Sugared Cranberries (Easy Recipe) Recipe
Sugared Cranberries are a delightful and festive treat that’s crunchy, sweet, and perfect for holiday decorations or snacking. This easy recipe involves simmering fresh cranberries in a simple syrup before coating them in sugar, resulting in a sparkling, tart, and sugary delight that adds a burst of color and flavor to any dessert or cheese platter.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
For the Syrup:
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
For Coating:
- 3 cups fresh cranberries (rinsed and dried)
- 1 cup granulated sugar (for rolling)
Instructions
- Prepare the Simple Syrup: In a medium saucepan, combine 1/2 cup water and 1/2 cup granulated sugar. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and let it simmer gently for about 3 minutes to create a light syrup.
- Coat the Cranberries: Stir in the fresh cranberries to fully immerse them in the syrup. Remove the pan from heat and continue stirring for 1 minute to ensure the cranberries are well coated and slightly cooked.
- Dry the Cranberries: Using a slotted spoon, transfer the syrup-coated cranberries onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a metal rack. Allow them to dry for about 1 hour; this step helps the syrup set and become tacky enough for the sugar to adhere.
- Sugar the Cranberries: Once dried, roll the cranberries in batches in the remaining 1 cup of granulated sugar until they are thoroughly coated and sparkly. Let them sit for a few minutes to fully set before serving or using as decoration.
Notes
- Make sure the cranberries are completely dry after rinsing to help the syrup stick better.
- Use fresh cranberries for the best texture and flavor; frozen cranberries are not recommended.
- You can store sugared cranberries at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- These make beautiful garnishes for cocktails, desserts, or cheese boards.
- For a flavored twist, add a splash of orange juice or a few drops of vanilla extract to the syrup before boiling.
