Sugared Cranberries are the ultimate holiday treat! Perfect for snacking, decorating desserts, or garnishing drinks… and they couldn’t be easier to make!
The older I get, the more I realize it really is all about the little things. Especially when it comes to the holidays! Which is what I love so much about making these Sugared Cranberries. They’re a special little treat that literally makes ALL the difference.
They sparkle and glisten like fresh fallen snow, and they’re the perfect finishing touch for all things Chrismtas. Whether you use them in cocktails, for snacking, or as a garnish for your favorite holiday desserts… they’re an absolute show stopper. And SO delicious, too!
Best of all, making these candied cranberries requires just 3 ingredients: fresh cranberries, sugar, and water. The “hands on” time is just 5 minutes, and the end result is nothing short of heavenly!
what you’ll love about this recipe
These Sugared Cranberries are the perfect way to take any holiday dessert to the next level. They’re beautiful, delicious, and best of all… SO easy to make with just a few basic ingredients!
what you’ll need for this recipe
Cranberries – Fresh cranberries are the main ingredient in this recipe. They are usually available in stores from September – December. If you are unable to find fresh cranberries, you can definitely substitute whole frozen cranberries instead.
Sugar – Sugar reduces the tartness of the cranberries. I used it in two different ways in this recipe. First, in a simple syrup to coat the cranberries and second, to roll the cranberries in after soaking them. I chose to use granulated sugar for overall taste and appearance, but you could also substitute cane sugar if you prefer.
Water – Water combines with the sugar to create a simple syrup for soaking the cranberries.
how to make sugared cranberries
Make the simple syrup. In a medium saucepan, stir together 2 cups of water and 2 cups of sugar. Bring to a simmer; continue stirring until the sugar dissolves. Remove from heat and cool slightly. *Optional: Add vanilla extract, orange extract, or cinnamon for a fun flavor twist!
Soak the cranberries. Pour the fresh cranberries into a medium bowl; pour simple syrup over the cranberries. Cover and refrigerate at least 10 minutes or overnight.
Coat the cranberries in sugar. Strain the cranberries (reserving the syrup) using a slotted spoon or fine strainer. Roll in remaining 1 cup sugar to coat. Spread in a single layer on a sheet pan lined with parchment paper to dry. *Use the cranberry syrup to make Cranberry Mimosas!
Storage Tips
Leftover sugared cranberries can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature. They should be kept in a cool, dry place. After a few days, you may notice the sugar start to “weep.” At this point, if the cranberries are still firm, you can simply toss them in sugar again to freshen them up.
Recipe Variations
- Add vanilla or orange extract to the sugar syrup mixture for a fun flavor twist
- Add cinnamon, nutmeg, cardamom, apple pie spice or pumpkin pie spice
- Add fresh rosemary or any of your favorite fresh herbs
- Use cane sugar in place of granulated sugar
how to use sugared cranberries in desserts
Use them as a garnish for any of these delicious holiday desserts:
- Maple Streusel Pumpkin Cake
- Chocolate Fudge Pudding Cake
- Chocolate Coconut Cupcakes
- Sweet Potato Pie
- Pumpkin Cake
how to use sugared cranberries in cocktails
Toss them in one of these cocktails or any of your favorite cocktails:
- Cranberry Aperol Spritz
- Apple Brandy Old Fashioned
- Christmas Cocktail
- Cranberry Margarita
- Vodka Cranberry
Sugared Cranberries
Ingredients
- 3 cups sugar divided
- 2 cups water
- 2 cups fresh cranberries
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan, combine 2 cups sugar and 2 cups water.
- Bring to a simmer, stirring, until sugar dissolves.
- Remove from heat and cool slightly.
- Pour fresh cranberries into a medium bowl; pour sugar water over cranberries.
- Cover and refrigerate overnight.
- Strain cranberries and roll in remaining 1 cup sugar to coat.
- Spread cranberries in a single layer to dry.
- Perfect for snacking, garnishing drinks, or topping desserts.
These would make everything look beautiful! So easy to make — fun and festive!
Those are beautiful, they look like ice crystals – love it!
I love sugared cranberries, and the last time I made them was a total fail. Instead of refrigerating them after dousing them in syrup, I decided to add the cranberries directly to the hot syrup. DON’T DO THIS… it causes the cranberries to burst open. #facepalm
Oooh I totally believe it! I will NOT be trying that, lol 😉
I love sugared cranberries so much, and I never realized how easy they are to make!
I’m always searching for easy holiday treats, and these look so festive and pretty!
Haha, I take a bath every day with wine. BUT I have one kid who is older. Make time for yourself mama, it’s necessary!! These are SO pretty!
My mind is blown. Yeah, maybe I need to take some time for myself. With wine, lol 🙂
I would put these on EVERYTHING!
I want these on top of a cake!
Yum, these look so good! I may sneak my alone time with these – they’re so pretty too!
I can’t get over how amazing these look and sound!
Would it work with thawed cranberries?
I think they might be too soggy….? I’m not sure, though, since I’ve only tried this recipe with fresh cranberries.
Would these store for a week?
Oh honey, I feel ya! My three gremlins are 10 and 8 year old twins…. I am finally making time for me. You have to, for sanity sake. I’m SO thankful to be essential outside the home!
Love to make these