Cranberry Jelly Candy : A Festive, Tart, and Sweet Homemade Treat!

When the holiday season arrives, there’s no better way to capture the spirit of celebration than with a batch of Cranberry Jelly Candy. These delightful, jewel-toned treats combine the tartness of fresh cranberries with just the right amount of sweetness to create a chewy, flavorful candy that’s as beautiful as it is delicious.

Whether you call them cranberry jelly gummies or cranberry gummy bears, these festive bites are a creative twist on traditional holiday candies — perfect for gifting, decorating dessert platters, or enjoying with a cup of cocoa.

If you love creative confections like Pumpkin Cheesecake Truffles or fruity desserts such as Apple Pie Dip with Cinnamon Sugar Chips, this recipe will become your new go-to for the holidays.

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Why You’ll Love This Cranberry Jelly Candy Recipe

There’s something so special about making homemade candies — especially when they feature the bright, festive flavor of cranberries. These cranberry jelly gummies strike the perfect balance between sweet and tart, with a delightful chewy texture that feels both nostalgic and gourmet.

Here’s why you’ll love them:

• Simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps
• Gorgeous ruby-red color, perfect for the holidays
• Naturally flavored with real cranberries
• Customizable shapes and sweetness levels
• Ideal for holiday parties, gifts, or stocking stuffers

Pair them with other festive snacks like Pumpkin Twists or Halloween Snack Mix for a fun and colorful holiday spread.

What Is Cranberry Jelly Candy?

Cranberry Jelly Candy is a sweet-tart confection made by blending cranberry purée with sugar and gelatin (or agar-agar for a vegan version) to create soft, chewy, translucent pieces of candy.

Unlike traditional fruit gummies, cranberry jelly candies have a slightly firmer texture and a more natural fruit flavor — think of them as a hybrid between gummy bears and fruit jellies.

They can be molded into cute shapes like hearts, squares, or holiday-themed figures for Christmas party candy trays or DIY edible gifts.

Ingredients for Cranberry Jelly Candy

Here’s what you’ll need to make your batch of chewy, glistening cranberry jelly gummies:

• 2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries
• ¾ cup granulated sugar (adjust to taste)
• ½ cup water
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice (for brightness)
• 2 tablespoons unflavored gelatin (or 2 teaspoons agar-agar powder for vegan option)
• ¼ cup cold water (for blooming gelatin)
• Optional: ½ teaspoon vanilla extract or orange zest for extra flavor
• Additional sugar for coating (optional)

This cranberry jelly gummy recipe makes about 40–50 small candies, depending on your mold size.

For more homemade holiday sweets, try Gluten-Free Pumpkin Donuts or Mini Pumpkin Bread with Cinnamon Swirl.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need for Homemade Cranberry Jelly Gummies

• Medium saucepan
• Fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth
• Mixing bowl
• Candy thermometer (optional, but helpful)
• Silicone molds (gummy bear, heart, or festive shapes)
• Spatula
• Airtight storage container

Making cranberry jelly candy at home is simple once you have these essentials ready — it’s a fun project for beginners and seasoned cooks alike!

How To Make Cranberry Jelly Gummies (Step-by-Step Instructions)

1. Prepare the Cranberry Base:
   In a medium saucepan, combine cranberries, sugar, and water. Bring to a simmer over medium heat and cook until cranberries burst and soften, about 10 minutes.
2. Blend and Strain:
   Use an immersion blender (or transfer to a blender) to purée the mixture until smooth. Strain through a fine mesh sieve to remove skins, leaving a silky cranberry purée.
3. Bloom the Gelatin:
   In a small bowl, sprinkle gelatin over cold water. Let it sit for 5 minutes to bloom.
4. Combine and Cook:
   Return the cranberry purée to the saucepan. Stir in lemon juice and warmed gelatin until completely dissolved. Cook on low heat for 2–3 minutes without boiling.
5. Pour and Set:
   Pour the mixture into silicone molds or a parchment-lined baking dish. Chill for 2–3 hours, or until firm.
6. Cut and Coat:
   If using a baking dish, cut into squares or shapes. Optionally roll in sugar for a sparkly finish.
7. Enjoy and Share:
   Your cranberry jelly gummies are ready to enjoy! Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature or refrigerate for longer freshness.

