Sugared Cranberries

These Sugared Cranberries (or candied cranberries) are a quick and easy holiday treat perfect for use as a garnish for cocktails or desserts! Pop them on a skewer to add to cocktails, add them to frosted cupcakes, or just place them on a charcuterie board for a sweet, tart treat.

Course Dessert, Drinks, Snack

Cuisine American

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 5

Drying Time 2

Total Time 2 15

Servings

Calories 219kcal

Author Karly Campbell

Ingredients

1/2 cup water
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar divided
12 ounces fresh cranberries rinsed and dried

Instructions

In a saucepan, combine 1/2 cup water and 1/2 cup of the sugar. Heat over medium until the sugar dissolves completely, creating a simple syrup, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool for 5 minutes.
Add the cranberries to the warm syrup, gently stirring to coat each cranberry. Let sit for 5 minutes and then use a slotted spoon to transfer the cranberries to a wire rack, allowing any excess syrup to drip off. Arrange the cranberries so that they are not touching as they will stick together. Let them dry for about an hour or until they’re tacky to the touch.
Place the remaining 1 cup of sugar in a shallow bowl. Roll the tacky cranberries in the sugar until fully coated, giving them a frosty appearance.
Allow the sugared cranberries to dry for an hour on a parchment lined baking sheet. Once dry, they’re ready to use as a garnish or snack.

Notes

Make sure the syrup isn’t too hot before adding the cranberries; otherwise, they may burst.

These sugared cranberries make a beautiful garnish for holiday desserts, cocktails, and cheese boards.

Nutrition