2-Ingredient Sugared Cranberries
This is a simple recipe for sugared cranberries using only 2 ingredients. Sugar coated cranberries make a great snack or garnish for parties so why not try to make some?
Cranberries coated in simple syrup and sugar are the perfect combination of sweet and tart. They are easy to make and you can use them in many ways (read below for some ideas on how to use cranberries coated in sugar).
Tips for making sugared cranberries
- Make sure to rinse fresh cranberries under running water before you use them in this sugared cranberry recipe. Check them thoroughly and get rid of any gone-off berries. In general, if the berry feels soft, it is more likely already off.
- Sugar-coated cranberries should last in an air-tight container on your counter for several days (up to 3-4 days). Don’t put them in the fridge. The humid air will melt the sugar.
- Superfine sugar works best for coating cranberries in sugar (this one has small sugar crystals. It looks almost like salt. It coats cranberries easily and pretty evenly).
- This recipe for cranberries coated in sugar works best with fresh berries. I don’t recommend using frozen ones.
Can I freeze sugared cranberries?
Yes and no. You can keep them in the freezer and enjoy them as a snack when you take only a few out at a time and eat them frozen. They would make a great garnish for ice cream by the way!
However, if you wanted to make a large batch, put them in the freezer and serve later at your party – thawed, then you can’t. The sugar would melt, and they would become soft.
Where to use sugared cranberries
These make a delicious snack and because of their festive look they are the perfect snack to add to your Christmas or New Year’s Eve appetizer menu. They go well alongside cocktails (any champagne cocktail would go great with these sugar candied cranberries).
Thread some on a cocktail stick and turn them into fancy looking garnish for your cocktail party!
Are you making a festive cake and looking for edible decoration ideas? What about using sugared cranberries and rosemary to garnish your cake?
Throw some on to a cheese board.
How to make sugared cranberries
In a medium saucepan, combine sugar and water. Simmer it on low until the sugar is melted completely. Stir from time to time. When ready, throw in cranberries and mix everything well.
You want to coat all the cranberries in this simple syrup. Then, you can use a slotted spoon to transfer them onto a wire rack. I recommend spreading them around as much as you can.
Many of them will be stuck together so try to separate at least some of them, if not all. This will help them get rid of the excess syrup.
It will take somewhere between 1 to 1.5 hours but you can leave them on the rack longer, if needed. Then, all you have to do is coat them in sugar. Use either a bowl or ziplock bag and you will have to work in stages.
I usually take about 5-7 and toss them in the bowl with sugar, then shake until I am happy with my sugared cranberries look. Repeat until you are done!
More cranberry recipe ideas
If you like using cranberries in recipes during the holiday season, you might like to try some of these tasty ideas:
Non-alcoholic mulled wine is perfect for kids as well as adults who don’t drink alcohol.
Cranberry panna cotta – A simple yet elegant dessert for any occasion.
Instant pot cranberry chicken is a delicious dinner that could be easily your Christmas dinner as well. Its creamy and rich sauce is the star of this dish so why not give it a go?
Dried berries are perfect for this cranberry chicken salad. And what about trying orange cranberry smoothie? Maybe not your traditional smoothie recipe but very tasty and healthy.
Sugared Cranberries
Ingredients
- 1¼ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup water
- 2 cups fresh cranberries , see note 1
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan, combine ¼ cup sugar with ¼ cup water. Simmer on low heat until the sugar has dissolved, stirring from time to time.
- Meanwhile: Rinse the cranberries and remove any bruised ones or soft ones (these are more likely to be gone off).
- When the simple syrup is ready (all sugar is dissolved), add in the cranberries and stir. You want to make sure that all of them are coated in the syrup.
- Transfer them onto a wire rack (tip: place a baking parchment under – it will catch all the excess syrup. You can simply throw it in the trash afterward). Spread them around – try to separate them, if possible. Let them sit on your kitchen counter for 1-1.5 hours.
- Put the rest of the granulated sugar (1 cup) in a bowl and throw some cranberries in. Shake the bowl to coat them in sugar (do this in batches of about 6). Repeat until you have coated all cranberries in sugar.
- You can serve them right away!
Notes
- Two cups fresh cranberries = 6 ounces (180 grams).
- You will need superfine sugar – with small crystals for best results.
- The overall time does not include the passive time of 1 – 1.5 hours during which the cranberries are sitting at your kitchen counter.
These sugared cranberries look gorgeous! I’m going to use them on a spice cake.
Yay! That’s good to hear! :)
These are absolutely perfect for the holidays. I love to use them as garnish for desserts.
Right? :)
Wha-at? OMG I’m in love with this idea! I love cranberries and these look amazing! What a fabulous holiday treat -I can’t wait to try it!
Let me know what you think when you do!
These sugared cranberries look so festive! Perfect for the holidays! :)
Thanks, Elena!
I’ve just made a batch of these to put in cocktails at my Christmas party. Some people like their cocktails a bit sweeter than I typically make them. These are the perfect solution.
That’s great to hear!