easy sugared cranberries are a sweet treat AND a beautiful garnish!

Guys I’m OBSESSED with these easy sugared cranberries!

what are sugared cranberries?

Sugared cranberries are simply fresh cranberries coated with sugar, in a simple process that results in a “jeweled” effect that brightens anything you put them on (or serve them with)! And they are not simply a decoration or garnish to be discarded – they are actually delicious, the crunchy sugar coating sweetly contrasting with the tart berries! So good!

what’s in this recipe?

This candied cranberries recipe contains just THREE ingredients:

water
granulated sugar
fresh cranberries

how do you make them?

You’ll start by making a classic simple syrup – bring water and sugar to a simmer, remove from heat and add the cranberries. Cover and steep, then drain the cranberries, reserving the liquid (more on that in a bit!). Spread the berries in an even layer on a parchment covered cooling rack and let dry for one hour. Toss in more sugar and enjoy!

frequently asked questions!

how do you use sugared cranberries?

These beauties have so many uses! You can garnish cakes, cookies and tarts for an easy, no-skills-necessary decoration. For Christmas treats I'll add fresh rosemary sprigs for a 'wreath' effect! Skewer a few to garnish cocktails and mocktails. Package in pretty jars to give as a unique holiday gift. Incorporate into a holiday-themed charcuterie board. The possibilities are endless!

what do you do with the reserved simple syrup?

The flavored syrup is so good that you do NOT want to toss it! You can add it to cocktails, mocktails, lemonade or tea. It's also lovely brushed onto cake layers, which will add additional moisture along with flavor to the cake. Pour some in a pretty jar and present to a friend who likes mixing cocktails or drinking tea!

Can you tell how much I love this recipe? Delicious, beautiful, easy and versatile – let me know if you make them!

Easy Sugared Cranberries!

sherisilver

These beauties are easy, delicious and have so many uses!

5 from 1 vote

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 20 minutes mins

Course Snack

Equipment

• pre-cut parchment sheet
• wire rack

Ingredients

  

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

Instructions

 

• Place the water and 1 cup sugar in a small saucepan and heat over medium heat, stirring till the sugar is dissolved. Bring to a simmer, remove from the heat and stir in the cranberries, coating as completely as possible.  Cover and  let sit for 10 minutes.
• Place a parchment sheet over a wire cooling rack.
• Strain the cranberries (reserve the syrup to use in cocktails, tea or lemonade!) and spread in a single layer on your lined cooling rack. Let sit for one hour.
• Pour the remaining 1/2 cup of sugar into a shallow bowl or plate and toss the cranberries in till they're well coated. Store in a covered container at room temperature for up to 3 - 5 days. If they start to "weep", simply toss in some more sugar.

Notes

1. If you are planning on storing the berries for more than a day, place a small dish (uncovered) filled with rice into the container.
2. Fresh berries work much better than frozen in this recipe.

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About the author

Sheri Silver

Sheri Silver is a New York-based food photographer and recipe developer who has been cooking and baking for over 30 years. She works with brands, authors and restaurants to create recipes that are as beautiful as they are foolproof - and every recipe on this blog has been made, tweaked and eaten in her own kitchen.

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