Add festive, edible flair to cocktails, desserts, charcuterie boards and more with a simple, 3-ingredient recipe for Easy Sugared Cranberries.
With just three ingredients and about 30 minutes, you can turn tart cranberries into shimmering, jewel-like candies. These sugared cranberries are a holiday staple: they make a pretty cocktail garnish, a striking dessert topper (try them on cheesecake parfaits or caramel apple bars) and a colorful addition to fall charcuterie boards alongside cheeses, meats and seasonal fruit.
This is one of those recipes that looks like it took hours, but in reality takes only minutes of active work and a short drying time. The result is elegant, festive and versatile.
How to Store Sugared Cranberries
Sugar-coated fruits can become sticky if exposed to humidity or warmth. Store sugared cranberries in a sealable plastic bag or an airtight container in the refrigerator. Keep them cool and dry; if the sugar starts to moisten, gently roll the berries in dry sugar again and allow them to dry on a wire rack in a cool place.
How Long Do Sugared Cranberries Last?
Properly stored in the fridge, sugared cranberries will keep for several days, though they are at their best within 24 hours of making. For the brightest appearance and firmest texture, add them to desserts—like cheesecakes or trifles—just before serving so they stay plump and retain their sparkly sugar coating.
How to Serve Candied Cranberries
Candied cranberries are a sweet, colorful addition to many dishes. Serve ideas include:
- Snacking: Place them in a pretty bowl for guests to nibble on.
- Garnish: Top cakes, cupcakes or cheesecakes for a festive finish.
- Cheese platter: Add them to a cheese board for a sweet contrast to savory flavors.
- Breakfast topping: Sprinkle over yogurt or oatmeal for texture and brightness.
- Cocktails: Use a few as a garnish in sparkling wine, margaritas or seasonal cocktails.
- Ice cream topping: Spoon them over vanilla or other ice creams for a fruity crunch.
- Baked goods: Fold into muffin or scone batters, or use on quick breads for pockets of sweet-tart flavor.
- Gifts: Package in jars or bags for homemade holiday gifts.
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Easy Sugared Cranberries
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup orange juice
- 1/2 cup sugar, divided
- 1 1/2 cups fresh cranberries
Instructions
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Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set a wire rack on top.
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In a medium saucepan over medium heat, whisk together the orange juice and 1/4 cup of the sugar. Cook, whisking occasionally, until the sugar dissolves, about 2 minutes.
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Stir in the cranberries and cook for another minute. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the cranberries to the wire rack and let them cool and dry for about 20 minutes.
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Place the remaining 1/4 cup sugar in a shallow bowl. Working in batches, roll the cooled cranberries in the sugar until evenly coated, then return them to the rack to set for a few minutes before serving.
Nutrition
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