Easy Sugared Cranberries Recipe

The first bite of a sugared cranberry always takes me back to Christmases at my grandmother’s house. The tart burst of cranberry, followed by the sweet, crunchy sugar coating – it’s a flavor explosion that screams holiday cheer. Y’all know I love a good holiday recipe, and these Sugared Cranberries are not only festive and delicious but also incredibly easy to make, even with two little ones underfoot! I’ve made this recipe countless times in my Texas kitchen, tweaking it until it’s just right. I promise this recipe will give you perfectly tart and sweet sugared cranberries that will wow your family and friends!

Why This Recipe Works

Let’s be honest, during the holidays, time is precious. That’s why I love this sugared cranberry recipe; it’s a showstopper that doesn’t require hours in the kitchen. Here’s why it works:

• Quick & Easy: From start to finish, you’re looking at about 30 minutes, mostly hands-off time.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: These little gems are perfect to make a day or two in advance, leaving you more time to focus on other holiday preparations.
• Versatile: Use them as a garnish for desserts, cocktails, cheese boards, or simply enjoy them as a sweet and tart snack.

Ingredients

• 12 ounces fresh cranberries
• 1 cup granulated sugar, plus more for rolling
• 1 cup water

Ingredient Notes

While this recipe is super simple, the quality of your ingredients matters! Here’s a breakdown:

• Fresh Cranberries: Look for firm, plump cranberries without blemishes. Fresh is best for that signature tartness.
• Granulated Sugar: Plain old granulated sugar is what you need here. Don’t substitute with powdered sugar or brown sugar; it won’t work the same.
• Water: Good ol’ tap water is just fine!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get started! Don’t worry; this is so easy, even the kiddos can help (with supervision, of course!).

1. Make the Simple Syrup: In a medium saucepan, combine 1 cup of water and 1 cup of granulated sugar. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring until the sugar is completely dissolved. This usually takes just a couple of minutes.
2. Add the Cranberries: Once the sugar is dissolved, add the fresh cranberries to the saucepan. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for about 10 minutes. You’ll see the cranberries start to soften and their skins may start to crack – that’s exactly what you want!
3. Let the Cranberries Rest: Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the cranberries sit in the simple syrup for at least 1 hour, or up to 3 hours. This allows them to really soak up that sweet syrup. I’ve found that the longer they sit, the more intensely flavored they become.
4. Drain the Cranberries: Gently drain the cranberries in a colander, discarding the simple syrup. Be careful not to squish them! Let them drain for a few minutes to remove excess syrup.
5. Sugar Coating Time: Spread a generous layer of granulated sugar on a baking sheet or large plate. Working in small batches, roll the drained cranberries in the sugar, ensuring they are fully coated.
6. Let Them Dry: Place the sugared cranberries on a wire rack to dry for at least 1 hour, or preferably overnight. This allows the sugar coating to harden and adhere properly. After testing this several times, I learned that if you skip this step, the sugar can get a bit sticky.

Storage & Meal Prep

These sugared cranberries are great to have on hand during the holidays. Here’s how to store them and make the most of them:

• Storage: Store the sugared cranberries in an airtight container at room temperature.
• How Long They Last: They will last for up to 3 days, but they’re usually gone way before then in my house!
• Make-Ahead: As mentioned, these are perfect to make a day or two in advance. Just store them in an airtight container until ready to serve.
• Batch Prep: Doubling or tripling this recipe is super easy if you’re planning on using them for multiple gatherings or as gifts.

Substitutions & Variations

Want to tweak this recipe to suit your taste or dietary needs? Here are a few ideas:

• Gluten-Free: This recipe is naturally gluten-free!
• Vegan: This recipe is also naturally vegan!
• Different Sugars: While I haven’t personally tested it, you could experiment with using a coarser sugar, like turbinado sugar, for a slightly different texture and flavor.
• Flavor Infusions: Add a cinnamon stick, a sprig of rosemary, or a few slices of orange or lemon to the simple syrup while it simmers for a subtle flavor infusion.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen cranberries?

While fresh cranberries are ideal, you can use frozen cranberries if you thaw them completely and drain off any excess liquid before simmering them in the simple syrup. Keep in mind that the texture may be slightly softer.

How do I prevent the sugar from clumping?

Make sure the cranberries are well-drained before rolling them in the sugar. Letting them dry completely after sugaring is also key.

Can I make these without the simple syrup step?

You need the simple syrup step! It helps the sugar stick to the cranberries, make it really easy to eat, and gives the cranberries that lovely candied texture.

Are these kid-friendly?

Absolutely! My kids love them, but be mindful that they are tart and sweet, so some kids might find them a bit too tangy. You can adjust the sugar coating to their liking.

What can I use these for?

These sugared cranberries are incredibly versatile! They make a beautiful garnish for cakes, cupcakes, and pies. They add a festive touch to cheese boards and cocktails. Or, you can simply snack on them straight from the container!

Can I add flavoring extracts to the syrup?

Yes, you can. A teaspoon of vanilla extract or almond extract can add a different twist.

Serving Suggestions

These little gems are more than just a snack. Here are a few ideas to showcase them:

• Dessert Garnish: Arrange them artfully on top of a cheesecake, chocolate cake, or gingerbread loaf.
• Cocktail Hour: Skewer them on a cocktail pick and use them as a garnish for festive drinks like cranberry margaritas or champagne cocktails.
• Cheese Board Accent: Scatter them around a cheese board for a pop of color and a sweet and tart contrast to the savory cheeses.
• Edible Gift: Package them in small cellophane bags or jars and give them as homemade holiday gifts.

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