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.