For another simple homemade treat, check out Fruit Dip — the perfect companion for your holiday dessert table.

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Cranberry Jelly Gummy Recipe Variations and Flavor Twists

Want to experiment? Try these fun twists:

• Orange Cranberry Gummies: Add orange zest and a few tablespoons of orange juice.
• Spiced Holiday Gummies: Mix in cinnamon or nutmeg for cozy warmth.
• Coconut Cranberry Gummies: Replace some water with coconut milk for a creamy texture.
• Layered Gummies: Pour half cranberry mixture, let it set slightly, then add a contrasting layer (like pomegranate or apple).

This flexibility makes cranberry jelly gummies a hit for every occasion, from Christmas to Valentine’s Day.

Tips for Perfect Cranberry Jelly Gummies Every Time

1. Don’t boil after adding gelatin — it can lose its setting power.
2. Always strain the purée for a smooth texture.
3. Adjust sugar depending on how tart your cranberries are.
4. Use silicone molds for easy release.
5. Let gummies set completely before unmolding.

For more homemade candy success, try beginner-friendly recipes like Pumpkin Truffles or No-Bake Pumpkin Pie Balls.

How To Make Cranberry Jelly Gummies Without Gelatin (Vegan Option)

For a vegan-friendly version, replace gelatin with agar-agar powder. Use 2 teaspoons agar-agar for every 2 tablespoons of gelatin. Boil the agar mixture gently for 1–2 minutes before adding it to the cranberry purée.

The texture will be slightly firmer and less chewy, but equally delicious!

Serving Ideas for Cranberry Jelly Candy

Cranberry Jelly Candy is versatile and makes any holiday moment sweeter. Here’s how to enjoy it:

• Serve on dessert platters with cookies and truffles
• Package in glass jars with ribbon for edible gifts
• Add to holiday party favor bags
• Use as garnishes for desserts like cheesecakes or cupcakes
• Include in Christmas Party Themed Food displays

Their vibrant color makes them a stunning addition to any festive table!

Festive Pairings: What to Serve with Cranberry Jelly Candy

Balance your tart candies with creamy or light pairings such as:

• Pumpkin Cheesecake Cookies
• Cream Cheese Pumpkin Bread
• Hot cocoa, spiced cider, or herbal tea (non-alcoholic)

These combos create a comforting, sweet experience perfect for cozy evenings.

Storage and Shelf Life Tips

• Room Temperature: Keep candies in an airtight container up to 5 days.
• Refrigerate: Store in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
• Freeze: Not recommended, as freezing alters texture.

To prevent sticking, dust candies lightly with powdered sugar or cornstarch before storing.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Making Jelly Candies

• Overheating gelatin — this prevents proper setting.
• Not straining the purée — it leads to grainy texture.
• Pouring into molds before mixture cools slightly — can cause separation.
• Storing in humid areas — candies will weep and lose shape.

Follow these steps and your cranberry jelly candy will come out perfect every time.

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FAQs About Cranberry Jelly Candy

1. Can I use cranberry juice instead of whole cranberries?
Yes, but reduce sugar since juice is already sweetened.

2. How do I make the candies less tart?
Add more sugar or mix in a splash of apple or pear purée.

3. Can I make these with other fruits?
Absolutely! Try pomegranate, raspberry, or orange for variety.

4. How long do they take to set?
Usually 2–3 hours in the fridge, depending on mold size.

5. Can kids help make them?
Yes! This is a great supervised holiday cooking activity for kids.

Conclusion: The Perfect Sweet-Tart Treat for Any Celebration

Cranberry Jelly Candy is the ultimate holiday treat — festive, flavorful, and full of cheer. It’s a fun way to use seasonal cranberries and create something unique for your loved ones.

From its jewel-like color to its irresistible chewy texture, every piece captures the joy of homemade holiday sweets. Whether you’re making them for a Christmas party, as edible gifts, or just for yourself, these gummies are guaranteed to brighten your day.

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