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
Scale
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
