Sugared Cranberry Recipe – Easy Holiday Garnish & Festive Treat

Last Updated on 2 months by Neha Deshmukh

Sugared Cranberries

Introduction

Oh, the holidays! There’s just something magical about them, isn’t there? And for me, that magic always feels a little brighter with a sprinkle of festive cheer – and sugared cranberries! I first made these years ago for a Christmas party, and they were gone in minutes. They’re so pretty, so easy to make, and add a touch of sparkle to absolutely everything. Trust me, once you try these, you’ll be making them all season long! They’re perfect for gifting too – a little jar of these feels so thoughtful.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These sugared cranberries are seriously special. They’re incredibly simple to whip up, needing just a handful of ingredients and about 10 minutes of hands-on time. But don’t let the simplicity fool you – they look absolutely stunning! They’re a delightful garnish for desserts, cocktails, or even a cheese board, and they add a beautiful festive touch to any occasion. Plus, they’re naturally vegan (as long as your sugar source is verified – more on that later!).

Ingredients

• 4 cups fresh cranberries (about 340g)
• ½ cup granulated sugar (about 100g)
• ½ cup water (120ml)
• ½ – ¾ cup organic unbleached sugar (about 100-150g)

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk cranberries! Fresh cranberries are key here. You really want that lovely tartness to balance the sweetness. Frozen cranberries just won’t give you the same firm texture.

Now, about the sugar. I love using organic unbleached sugar for the final coating – it gives them a beautiful, slightly rustic look. But granulated sugar works perfectly well too! Caster sugar (superfine sugar) will also give a lovely, delicate coating, but it’s not essential. Just make sure it’s granulated sugar for the simple syrup.

Step-By-Step Instructions

First things first, let’s make a simple syrup. In a saucepan, combine ½ cup of granulated sugar and ½ cup of water. Heat it over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves completely. Once it’s clear, take it off the heat – easy peasy!

Now, give those 4 cups of cranberries a good rinse and pat them dry with a clean towel. We want them nice and dry so the syrup sticks properly.

Time to get coating! Dip the cranberries into the warm syrup in batches, making sure each one is fully covered. Then, carefully place them on a wire rack set over a baking sheet. This lets any excess syrup drip off. Let them sit for about an hour to dry a little.

Next, spread ½ – ¾ cup of organic sugar in a shallow dish. Roll the syrup-coated cranberries in the sugar, ensuring they’re evenly coated. Don’t be shy – get a good coating on there!

Pop them back onto the wire rack and let them dry completely for another hour, or even longer. Patience is key here!

Expert Tips

• Don’t overcrowd the saucepan when making the simple syrup.
• Make sure the cranberries are completely dry before sugaring them, or they’ll clump together.
• A slotted spoon is your best friend for dipping the cranberries.
• If you live in a humid climate, drying might take a little longer.

Variations

• Spice Level: Feeling festive? Add a pinch of cinnamon or cardamom to the simple syrup for a warm, spiced flavour. My grandmother always added a tiny bit of cardamom – it’s divine!
• Festival Adaptations: These are gorgeous for Christmas, Thanksgiving, or even Diwali! For Diwali, you could add a tiny sprinkle of edible gold dust for extra sparkle.
• Vegan: Double-check that your granulated and organic sugar haven’t been processed with bone char, to ensure it’s fully vegan.

Serving Suggestions

Okay, this is where the fun begins! Sugared cranberries are incredibly versatile.

• Use them to garnish your favourite desserts – cheesecakes, pies, or even a simple chocolate mousse.
• Add a few to your cocktails for a beautiful and flavourful touch. They’re amazing in a French 75!
• Scatter them across a cheese board for a pop of colour and sweetness.
• Use them to decorate festive baking, like gingerbread houses or Christmas cookies.
• Thread them onto a string for a beautiful garland.

Storage Instructions

Store your beautiful sugared cranberries in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to 10 days. Just be aware they might lose a little of their sparkle in the fridge.

FAQs

• How do I prevent the cranberries from sticking together while drying? Make sure they’re well-coated in sugar and spaced out on the wire rack. A little space between each cranberry helps!
• Can I use frozen cranberries for this recipe? While you can, fresh cranberries give the best results. Frozen cranberries tend to be softer and may burst during the process.
• What type of sugar works best for sugared cranberries? Granulated sugar is great for the syrup, and organic unbleached or caster sugar works beautifully for the coating.
• How long do sugared cranberries last? Up to 3 days at room temperature, or 10 days in the refrigerator.
• Can I make these ahead of time for the holidays? Absolutely! They’re a great make-ahead treat. Just store them properly in an airtight container.