If you’re looking for a quick, easy, and delightfully festive recipe to elevate your holiday treats, look no further than Sugared Cranberries!

These little gems are as beautiful as they are delicious, offering a burst of sweet and tart flavor with a sparkling finish.

Perfect for snacking, garnishing desserts, or adding a touch of holiday charm to your cocktails, sugared cranberries are a versatile addition to your seasonal repertoire.

Sugared Cranberries are the ultimate combination of style and simplicity.

They require minimal effort but deliver maximum impact, whether you’re serving them at a party or simply enjoying a quiet evening at home. My husband loves these cranberries so much that he can’t resist snacking on them straight from the bowl!

My sister in law says when she makes these cranberries she used powdered sugar. I’m definitely going to be trying that next time!

The contrast of tart cranberries with the sweet crunch of sugar makes them an irresistible treat.

If you love cranberries, this recipe is a great way to start exploring other delicious cranberry dishes like Joanna Gaines’ Holiday Cranberry Sauce, Cranberry Pecan Bread, and Cranberry Spinach Salad—all while enjoying their natural health benefits, such as being packed with antioxidants and boosting immunity.

So, not only this holiday season but all year long, take a few minutes to whip up a batch of Sugared Cranberries.

They’re sure to bring a sparkle to your celebrations and a smile to everyone who tries them.

Creative Ways to Use Sugared Cranberries

• Dessert Garnish: Add a handful of sugared cranberries to cakes, cupcakes, or cheesecakes for a festive and elegant touch. They look especially stunning on white or chocolate frosted desserts.
• Cocktail Flair: Skewer a few sugared cranberries on toothpicks or cocktail picks for an eye-catching garnish. They’re perfect for drinks like holiday margaritas, champagne, or mulled wine.
• Snack Bowls: Serve them in small bowls alongside other holiday treats like spiced nuts or chocolate-covered pretzels. They’re a hit at parties!
• Gift Toppers: Use sugared cranberries as a decorative accent on wrapped gifts or homemade edible gifts, like jars of hot cocoa mix or spiced apple butter.

Pro Tips for Perfect Sugared Cranberries

• Choose Fresh Cranberries: Ensure your cranberries are firm and unblemished for the best results.
• Experiment with Sugars: Try rolling the cranberries in colored sanding sugars for a unique twist.
• Make Ahead: While sugared cranberries are best within a day or two, you can prepare them a few days ahead and store them in a cool, dry place.

What are Sugared Cranberries?

Sugared Cranberries are fresh cranberries coated in a light sugar syrup and then rolled in granulated sugar to create a glittering, frosted appearance.

The simple syrup tames the cranberries’ tartness, while the sugar coating adds a satisfying crunch and sweetness.

Not only are they tasty, but they’re also incredibly easy to make with just three ingredients.

Ingredients

• Fresh cranberries
• Granulated sugar
• Water

How to make Sugared Cranberries

In a medium saucepan, combine 1 cup of sugar and 1 cup of water.

Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar dissolves completely.

Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.

Add the cranberries to the simple syrup and stir gently to coat them.

Let the cranberries soak in the syrup for about 30 minutes.

Using a slotted spoon, transfer the cranberries to a wire rack or parchment-lined baking sheet.

Let them dry for at least 1 hour.

They should be tacky but not wet.

Place ½ cup of granulated sugar in a shallow dish.

Roll the sticky cranberries in the sugar until well coated.

For an extra sparkly effect, use superfine sugar.

Store sugared cranberries in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.

Enjoy them as a festive topping for cakes, cocktails, or just as a fun snack!