Sugared Cranberries

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Sugared Cranberries are an easy festive recipe for the holidays! They make a great sweet n’ tart snack or garnish for drinks and desserts.

When it comes to adding a pop of festive fun to desserts, drinks and your table this holiday season, look no further than these Sugared Cranberries! I mean really, aren’t they so pretty? They basically look like sparkly Christmas balls and I love them!

I saw these popping up all over magazines and social media a couple years ago and just knew that I had to give them a try. They are the perfect little treat to add on the top of cakes, pies and cocktails. And if you like sweet n’ tart treats, I think you’ll love these too.

Let’s talk about what you’ll need to make them.

Sugared Cranberries Ingredients:

One of the things that make these Sugared Cranberries so easy to make, is the fact that you only need THREE ingredients:

FRESH CRANBERRIES: You will need fresh cranberries for this recipe, frozen cranberries won’t work because there will be too much liquid after they thaw.

SUGAR: You will use granulated sugar to make the simple syrup and to coat the cranberries.

WATER: Combining water and sugar together will make the simple syrup that you will soak the cranberries in.

Step by Step Photos and Instructions:

Making Sugared Cranberries is really easy but it does take some time. The longer that you let the cranberries soak in the simple syrup, the sweeter they will be. Some recipes call for 30 minutes while others call for overnight. I think you can do something in between depending on your desired level of tartness.

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STEP #1: Combine the sugar and water in a small pot over medium heat. Cook just until the sugar dissolves. Cool to room temperature.

STEP #2: Pour the simple syrup over the cranberries. Stir to make sure the cranberries are completely coated in the mixture. Allow to set for at least 30 minutes but refrigerated overnight works as well.

STEP #3: Use a slotted spoon to remove the cranberries from the syrup and transfer to a parchment lined baking sheet. They will be sticky.

STEP #4: Working in small batches, toss the soaked cranberries in granulated sugar to coat completely.

STEP #5: Place coated cranberries on a parchment lined baking sheet and allow to harden at room temperature for at least 1 hour.

How to Use Sugared Cranberries:

You can use Sugared Cranberries as a garnish for your favorite holiday cocktails (please keep in mind the sugar will come off once the cranberries are wet). They would add the perfect amount of holiday flare to a charcuterie board and they would make a great garnish for holiday cakes.

And if you love the combination of sweet n’ tart, just put a bowl of these out and eat them as a snack! There are so many ways to use them.

Storage and Leftovers:

Store Sugared Cranberries in the refrigerator for up to a few days. They may start to “weep” but just toss them in sugar once more and you’re good to go!

Want more Cranberry Recipes? Try these:

If you love Oatmeal Raisin Cookies, give these Oatmeal Cranberry Cookies a try! Loaded with dried cranberries and dark chocolate chips.

This Poinsettia Cocktail is an easy festive drink, that is perfect for parties! You could even use some of these cranberries as a garnish.

This Cranberry Apple Crumble Pie is the perfect pay for the holidays!