Best Candied Cranberries

These candied cranberries are the perfect combination of sweet and tart, with a delightful sugar-crusted finish. They make a stunning garnish for holiday desserts, cocktails, or a festive snack all on their own.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Simple Ingredients: You only need two ingredients to create these sparkling beauties.
• Versatile Use: Perfect for decorating cakes, adding to cheese boards, or topping off holiday drinks.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prepare them in advance for stress-free holiday prep.
• Impressive Presentation: Their frosted look brings a magical touch to any dish.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Fresh cranberries
• Granulated sugar
• Water

Directions

1. Make the Simple Syrup: In a small saucepan, heat equal parts water and sugar over medium heat until the sugar dissolves. Let it cool slightly.
2. Coat the Cranberries: Add the cranberries to the syrup, making sure they’re well coated.
3. Dry the Cranberries: Using a slotted spoon, transfer the cranberries to a wire rack. Let them dry for at least 1 hour.
4. Roll in Sugar: Roll the dried, sticky cranberries in granulated sugar until completely coated.
5. Let Set: Place the sugared cranberries back on the rack to set for another hour.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 2 cups of candied cranberries
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Drying Time: 2 hours
• Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes

Variations

• Flavor Boost: Add a splash of vanilla or almond extract to the syrup.
• Spiced Sugar: Mix in a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg with the granulated sugar.
• Citrus Twist: Toss some orange zest with the sugar for a fragrant kick.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Keep candied cranberries in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the fridge for up to a week.
• Re-crisping: If they get sticky, roll them in more sugar to refresh the coating.

FAQs

How do I prevent cranberries from bursting?

Make sure the syrup is warm, not boiling, and avoid stirring too aggressively.

Can I use frozen cranberries?

Fresh cranberries work best, but you can use frozen cranberries as long as they’re fully thawed and patted dry.

Can I use other types of berries?

Yes! Try this method with blueberries or currants for a fun variation.

Do I need to refrigerate them?

It’s not necessary, but refrigerating helps them last longer.

Can I make these sugar-free?

Use a sugar substitute like erythritol for a lower-sugar option.

Why are my cranberries sticky?

They may not have dried long enough after the syrup step — give them more drying time.

Can I add food coloring?

The natural red hue is beautiful on its own, but you can add edible glitter for extra sparkle.

What can I do with leftover syrup?

Drizzle it over pancakes, waffles, or stir it into cocktails.

How do I prevent clumping?

Roll the cranberries in sugar in small batches to keep them from sticking together.

Can I freeze candied cranberries?

It’s best to enjoy them fresh, but you can freeze them. Just expect some texture changes when thawing.

Conclusion

Candied cranberries are an easy, elegant treat that can elevate your holiday spreads and add festive flair to your favorite recipes. Whether you use them as a garnish or a snack, their balance of sweetness and tartness is simply irresistible. Give this recipe a try and enjoy a little extra sparkle this season!

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