Save A quick and vibrant treat featuring tart cranberries coated in a sparkling, crunchy sugar shell—perfect for snacking, garnishing, or gifting.
This recipe has become a staple whenever I need a fast, festive addition to desserts or holiday gifts.
Ingredients
- Fresh cranberries: 2 cups (200 g), rinsed and dried
- Water: 1/4 cup (60 ml)
- Granulated sugar: 1/4 cup (50 g) for syrup
- Granulated sugar: 1/2 cup (100 g) for rolling
Instructions
- Make syrup:
- In a small saucepan, combine 1/4 cup water and 1/4 cup sugar. Heat over medium, stirring just until sugar dissolves. Remove from heat and let cool slightly (about 1 minute).
- Coat cranberries:
- Place cranberries in a large bowl. Pour warm syrup over cranberries and toss gently to coat all berries evenly.
- Prep cranberries:
- Using a slotted spoon, transfer cranberries to a wire rack or parchment-lined tray. Let sit 2 minutes to become slightly tacky.
- Roll in sugar:
- Roll a few cranberries at a time in remaining 1/2 cup sugar until well coated. Set aside to dry another 2 minutes before serving.
Save This recipe always brings joy when shared with family during the holidays and makes a beautiful garnish for winter desserts.
Optional Flavor Enhancements
Add orange zest or a pinch of cinnamon to the syrup for a festive twist.
Required Tools
Small saucepan, mixing bowl, slotted spoon, wire rack or parchment-lined tray.
Allergen Information
This recipe is free from common allergens. Always check ingredient labels if you have concerns about cross-contamination.
Save An easy, colorful addition to your recipe arsenal sure to delight family and friends alike.
Recipe Help
- → How do you get the sugar to stick to cranberries?
After coating the cranberries in a warm sugar syrup, letting them sit briefly helps the surface become tacky, allowing granulated sugar to adhere evenly.
- → Can I add flavors to the coating?
Yes, adding orange zest or a pinch of cinnamon to the syrup before coating enhances the cranberries with delightful aroma and taste.
- → How should candied cranberries be stored?
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature and consume within 24 hours to maintain crunch and freshness.
- → What type of sugar creates the best texture?
Superfine sugar or granulated sugar works well to create a crunchy, sparkling coating on the cranberries.
- → Can candied cranberries be prepared ahead of time?
For the best texture, prepare and enjoy the candied cranberries the same day, as longer storage may reduce crunchiness.