Sugared Cranberries Recipe
Introduction
Sugared cranberries are a festive and delightful treat that add a beautiful sparkle to any holiday dessert or beverage. With their crisp texture and sweet-tart flavor, they’re as fun to make as they are to enjoy.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar (divided)
- 12 ounces fresh cranberries (rinsed and dried)
Instructions
- Step 1: In a saucepan, combine 1/2 cup water and 1/2 cup of the sugar. Heat over medium until the sugar dissolves completely, creating a simple syrup, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool for 5 minutes.
- Step 2: Add the cranberries to the warm syrup, gently stirring to coat each cranberry. Let sit for 5 minutes, then use a slotted spoon to transfer the cranberries to a wire rack, allowing any excess syrup to drip off. Arrange them so they are not touching, as they will stick together. Let dry for about an hour or until tacky to the touch.
- Step 3: Place the remaining 1 cup of sugar in a shallow bowl. Roll the tacky cranberries in the sugar until fully coated, creating a frosty, sugared finish.
- Step 4: Allow the sugared cranberries to dry for another hour on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Once dry, they are ready to use as a garnish or an enjoyable snack.
Tips & Variations
- Use fresh cranberries for the best texture and flavor; avoid frozen as they can be softer and less crisp.
- Try adding a hint of citrus zest, such as orange or lemon, to the syrup for a bright twist.
- Sugared cranberries make a beautiful garnish for cocktails, cheeseboards, or holiday desserts.
Storage
Store sugared cranberries in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, keep them refrigerated but allow them to come to room temperature before serving. These cranberries are best enjoyed within a few days to maintain their crisp texture and sugary coating.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use frozen cranberries instead of fresh?
Frozen cranberries can be used, but they tend to be softer and may not hold the sugared coating as well. Fresh cranberries are recommended for the best texture.
How do I prevent the cranberries from sticking together?
Arrange the cranberries so they do not touch while drying, which helps prevent sticking. Using a wire rack also allows excess syrup to drip off evenly.
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Sugared Cranberries Recipe
- Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 1 1/2 cups sugared cranberries 1x
Description
Sugared Cranberries are a festive and delightful treat made by coating fresh cranberries with a simple syrup and then rolling them in granulated sugar. These frosty, sweet-tart berries are perfect as an elegant garnish for holiday drinks and desserts or enjoyed as a crunchy, flavorful snack.
Ingredients
Simple Syrup
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
Cranberries
- 12 ounces fresh cranberries, rinsed and dried
- 1 cup granulated sugar (for coating)
Instructions
- Make Simple Syrup: In a saucepan, combine 1/2 cup water and 1/2 cup granulated sugar. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally until the sugar completely dissolves, forming a clear simple syrup. This process takes about 5 minutes. Remove the pan from heat and allow the syrup to cool for 5 minutes.
- Coat Cranberries: Add the fresh cranberries to the warm syrup, gently stirring to ensure each berry is covered. Let them sit in the syrup for 5 minutes to absorb some sweetness. Then, using a slotted spoon, transfer the cranberries to a wire rack lined with parchment paper, spacing them so they do not touch to prevent sticking. Let the cranberries dry for about one hour until they are tacky to the touch.
- Sugar Coating: Pour the remaining 1 cup of granulated sugar into a shallow bowl. Roll each tacky cranberry in the sugar to fully coat them, giving a frosted, sparkly appearance.
- Final Drying: Place the sugared cranberries back on a parchment-lined baking sheet and allow them to dry for an additional hour. Once completely dry, the sugared cranberries are ready to be enjoyed as a garnish or as a sweet snack.
Notes
- Ensure cranberries are thoroughly dried after rinsing to help the syrup adhere better.
- Spacing cranberries apart during drying prevents them from sticking together.
- Use fresh cranberries for best texture and flavor; frozen cranberries may become mushy.
- Sugared cranberries can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- These make excellent garnishes for holiday cocktails, cakes, or cheese platters.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert Garnish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Sugared Cranberries, Cranberry Garnish, Holiday Cranberries, Sweetened Cranberries, Festive Treat
