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Sugared Cranberries Recipe

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4 from 46 reviews

Sugared Cranberries are a festive and tangy treat where fresh cranberries are soaked in a simple sugar syrup, then coated in granulated sugar for a sparkling, sweet finish. Perfect for holiday garnishes, cocktail decorations, or a seasonal snack, these sugared cranberries combine tartness and sweetness with a delightful sugary crunch.

Ingredients

Ingredients

  • 2 cups fresh cranberries
  • 2 cups granulated sugar, divided use
  • 1 cup water

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Cranberries: Wash and pick over the fresh cranberries, removing any that have blemishes or imperfections to ensure the best texture and flavor.
  2. Make Simple Syrup: In a medium saucepan over medium-high heat, combine 1 cup of granulated sugar and 1 cup of cold water. Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring frequently until the sugar completely dissolves. Then reduce the heat to a simmer and allow it to gently cook for 3-5 minutes to develop the syrup.
  3. Soak Cranberries: Add the fresh cranberries to the warm syrup, then remove the saucepan from the heat. Allow the cranberries to soak in the syrup until it has completely cooled, about 1 hour. This step infuses the berries with sweetness and softens their tartness.
  4. Drain and Dry Cranberries: Once cooled, drain the cranberries from the syrup. Transfer them onto a cooling rack set over a sheet pan to catch drippings. Let them dry for 20-30 minutes, allowing excess syrup to drip off and the surface to become tacky for sugar adhesion.
  5. Coat with Sugar: In batches, toss the drained cranberries with the remaining 1 cup of granulated sugar until fully coated. Spread the sugared berries out on a parchment paper lined sheet pan to dry completely. This creates the signature crunchy sugar coating.
  6. Store: Once dried, store the sugared cranberries at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Use them as a colorful and tangy garnish or snack within that timeframe.

Notes

  • Citrus Zest: Add 2-3 tablespoons of orange, lemon, or lime zest to the simple syrup for a bright citrus flavor and natural color enhancement.
  • Vanilla Bean: For creamy and sweet floral notes, add a split vanilla bean to the syrup while it heats, then remove before soaking cranberries.