Simple Sugared Cranberries

A white bowl of sugared cranberries with a green napkin.

5 from 5 votes

Simple Sugared cranberries are a beloved treat during the holidays, for their sweet-and-tart flavor as well as their sparkling visual appearance. These cranberries make an excellent garnish for desserts and cocktails, or they can be enjoyed as a sweet-but-tart snack.

Course Appetizer, Drinks

Cuisine American

Keyword how to make sugared cranberries, sugared cranberries, sugared cranberries for garnish

Prep Time 15

resting time 1

Total Time 1 15

Servings servings (for cocktails)

Calories 66kcal

Author Sue Ringsdorf

Ingredients

12 oz. cranberries
1/2 cup water
1/2 cup sugar - for simple syrup
1 cup sugar - for coating

Instructions

Make simple syrup. Combine 1/2 cup sugar and 1/2 cup water in a small saucepan over medium-high heat. Cook until sugar is dissolved, stirring frequently.
1/2 cup sugar, 1/2 cup water
Add cranberries. Remove pan from heat and add cranberries. Stir for a minute or so and then let sit for a few more minutes.
12 oz. cranberries
Drain cranberries. Use a small colander or a slotted spoon to remove cranberries from the pan. We like to pour the simple syrup into a mason jar for cocktails.
Place a wire rack on a baking sheet (lined with paper towels). Arrange cranberries on a wire rack and let them dry for at least an hour.
Add sugar. Place one cup of sugar into a mixing bowl. When the cranberries are dry, roll about 1/2 cup of the cranberries in the sugar at a time until they are well coated. Remove to a separate bowl, shaking off the excess sugar, and then repeat with the remaining cranberries.
1 cup sugar
Store sugared cranberries. Place the sugared cranberries in an airtight container or a freezer bag, and store in the freezer for up to three months.
Serve sugared cranberries in cocktails, desserts, charcuterie boards, to tablescapes, or as a snack.

Notes

Place the sugared cranberries in an airtight container in your refrigerator for several days. You can also place berries in a freezer bag, and store in the freezer for up to three months.

Nutrition