Sugared Cranberries Recipe
Sweet, tart, and beautifully frosted, sugared cranberries are a holiday classic that add a pop of color and flavor to any winter table. This simple recipe creates the perfect garnish for cocktails, desserts, or even a tasty snack on their own. Sugared cranberries are especially delightful around Thanksgiving and Christmas, with their sparkling appearance resembling fresh-fallen snow. They’re a nostalgic favorite and an easy way to bring a touch of holiday cheer to your gatherings!
Ingredients Needed For Sugared Cranberries
- 1 cup fresh cranberries – Look for firm, bright-red berries; these will provide the best texture and tartness.
- 1 cup granulated sugar (divided into two ½ cup portions) – White sugar works best here to create the frosty coating.
- ½ cup water – Essential for making a simple syrup to coat the cranberries.
Step-by-Step Instructions For Sugared Cranberries
- Prepare the Simple Syrup: In a small saucepan, combine ½ cup of sugar with ½ cup of water. Stir and heat over medium until the sugar completely dissolves. Remove from heat and let cool for about 5 minutes.
- Coat the Cranberries: Gently add the cranberries to the syrup, stirring to ensure they’re fully coated. Let them sit for around 10 minutes, allowing the syrup to infuse the cranberries.
- Dry the Cranberries: Using a slotted spoon, transfer the cranberries to a wire rack or parchment paper. Spread them in a single layer, making sure they don’t stick together. Let them dry for about an hour; they should feel sticky.
- Sugar Coat the Cranberries: Pour the remaining ½ cup of sugar into a shallow dish. Roll each cranberry in the sugar until evenly coated, giving them a beautiful, frosted look.
- Dry Again: Place the sugared cranberries on a clean baking sheet or plate and let them dry completely for about 30 minutes. This final drying stage helps the sugar harden for a crunchy texture.
Why Sugared Cranberries Are Perfect for Holiday Gatherings
Sugared cranberries are a versatile and festive addition to any holiday table. Their striking appearance and sweet-tart flavor make them perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or winter get-togethers. They’re easy to make in batches, so you can serve them as a garnish or a refreshing snack that even those with dietary restrictions can enjoy. These are the perfect treats to make ahead and share!
Serving Suggestions
Sugared cranberries are incredibly versatile! Serve them as a garnish for holiday cocktails, atop desserts like cakes and pies, or as a sweet-tart snack. They pair especially well with citrus flavors and creamy treats like cheesecake or vanilla ice cream. They’re also fantastic as edible holiday decor!
Closing Tips & Storage Instructions
To keep your sugared cranberries fresh, store them in an airtight container for up to two days. If you’re preparing them ahead of time, consider adding a fresh coat of sugar just before serving to maintain their frosted look. For added variety, try adding a pinch of cinnamon or vanilla extract to the syrup for a subtle flavor twist. Enjoy these sparkling treats, and don’t forget to leave feedback or share your holiday memories if you try this recipe!
Festive sugared cranberries add sparkle and flavor to holiday tables! This easy recipe makes a beautiful, sweet-tart garnish or snack in minutes.
Sugared Cranberries Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup fresh cranberries
- 1 cup granulated sugar divided into ½ cup portions
- ½ cup water
Instructions
- Prepare the Simple Syrup: In a small saucepan, combine ½ cup of the sugar and ½ cup water. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar has completely dissolved to make a simple syrup.
- Remove from heat and let the syrup cool for about 5 minutes.
- Coat the Cranberries: Add the fresh cranberries to the syrup, stirring gently to coat all the berries evenly. Let them sit in the syrup for about 10 minutes.
- Dry the Cranberries: Use a slotted spoon to remove the cranberries from the syrup, allowing excess syrup to drip off. Place the cranberries on a wire rack or parchment paper, ensuring they are spread out in a single layer to avoid sticking. Let them dry for about an hour; they should be sticky to the touch.
- Sugar Coat the Cranberries: Once the cranberries are tacky, pour the remaining ½ cup of sugar into a shallow dish. Gently roll each cranberry in the sugar until evenly coated, giving them a frosted, sparkling appearance.
- Dry Again: Place the sugared cranberries on a clean baking sheet or plate to dry completely for about 30 minutes. This will help the sugar harden and give them a crunchy texture.
- Serve and Enjoy: Your sugared cranberries are now ready to enjoy! They make a beautiful and delicious garnish or snack and can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
