry if your Sugared Cranberries looks a little uneven at first. As they dry, the sugar will harden and create that perfect frosted look. I once accidentally added a pinch of salt to the sugar coating. It turned out to be a happy accident! The salt enhanced the sweetness and tartness.

If you’re short on time, you can speed up the drying process by placing the cranberries in a low-temperature oven (around 170°F) for about 30 minutes. Just make sure to keep a close eye on them to prevent the sugar from melting. Here’s a similar recipe for you: How to Make Sugared Cranberries and Rosemary – What the Fork.

People literally do happy dances when this Sugared Cranberries hits the table with… just about anything! They’re incredibly versatile.

I love to enjoy these holiday cranberries as a festive garnish for cakes, cupcakes, and pies. They add a touch of elegance and sparkle to any dessert.

Here are some bold flavor pairings that complement perfectly:

This Sugared Cranberries is perfect for those weeknight dinners that need to be special! Serve them alongside a simple roasted chicken and a side of mashed sweet potatoes for a complete and satisfying meal.

For presentation ideas that wow guests, arrange the Sugared Cranberries in small bowls or on a platter alongside other festive treats. You can also string them together to create a beautiful garland for your holiday table. I love stringing the candied cranberries together. It makes for a beautiful display piece.

Creative leftover transformations? Absolutely! Chop up the leftover Sugared Cranberries and add them to muffins, scones, or granola for a burst of flavor. You can even use them to make a cranberry sauce with a twist.

I’ve experimented with a fusion variation by adding a pinch of cardamom to the sugar coating. It adds a warm, exotic flavor that is absolutely divine. This Sugared Cranberries reminds me of another bold flavor favorite: GrillDrip’s no sugar added sugared cranberries recipe.

When I serve this Sugared Cranberries, the reactions are always priceless. People are always amazed by their beautiful appearance and delicious flavor. They’re the perfect conversation starter!

Here are some frequently asked questions about making Sugared Cranberries. I’ll share my personal experiments and discoveries with you!

Absolutely! This recipe is super easy and straightforward. Even if you’re a beginner, you can totally nail it. The key is to follow the instructions carefully and don’t be afraid to experiment.

Don’t worry if your Sugared Cranberries aren’t perfectly uniform. Imperfections add character! Even if they’re a little sticky or the sugar coating is a bit uneven, they’ll still taste amazing. I once forgot to drain the cranberries completely before coating them in sugar. They were a little sticky, but still delicious!

You can make the simple syrup and soak the cranberries a day or two in advance. Just store them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to coat them in sugar.

While granulated sugar works best for that classic frosted look, you can experiment with other types of sugar. I’ve tried using brown sugar for a slightly caramelized flavor, and it was delicious!

Stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, Sugared Cranberries will stay fresh for up to a week. However, they’re so delicious, they probably won’t last that long!

I don’t recommend freezing Sugared Cranberries, as the sugar coating may become soggy when thawed.

The possibilities are endless! Try adding different spices to the sugar coating, such as cinnamon, ginger, or nutmeg. You can also experiment with different citrus zests, such as lemon or grapefruit. You can find more information about this at Sugared Cranberries (easy w/ video!) | Vanilla And Bean.

Yes, Sugared Cranberries are vegan! They contain no animal products.

This recipe has been taste-tested by my family and friends, and it’s always a hit! Everyone loves the combination of sweet and tart flavors. For more weeknight winners that don’t sacrifice on taste, check out no added sugar sugared cranberries.

These Sugared Cranberries bring me so much joy because they’re a reminder that even the simplest ingredients can be transformed into something truly special. Plus, they’re just so darn pretty!

1. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different flavors. Try adding spices, citrus zests, or even a pinch of salt to the sugar coating.
2. Make sure the cranberries are completely dry before coating them in sugar. This will help the sugar adhere better and prevent them from becoming sticky.
3. Store the Sugared Cranberries in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep them fresh.

Here are a few delicious Sugared Cranberries variations I’ve tested:

I love making the cinnamon-spiced version for holiday gatherings, the ginger-lemon version for brunch, and the rosemary-infused version for dinner parties. Which version will you make?

Trust your taste buds and get creative in the kitchen! There’s no right or wrong way to make Sugared Cranberries. So, grab your ingredients, put on some music, and get ready to have some fun!

I’m so excited for you to try this recipe! I know you’re going to love it. Get ready to impress your friends and family with these beautiful and delicious Sugared Cranberries. Happy cooking! 💕