How to Make Easy Sugared Cranberries

Elevate your holiday treats with our easy sugared cranberries recipe – a perfect blend of tart and sweet. From a beautiful garnish for your holiday recipes to festive snacks, explore how to add a burst of flavor to your seasonal celebrations with this easy recipe!

As the holiday season approaches, the allure of sugared cranberries takes center stage, offering a burst of festive flavor and a touch of elegance to your table. 

We’ll guide you through how to create these delightful treats, exploring recipes that are the perfect combination using the natural tartness of cranberries with a sugary coating. 

Begin by rolling fresh cranberries in a simple syrup mixture, they absorb the sweetness while maintaining their signature tartness. The result is a delightful contrast of flavors, whether you use sugared cranberries for garnish or sugared cranberries for cocktails. 

These vibrant berries bring a burst of color and a delightful pop of flavor to your festive holiday desserts. Or elevate your holiday libations with the addition of sugared cranberries as stunning cocktail garnishes. 

Sugared cranberries add a festive flair that is as pleasing to the eyes as it is to the taste buds.

What do sugared cranberries taste like?

Sugared cranberries have a delightful taste that combines the natural tartness of cranberries with a sweet and sugary coating. The sugar coating provides a balance to the tart cranberries, creating a harmonious contrast of flavors. The result is a burst of sweet and tangy goodness with a slightly crunchy texture from the sugar coating. 

How to Make Sugared Cranberries

Ingredients

• 4 cups fresh cranberries, washed and dried.
• 2 cups regular granulated sugar
• 2 cups water
• 1⁄2 cup sugar for coating

Instructions

In a medium saucepan, dissolve white sugar in water over medium low heat.

Add cranberries to the warm sugar syrup and simmer for 3 minutes until tender but not bursting.

Remove with a slotted spoon onto a parchment-lined baking sheet.

Add the sugar for coating and cranberries to a sheet pan or large bowl. 

Mix the sticky cranberries to coat the cranberries evenly.

Relevant Recipes

• Recipes with Fresh Cranberries
• Cranberry Bundt Cake
• Christmas Dinner
• Mini Pumpkin Pie Recipe

Different Ways to Use Homemade Sugar-Coated Cranberries 

Here are several of our favorite ways to use sugared cranberries:

• Enjoy sugared cranberries on their own as a sweet and tart delicious snack. 
• Use sugared cranberries as a decorative and flavorful garnish for holiday cocktails. Drop a few into a festive cocktail such as champagne, martinis, or other festive drinks for a burst of flavor and a visually appealing touch.
• Use sugared cranberries as a dessert garnish on top of cakes, cupcakes or cheesecakes. Their sweet and tart profile complements a variety of desserts and adds a festive touch to your sweet treats.
• Add sugared cranberries to salads for a pop of flavor and a touch of sweetness. They pair well with mixed greens, goat cheese, and nuts, creating a delicious contrast of textures and tastes.
• Include sugared cranberries on a cheese board or on charcuterie boards for a colorful and flavorful element. The tart berries pair well with various cheeses, crackers, and nuts, offering a delightful balance of tastes.
• Incorporate sugared cranberries into delicious recipes for tasty treats like muffins, scones, or quick breads. Their sweet and tart flavor can enhance the overall taste of baked goods.
• Mix sugared cranberries into fruit salads to add a burst of flavor and a festive touch. Their vibrant color and sweet-tart taste complement other fruits beautifully.

Sugared Cranberries Recipe FAQs

How do I store sugared cranberries?

Here’s how to store sugared cranberries:

• Refrigerate them in an airtight container, arranging them in a single layer to prevent sticking. Consider using parchment paper between layers if stacking is necessary. 
• Ensure the cranberries are completely dry before storage, avoiding excess moisture in the refrigerator. 
• For short-term storage, enjoy within a few days.

How long do sugared cranberries last?

Sugared cranberries do not last a long time due to the sugar coating and the nature of fresh cranberries. When stored properly, sugared cranberries can last for about 3 to 5 days in the refrigerator. 

Can you freeze sugared cranberries?

Yes, you can freeze sugared cranberries. Ensure the cranberries are fully dry before freezing, arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet, and freeze until solid. Transfer the frozen cranberries to a labeled and dated freezer bag or container, removing excess air before sealing.

Frozen sugared cranberries can be stored for several weeks to a few months and can be used directly from the freezer in various recipes or as a festive garnish. 

Can you use frozen cranberries to make sugared cranberries?

Certainly! You can use frozen cranberries to make sugared cranberries by thawing them completely, coating them in a sugar syrup, rolling them in granulated sugar, and allowing them to dry. This process yields equally delightful sugared cranberries, making it a convenient option when fresh cranberries are not available.

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