Looking for a sweet and tangy treat that screams holiday cheer? Sugared cranberries are your answer. These glossy, ruby-red berries are lightly sweetened and coated in sparkling sugar crystals, making them perfect for everything from cranberry holiday treats to sweets for a party. Whether you’re garnishing a cake, building a snack tray, or just craving something tart and refreshing, this sugar cranberry recipe is festive, easy, and incredibly delicious.
Table of Contents
What Are Sugared Cranberries?
Sugared cranberries, also known as candied cranberries, are fresh cranberry snacks coated in a simple syrup, then rolled in sugar for a glistening finish. The sugar coating balances the natural tartness of the cranberries, creating a unique flavor and texture combination. They’re often used to decorate desserts, fill snack bowls, or even top cocktails during the holidays.
If you’ve never tried them before, think of them as the holiday version of candied nuts—eye-catching, sweet, tangy, and totally addictive.
Why You’ll Love This Sugared Cranberries Recipe
- Just 2 ingredients: cranberries and sugar.
- Takes under 30 minutes of hands-on time.
- Naturally gluten-free and nut-free.
- Make-ahead friendly—store them for days.
- Ideal for Christmas cranberries decor and edible gifts.
If you’re planning your holiday dessert table, pair these berries with something rich and creamy like cheesecake-stuffed chocolate chip cookies or serve them alongside apple crisp with oatmeal for a mix of tart and cozy flavors.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what you need for these beautiful cranberry snack recipes:
- Fresh cranberries – Rinse and remove any bruised or damaged ones.
- Granulated sugar – You’ll need some for the syrup and extra for rolling.
- Water – To make the syrup.
Optional:
- A pinch of vanilla extract or orange zest for added flavor.
- Superfine sugar for a smoother coating.
Step-by-Step Instructions: How to Make Sugared Cranberries
- Make the simple syrup: In a saucepan, combine equal parts water and sugar (usually ½ cup each) over medium heat. Stir until the sugar dissolves. Do not let it boil.
- Soak the cranberries: Remove the syrup from heat and add your cranberries. Let them sit for 5-10 minutes to absorb sweetness.
- Drain and dry: Use a slotted spoon to place cranberries on a cooling rack or parchment-lined baking sheet. Let them dry for 45 minutes to 1 hour until tacky but not wet.
- Roll in sugar: Gently toss the cranberries in a shallow bowl of sugar until fully coated.
- Set and store: Spread out on a baking sheet to dry completely. Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
For a shortcut version, try something fun like these no-bake pumpkin pie balls for another effortless holiday snack.
Tools You’ll Need
- Medium saucepan
- Slotted spoon
- Wire rack or parchment paper
- Mixing bowls
- Airtight container
These basic tools make this one of the easiest baked cranberry recipes (even though it’s technically no-bake!).
Expert Tips for Perfect Sugared Cranberries
- Don’t boil the syrup once the sugar dissolves, or the cranberries may burst.
- For extra sparkle, double roll the cranberries in sugar after a few minutes of drying.
- Superfine sugar gives a more delicate, frosted look.
- Make the cranberries a day ahead for the perfect texture.
If you’re already baking for the season, consider pairing them with mini pumpkin bread with cinnamon swirl or gluten-free pumpkin donuts for a dazzling treat board.
Sweets for a Party: How to Use Sugared Cranberries
Sugared cranberries are incredibly versatile when it comes to cranberry ideas and holiday presentation:
- Cocktail garnish: Top champagne, mimosas, or cranberry Moscow mules.
- Dessert decor: Use on cheesecakes, layer cakes, tarts, or holiday cupcakes.
- Snack bowls: Add to your Christmas nut tray or healthy snack boards.
- Gift jars: Pack them in mini mason jars for edible gifts.
If you’re preparing for a crowd, serve them with cranberry cream cheese dip or cauldron cookies for a holiday dessert spread that’s both spooky and festive.
Storage Tips
Sugared cranberries store well, but there are a few things to keep in mind:
- Store in a cool, dry container at room temperature.
- Best enjoyed within 3-4 days.
- Avoid refrigeration as moisture can cause the sugar to dissolve.
You can make a fresh batch just before guests arrive or the night before your big holiday brunch. They’re perfect for pairing with make-ahead dishes like crack breakfast casserole or cinnamon roll breakfast bake.
Can You Bake With Sugared Cranberries?
Yes, but it’s best to add them after baking as decoration. The sugar coating will melt in the oven, so if you want the frosty appearance, use them as a topping on already-baked desserts like:
If you do want to bake with cranberries, opt for fresh or dried ones in your batter, like in these pumpkin oatmeal cookies.
Are Sugared Cranberries Healthy?
While they are sweetened, cranberries are naturally high in antioxidants and fiber. This makes them a better-for-you indulgence compared to heavily processed candy. Use them to replace more sugary snacks on your holiday table or serve alongside cottage cheese egg salad for a high-protein twist.
For a healthier treat board, combine them with:
FAQs About Sugared Cranberries
Can I use frozen cranberries?
Fresh cranberries are best. Frozen cranberries can become mushy and don’t hold up well to syrup coating.
Can I make these with alternative sugars?
Yes, try monk fruit sweetener or coconut sugar for a refined sugar-free version.
What can I do with leftover simple syrup?
Use it in cocktails, teas, or even homemade lemonade like this lavender lemonade.
How do I get the sugar to stick?
Let cranberries dry until tacky before rolling in sugar. If they’re too wet, sugar melts; too dry, sugar won’t stick.
Cranberry Ideas for the Holidays
Sugared cranberries are just one of many cranberry holiday treats you can try this season. Use them to inspire an entire table theme:
- Add to punch bowls for sparkle.
- Skewer with rosemary sprigs for cocktail stirrers.
- Layer in jars with pumpkin fluff dip and graham cracker crumbs for festive parfaits.
- Mix into nut trays with toffee walnuts and chocolate pumpkin butter cups.
Final Thoughts
Sugared cranberries are the perfect holiday garnish and snack. They’re elegant, simple, and flavorful. Whether you’re planning cranberry snack recipes for a crowd or just need some edible sparkle, this easy treat delivers. Add them to cakes, cocktails, or your next cheese board.
For more seasonal inspiration, check out these other festive ideas:
Happy holidays and enjoy every sparkling bite!
Print
Sparkling Sugared Cranberries : The Ultimate Holiday Snack & Garnish
Description
These sparkling Sugared Cranberries are sweet, tangy, and irresistibly festive. Fresh cranberries are soaked in simple syrup, dried until tacky, and rolled in sugar for a frosted, jewel-like finish. Perfect for garnishes, dessert decor, charcuterie boards, cocktails, or a quick holiday snack.
Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh cranberries
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/2 cup sugar (for syrup)
- 1/2 cup sugar (for rolling)
Instructions
- Make the Syrup: In a small saucepan, bring water and 1/2 cup sugar to a simmer. Stir until dissolved and remove from heat.
- Soak Cranberries: Add fresh cranberries to the syrup and stir to coat. Let sit for 10 minutes.
- Dry: Transfer cranberries to parchment paper or a wire rack. Let dry for 1 hour until tacky.
- Coat in Sugar: Roll cranberries in remaining sugar until fully coated. Let sit another 30 minutes.
- Store: Keep in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Notes
- Do not boil the syrup after adding cranberries or they may burst.
- Double-coat cranberries in sugar for extra sparkle.
- Superfine sugar gives a smoother frosted finish.
- Use as garnishes for desserts, cocktails, and holiday snack boards.
