Looking for a simple yet stunning holiday treat? These Sugared Cranberries are the perfect mix of tart and sweet, with a sparkling sugar coating that makes them look as festive as they taste! They’re great for snacking, garnishing desserts, or adding a pop of holiday flair to your drinks.
Table of Contents
Why Make Sugared Cranberries
- Festive and Beautiful: Their sparkling sugar coating makes them a stunning addition to any holiday table.
- Versatile Garnish: Perfect for decorating cakes, cocktails, or even cheese boards.
- Sweet and Tart Treat: A delightful balance of tart cranberry flavor and sweet sugar coating for a simple, satisfying snack.
Ingredients
- Fresh Cranberries: These vibrant, tart berries provide the perfect base for sugared cranberries, offering a festive pop of flavor and color.
- Granulated Sugar: Used to sweeten and create the sparkling coating, this adds a delightful crunch and balances the cranberries’ tartness.
- Water: Acts as the base for the simple syrup that helps the sugar stick to the cranberries, creating their iconic frosted look.
How To Make Sugared Cranberries
Step One: In a small saucepan, combine ½ cup of the sugar and ½ cup water. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
Step Two: Remove from heat when sugar has completely dissolved to make a simple syrup. Let it cool for about 5 minutes.
Step Three: Add the fresh cranberries to the syrup, stirring gently to coat all the berries evenly. Let them sit in the syrup for about 10 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to remove the cranberries from the syrup, allowing excess syrup to drip off.
Step Four: Place the cranberries on a wire rack or parchment paper, ensuring they are spread out in a single layer to avoid sticking. Let them dry for about an hour; they should be sticky to the touch.
Step Five: Once the cranberries are tacky, pour the remaining ½ cup of sugar into a shallow dish. Gently roll each cranberry in the sugar until evenly coated, giving them a frosted, sparkling appearance.
Step Six: Place the sugared cranberries on a clean baking sheet or plate to dry completely for about 30 minutes. This will help the sugar harden and give them a crunchy texture. Your sugared cranberries are now ready to enjoy!
expert Tips
- Use Fresh Cranberries: Ensure the cranberries are firm and unblemished for the best results. Soft or bruised berries won’t hold the sugar coating as well.
- Cool Syrup Slightly: Allow the simple syrup to cool for a few minutes before adding the cranberries to prevent them from bursting.
- Work in Batches: Coat a small number of cranberries at a time to ensure even coverage with the sugar.
- Even Coating: Shake off excess sugar by gently tapping the coated cranberries on the side of the dish for a clean, sparkly finish.
Variations
- Flavored Simple Syrup: Add a splash of vanilla extract, orange zest, or a cinnamon stick to the syrup for extra flavor.
- Spiced Sugar Coating: Mix granulated sugar with a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for a festive twist.
- Colorful Sugared Berries: Use colored sanding sugar instead of regular sugar for a vibrant, decorative look.
- Mix with Other Berries: Combine sugared cranberries with sugared blueberries or raspberries for a mixed berry garnish.
How To Store Sugar Cranberries
- Short-Term Storage: Place the sugared cranberries in an airtight container and store at room temperature for up to 2 days. Avoid refrigerating, as the moisture may cause the sugar coating to dissolve.
- Prevent Clumping: Lay them in a single layer or separate with parchment paper to avoid sticking.
- Reviving Texture: If the sugar coating softens, roll the cranberries in a fresh layer of sugar before serving.
Serving suggestions
- Cocktail Garnish – Use sugared cranberries to garnish holiday cocktails like Moscow Mules, Champagne, or Cranberry Margaritas for a festive touch.
- Cheese Platter – Add them to a cheese platter for a sweet and tart contrast to cheeses like brie, goat cheese, or sharp cheddar.
- Dessert Topping – Sprinkle them over desserts like cheesecake, chocolate mousse, or panna cotta for a beautiful and flavorful garnish.
- Holiday Baking – Use them as a decorative topping for sugar cookies, cupcakes, or a yule log during the holiday season.
Sugared Cranberries
Ingredients
- 1 Cup Fresh Cranberries
- 1 Cup Granulated Sugar (divided into ½ cup portions)
- ½ Cup Water
Instructions
- In a small saucepan, combine ½ cup sugar and ½ cup water. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar dissolves. Remove from heat and let it cool for 5 minutes.
- Add fresh cranberries to the syrup and gently stir to coat. Let them sit for about 10 minutes.
- Use a slotted spoon to remove the cranberries from the syrup and let the excess syrup drip off. Place them on a wire rack or parchment paper in a single layer. Let them dry for about an hour until they’re tacky to the touch.
- Once sticky, place the remaining ½ cup of sugar in a shallow dish. Roll each cranberry in the sugar until fully coated, giving them a frosty look.
- Arrange the sugared cranberries on a clean baking sheet or plate to dry completely for about 30 minutes, allowing the sugar to harden.
- Your sugared cranberries are ready! Enjoy them as a garnish, snack, or decoration. Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
Nutrition
Notes
