Easy Sugared Cranberries
These sugared cranberries look like little snow-covered jewels, and they’re surprisingly easy to make with just fresh cranberries, sugar, and water. They’re sweet, tart, and downright gorgeous on holiday dessert trays, cheese boards, or Christmas cocktails. Fair warning: they may steal the show from whatever you’re decorating. 🎄
- Serves: about 4 for every 4 ounces of cranberries
- Soak Time: 20 minutes
- Rest Time: 2 hours total
Ingredients
- 1 cup granulated sugar (for simple syrup)
- 1 cup water
- 12 oz. fresh cranberries
- Additional granulated sugar for coating (about 1½ cups)
Get the full printable instructions with measurements at the bottom of the post in the recipe card.
Step-by-Step Directions
Step 1: Begin by making the simple syrup with 1 cup of sugar and 1 cup of water. Follow our simple syrup recipe for quick instructions.
Step 2: Rinse the cranberries and place them in a bowl. Stir in the prepared simple syrup and let them sit for at least 20 minutes, stirring occasionally since the cranberries will float.
Step 3: Using a strainer or slotted spoon, scoop the cranberries onto a counter or baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Let them sit for about an hour until they’re tacky to the touch.
Step 4: Pour ½ cup of granulated sugar into a clean bowl and toss with 1 cup of cranberries with a fork. Place them back on the parchment paper. Continue adding more sugar and cranberries until you have coated them all. Let them dry and enjoy immediately or store them in the refrigerator in an airtight container. So festive!
🍋 Simply Made Suggestions
- Give them time to get tacky. Let the cranberries rest after their syrup bath so the sugar sticks instead of dissolving.
- Work in small batches. Toss about a cup of cranberries with sugar at a time for a more even coating.
- Save the extra syrup. If you have leftover syrup, you can use it to sweeten drinks. Just keep it refrigerated.
- Keep them chilled. Store finished cranberries in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The sugar coating may become damp over time, so they’re prettiest when served fresh.
🎄 Before You Go…
These little sugar-coated beauties aren’t just for snacking! Add them to our Holiday Cheese and Fruit Board, use them to decorate our Bisquick Cranberry Orange Bundt Cake, or browse our Christmas desserts, cookies, and holiday treats for more festive favorites.
Sugared Cranberries
Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups granulated sugar (divided- 1 cup for simple syrup, 1½ cups for coating)
- 1 cup water
- 12 oz fresh cranberries
Instructions
- Step 1: Begin by making the simple syrup with 1 cup of sugar and 1 cup of water. Follow our simple syrup recipe for quick instructions.
- Rinse the cranberries and place them in a bowl. Stir in the prepared simple syrup and let them sit for at least 20 minutes, stirring occasionally since the cranberries will float.
- Using a strainer or slotted spoon, scoop the cranberries onto a counter or baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Let them sit for about an hour until they are tacky to the touch.
- Pour ½ cup of granulated sugar into a clean bowl and toss with 1 cup of cranberries with a fork. Place them back on the parchment paper. Continue adding more sugar and cranberries until you have coated them all. Let them dry and enjoy immediately or store them in the refrigerator in an airtight container. So festive!
Notes
- Let the cranberries dry until tacky before rolling them in sugar. If they’re too wet, the sugar will dissolve.
- Coat the cranberries in small batches for an even, snowy finish.
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The sugar coating may become damp over time, so they’re best served fresh.
Nutrition
Disclaimer: All nutrition values are per serving and approximate. They will vary depending on products and quantities used.
